Woburn,
MA, June 8, 1999
AlphaGene is pleased to
announce the receipt of a Small Business Innovative Research grant (SBIR)
from the National Institute of Health. This award is to advance the
development of AlphaGene's patent pending process for Single Library
Amplification of Gene Expression, SLAGE™. This process allows AlphaGene
to use minute quantities of tissue repeatedly in gene expression
experiments. This technology permits the repeated use of valuable tissue
samples, or tissue samples too small to be traditionally used in
expression experiments. The SLAGE™ technology is a continuation of our
improvements in AlphaGene FLEX™ technologies, a core technology that
gives AlphaGene the ability to make a high percentage of full-length cDNA
libraries.
"AlphaGene is moving
from a service based gene discovery company towards a functional genomics
company based on cellular pathway development and disease in neurological
tissues. The development of SLAGE™ will allow us to use small quantities
of tissue from biopsies to determine what genes are being differentially
expressed in these disease tissues" said Peter A. Schad, Ph.D., Chief
Scientific Officer, AlphaGene, Inc.
"This award represents a
significant opportunity to expand our technology base providing a broader
array of skill sets to the development of our internal research efforts
and those of our clients" stated Donald J. McCarren, Ph.D., President
and CEO, AlphaGene, Inc. AlphaGene, Inc. is a functional genomics company
developing novel technologies for gene discovery to accelerate drug
development for major human diseases. Building upon its patented core
technologies, AlphaGene has developed an integrated platform that includes
gene arraying on biochips thereby identifying differentially expressed
genes in disease or other cell states. AlphaGene also employs specialized
assays and sophisticated bioinformatics to aid in the identification of
critical disease-specific targets. The company is located in Woburn,
Massachusetts.
Except for historical
information, the matters discussed in this news release may be considered
"forward-looking" statements within a meaning of Section 27A of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Such statements include its
declaration regarding the intent, belief or current expectation of the
Company and its management. Prospective investors are cautioned that any
such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance
and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could materially
effect actual results.
For more information, contact
AlphaGene, Inc. at (781) 933-4446.
