Call us today 212-583-0100

ENZO Biochem’s Subsidiary Issued United States Patent Relating To Methods Of Nucleic Acid Amplification

FARMINGDALE, NY, June 8, 2004 – Enzo Biochem, Inc. (NYSE:ENZ) announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued to its subsidiary, Enzo Life Sciences, Inc., U.S. Patent No. 6,743,605 titled “Linear Amplification of Specific Nucleic Acid Sequences” surrounding methods of nucleic acid amplification.  The newly patented amplification technology is the first to issue in a series of pending patent applications for Enzo’s genetic analysis technology.  The technology has versatile applications in genetic testing utilizing mutation analysis and SNP analysis, and to nucleic acid based diagnostics, among others.  The technology covers both linear and non-linear amplification. 
 
The technology employs uniquely designed nucleic acid constructs to manipulate the physical structures taken by nucleic acids.  This manipulation permits a sequential series of copying reactions to occur under constant temperature conditions, resulting in a sensitive yet robust amplification system.  This new system avoids shortcomings of other amplification systems, such as non-specific amplification and false signal generation. 
 
“This patent adds a key component to our broad technological capabilities and intellectual property portfolio in the area of genetic analysis,” said Elazar Rabbani, Ph.D., Enzo’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  “The award bolsters our position in this important area, which has been receiving a great deal of attention lately. We believe the technology has significant potential and with our patent estate in excess of more than 180 worldwide patents we are working to capitalize these assets.”
 
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 approximately 200 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.