2011

June 28, 2011

DNA Genotek's Oragene®•DNA Enables Large Sample Collection Project at the U.K.'s Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and the National Health Service (NHS)

DNA Genotek Inc., a leading provider of products for biological sample collection, stabilization and preparation, announced today that its Oragene•DNA product has been selected for a new study that aims to unlock genetic changes behind development disorders. The study, titled Deciphering Developmental Disorders (DDD), is a direct collaboration with all twenty-three of the NHS Clinical Genetics Services from across the UK together with the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. This comprehensive study will provide information for researchers and clinicians into rare chromosomal abnormalities and their possible role in disease.

Over the next three years, the scientists and researchers behind DDD hope to recruit up to 12,000 children who have a serious delay in their physical or mental development or are born with multiple malformations. DNA samples will be collected from the children and their parents with the Oragene•DNA saliva collection kits. By capturing information on genetic make-up and physical and mental characteristics, the research team aims to improve diagnosis of conditions that affect around one in a hundred births in the UK.

Study participants will be mailed the Oragene•DNA kit to provide a small saliva sample that will be returned via the mail. The DNA samples will be analyzed using powerful, high-resolution chip technology and next generation sequencing.

"A challenge for physicians and scientists studying developmental disorders is access to reliable biomaterials to facilitate the research," said Dr. Nigel Carter, study leader at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. "We need a saliva collection kit that improves our ability to easily collect relevant high quality samples in the time frame we need for this project."

"Our Oragene•DNA saliva collection kit will play an important role in expediting the collection of DNA samples for this nationwide project. The ability to send the product to participants through the mail increases participant compliance and provides high quality DNA that exceeds other collection methods," said Ian Curry, president and CEO, DNA Genotek, Inc. "Oragene•DNA enables sample collection required for genetic research of developmental disorders and many other diseases. Dr. Carter and his team are recognized as world leaders in cytogenetics. We are excited to work with them on this project as they aim to improve the care and diagnosis of developmental disorders."

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 in over 85 countries. For more information about DNA Genotek, visit www.dnagenotek.com

For information about this press release contact:

Shauna White
DNA Genotek
613-723-5757 ext. 307
shauna.white@dnagenotek.com

® Oragene is a registered trademark of DNA Genotek, Inc.