October 11, 2008

Oragene® Enables "Spit for the Cure"™ to Collect Thousands of DNA Samples in One Day for Breast Cancer Research

DNA Genotek, a leading provider of DNA sample collection products, today announced the use of its Oragene® product to collect thousands of DNA samples in a single day during the recent Susan G. Komen Arkansas Race for the Cure® in Little Rock.  Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world's largest and most progressive grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, called the event the "Spit for the Cure"™. The event is the first of numerous recruitment activities expected over the next 4 years to collect many tens of thousands of DNA samples from people committed to finding a cure for breast cancer.

Oragene•DNA solves DNA sample collection problems inherent with traditional collection methods. Among many issues, traditional methods are too costly and invasive, or they do not reliably provide enough high-quality DNA to enable health researchers to determine the underlying genetic causes of diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. In constrast, Oragene•DNA offers easy and non-invasive self-collection of saliva samples from large numbers of people and delivers high quality DNA.

The initial "Spit for the Cure" event was a collaborative effort between DNA Genotek, the Arkansas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and University of Arkansas breast cancer researchers Dr. Susan Kadlubar and  Dr. Suzanne Klimberg. "Because the study is non-invasive, it is easy to participate. The DNA that you get from saliva samples is of equal quality to DNA that you get from blood, and unlike blood, these samples will be stable at room temperature for long-term storage," said Dr. Kadlubar. "We are excited about this project because the information we will collect has the potential to unlock many answers for breast cancer prevention and treatment. One sample can benefit breast cancer research forever!"

"DNA Genotek is privileged to have participated in the "Spit for the Cure" event in Arkansas.  One of our company's primary objectives is to deliver high-quality products for researchers and clinicians all over the world who play an essential role in advancing scientific research and treatments for a wide variety of diseases," said Ian Curry, CEO of DNA Genotek. "We are proud that Oragene•DNA has been used successfully to rapidly collect so many samples that will enable breast cancer research and hopefully lead to a cure. We look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Kadlubar, her team, and Komen to help solve breast cancer."

For more information on the Spit for the Cure:

Please contact, Susan Kadlubar, Ph.D., assistant professor of environmental and occupational health in the UAMS College of Public Health, at (501) 526-7957. Additional researchers leading the study are V. Suzanne Klimberg, M.D., director of the breast cancer program at the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute (formerly the Arkansas Cancer Research Center), and Kristy Bondurant, Ph.D., postdoctoral fellow.

About DNA Genotek:

DNA Genotek focuses on providing high-quality biological sample collection products. The company's lead product, the Oragene•DNA Self-Collection Kit, is the easiest way to collect and preserve large amounts of DNA from saliva. Oragene•DNA's reliability and ease-of-use have resulted in rapid adoption at top-tier health research institutions globally, including Harvard, Stanford, Cambridge, and Johns Hopkins. DNA Genotek markets its products worldwide and has established a global customer base.

Susan G. Komen Arkansas Race for the Cure® is a registered trademark of Susan G. Komen for the Cure
"Spit for the Cure"™ is a trademark of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Organization
Oragene® is a registered trademark of DNA Genotek