New York, NY, May 25, 2005 –Enzo Biochem, Inc. (NYSE: ENZ) today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Enzo Life Sciences, has launched a new DNA labeling system aimed at array Comparative Genomic Hybridization (aCGH), a technique that detects alterations in the genome leading to changes in DNA copy number. Traditionally, microarrays have been used to measure gene expression or identify mutations using RNA and DNA samples labeled with a signaling moiety. aCGH is a newly emerging growth area of microarray technology designed to measure the amount of DNA at a specific region of the chromosome. This technology platform is becoming the cornerstone for the identification and characterization of chromosomal aberrations that underlie cancer and developmental abnormalities. Chromosomal aberrations such as deletions, duplications, and amplifications can be reliably detected using aCGH.
A wide variety of microarrays are being used (and manufactured) by both academic centers as well as commercial entities. This new application requires a very sensitive labeling procedure for the DNA samples being analyzed. Enzo’s aCGH labeling system is an efficient, standardized and cost effective method and, because the microarray format lends itself to automation, aCGH based diagnostics are possible.
The Enzo aCGH labeling system will be marketed by Enzo Life Sciences. Initial efforts are being focused on users of arrays manufactured using bacterial artificial chromosomes (BAC’s) which have proven highly effective in defining the location of regional copy number changes. As the aCGH market evolves with wider spread adoption of cDNA or oligo type arrays, Enzo is prepared to address these opportunities, via internal development and collaborative relationships focusing on expanding the application of the labeling system with either additional products and/or modified protocols for existing products.
“I have performed a careful analysis of BAC arrays run with samples prepared with Enzo’s new labeling system”, remarked Eli Hatchwell, M.D., PhD at Cold Spring Harbor Labs Genome Research Center. “The data from samples whose chromosomal changes had been previously characterized yielded the expected results with clarity. In one specific instance, the high quality of the data also shed light on a chromosomal change that was not previously known, which has sparked my interest.”
“The introduction of the aCGH Labeling System is an extension of a theme of the Life Sciences Division” said Jim Chinitz, Vice President of Business Development. “Our experience indicates that the success of any microarray platform requires standardization of sample preparation, labeling and detection. This aCGH technology fits in with Enzo’s genomic product portfolio, where marketing and sales efforts for our BioArray™ labeling systems can address virtually any type of microarray. In the aCGH market specifically, we expect to alleviate the need for individual users to develop “home brew” methods because our aCGH labeling kit is fully comprehensive and contains all key components for optimized use, including Enzo’s proprietary dye-labeled nucleotides. The technology has been well received by scientists visiting our booth at the American Association of Cancer Research in Anaheim, CA and at the European Society of Human Genetics in Prague, Czech Republic”.
The BioArray™ CGH Labeling System is optimized for the preparation of Cy3 and Cy5 labeled DNA and provides all necessary reagents for random primed labeling, including primers, Klenow DNA polymerase, and Enzo’s proprietary Cy3 and Cy5 labeled deoxynucleotides.
About Enzo
Enzo Biochem is engaged in the research, development and manufacture of innovative health care products based on molecular biology and genetic engineering techniques, and in providing diagnostic services to the medical community. The Company's proprietary labeling and detection products for gene sequencing and genetic analysis, with over 180 patents worldwide, are sold to the life sciences market throughout the world. The Company’s therapeutic division is in various stages of clinical evaluation of its proprietary gene medicine for HIV-1 infection and its proprietary immune regulation medicines for hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection and for Crohn’s Disease. The Company also holds a patent covering a method and materials for correcting point mutations or small insertions or deletions of genetic material that would allow for editing and correcting certain abnormalities in genes. For more information visit our website www.enzo.com.
Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this news release may be considered "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements include declarations regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and its management. 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 affect actual results. The Company disclaims any obligations to update any forward-looking statement as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.
A wide variety of microarrays are being used (and manufactured) by both academic centers as well as commercial entities. This new application requires a very sensitive labeling procedure for the DNA samples being analyzed. Enzo’s aCGH labeling system is an efficient, standardized and cost effective method and, because the microarray format lends itself to automation, aCGH based diagnostics are possible.
The Enzo aCGH labeling system will be marketed by Enzo Life Sciences. Initial efforts are being focused on users of arrays manufactured using bacterial artificial chromosomes (BAC’s) which have proven highly effective in defining the location of regional copy number changes. As the aCGH market evolves with wider spread adoption of cDNA or oligo type arrays, Enzo is prepared to address these opportunities, via internal development and collaborative relationships focusing on expanding the application of the labeling system with either additional products and/or modified protocols for existing products.
“I have performed a careful analysis of BAC arrays run with samples prepared with Enzo’s new labeling system”, remarked Eli Hatchwell, M.D., PhD at Cold Spring Harbor Labs Genome Research Center. “The data from samples whose chromosomal changes had been previously characterized yielded the expected results with clarity. In one specific instance, the high quality of the data also shed light on a chromosomal change that was not previously known, which has sparked my interest.”
“The introduction of the aCGH Labeling System is an extension of a theme of the Life Sciences Division” said Jim Chinitz, Vice President of Business Development. “Our experience indicates that the success of any microarray platform requires standardization of sample preparation, labeling and detection. This aCGH technology fits in with Enzo’s genomic product portfolio, where marketing and sales efforts for our BioArray™ labeling systems can address virtually any type of microarray. In the aCGH market specifically, we expect to alleviate the need for individual users to develop “home brew” methods because our aCGH labeling kit is fully comprehensive and contains all key components for optimized use, including Enzo’s proprietary dye-labeled nucleotides. The technology has been well received by scientists visiting our booth at the American Association of Cancer Research in Anaheim, CA and at the European Society of Human Genetics in Prague, Czech Republic”.
The BioArray™ CGH Labeling System is optimized for the preparation of Cy3 and Cy5 labeled DNA and provides all necessary reagents for random primed labeling, including primers, Klenow DNA polymerase, and Enzo’s proprietary Cy3 and Cy5 labeled deoxynucleotides.
About Enzo
Enzo Biochem is engaged in the research, development and manufacture of innovative health care products based on molecular biology and genetic engineering techniques, and in providing diagnostic services to the medical community. The Company's proprietary labeling and detection products for gene sequencing and genetic analysis, with over 180 patents worldwide, are sold to the life sciences market throughout the world. The Company’s therapeutic division is in various stages of clinical evaluation of its proprietary gene medicine for HIV-1 infection and its proprietary immune regulation medicines for hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection and for Crohn’s Disease. The Company also holds a patent covering a method and materials for correcting point mutations or small insertions or deletions of genetic material that would allow for editing and correcting certain abnormalities in genes. For more information visit our website www.enzo.com.
Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this news release may be considered "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements include declarations regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and its management. 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 affect actual results. The Company disclaims any obligations to update any forward-looking statement as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.