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ENZO Awarded Patent For Phosphate Labeling For DNA Diagnostic And Medical Research Products

FARMINGDALE, NY, February  21, 2006 – Enzo Biochem, Inc. (NYSE:ENZ) announced today that its subsidiary, Enzo Life Sciences, Inc., has been granted U.S. Patent No. 6,992,180, entitled “Oligo-or polynucleotides comprising phosphate-moiety labeled nucleotides,” describing techniques applicable to a wide variety of DNA diagnostic and medical research products.  
 
The issued patent, among other aspects, covers nucleic acid labeling molecules that are attached through the phosphate portion of the nucleic acid, either directly or indirectly. Such technology can be applied to a range of commercial products, some of which are currently used for both diagnostics and research.  DNA diagnostic testing is a rapidly growing area of molecular medicine using gene identification for diagnostic and prognostic applications.  It is estimated that the current annual market for gene-based testing ranges from $500 million to as high as $1 billion. 
 
Among the labeling elements covered by this patent are fluorescent, chemiluminescent, and chemical molecules, including biotin.  These are the labeling components most commonly used in medical research and diagnostic products.
 
The use of the phosphate portion of the nucleic acid as the site of the label provides a number of benefits.  The chemistry for attachment can be done easily and cost-effectively.  Placement of the label at this site allows DNA probe hybridization to be measured while the molecule is being replicated.  In addition this technology can be used with a variety of labeling molecules, making it an extremely versatile methodology for DNA diagnostic testing.
 
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 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. Pre-clinical research is being conducted on several candidate compounds aimed at producing new mineral and organic bone, including technology that could provide therapy for osteoporosis and fractures, among other applications. 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. The Company owns or licenses over 200 patents worldwide. For more information visit our website www.enzo.com.

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