DNA Genotek's Oragene-DNA Achieves 95% Compliance Rate in South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI)

Saliva-Based DNA Collection Product Chosen for Study to Identify Host Correlates of Protection Against Tuberculosis

OTTAWA, July 29 /PRNewswire/ - DNA Genotek, a leading provider of products for biological sample collection, stabilization and preparation, today announced that the world's leading TB vaccine research site, the South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI), has chosen Oragene-DNA for a study aimed at identifying host correlates of protection against TB, following BCG vaccination.

This study is looking at the genetic differences between infants who are either protected or not protected against TB, following BCG vaccination. The researchers are also interested in determining if there is a genetic predisposition to susceptibility of TB by recruiting parents of both protected and unprotected infants. Over the course of the 4 year study, approximately 6,000 DNA samples will be collected with the Oragene-DNA Self-Collection Kits.

Oragene-DNA is an all-in-one system for the collection, stabilization, transportation and purification of DNA from saliva that enables easy, reliable and cost effective collection of samples from large numbers of individuals while providing high quality DNA. The product provides DNA sample stability at ambient temperatures, making it ideal for remote collection in sub-Saharan Africa.

Muki Shey, student researcher coordinating the study at SATVI, which is based at the University of Cape Town, is upbeat about using the product. "We believe the Oragene-DNA system is the most practical for collecting DNA in our environment. Our field site is located in a poor rural area covering an area of about 12,000 square km. TB is highly endemic in the region, which has one of the highest rates in sub-Saharan Africa. We had been utilizing blood collection for DNA but we encountered study withdrawals from some participants due to concerns over blood-based collection methods. With Oragene-DNA, we are achieving a compliance rate of 95%."

"Developing new diagnostic tools, vaccines and treatments are critical to stopping the TB epidemic," said Shuma Panse, GBC Senior Manager of Membership and Advisory Services. "By participating in this important study in South Africa, DNA Genotek is making a significant contribution to the research that is essential to developing an effective TB vaccine."

"SATVI is the largest dedicated TB vaccine research group on the African continent. By using Oragene-DNA, SATVI is achieving remarkable compliance rates from study participants, which is now enabling them to cost-effectively collect the samples they need to conduct their research into this infectious disease," said Ian Curry, president and CEO, DNA Genotek. "We are proud that Oragene-DNA's high quality and ease of use are enabling this research project to save time and money while achieving outstanding compliance rates."

About DNA Genotek:

DNA Genotek focuses on providing high-quality biological sample collection products. The company's Oragene family of products provide the best way to collect and preserve large amounts of DNA from saliva. The company also offers a family of products for collecting DNA from animals and livestock. The reliability and ease-of-use of the company's products have resulted in rapid adoption at top-tier organizations globally, including Harvard, Stanford, Cambridge, Johns Hopkins, Anthony Nolan, and the Institut Gustave Roussy. DNA Genotek markets its products worldwide and has established a global customer base in over 100 countries. For more information about DNA Genotek, visit www.dnagenotek.com

About SATVI

The South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative was established in 2001. It is located within the prestigious Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine of the University of Cape Town. SATVI is the largest dedicated TB vaccine research group on the African continent and the most advanced TB vaccine research site in the world. The research team consists of a highly trained team of study clinicians, epidemiologists and immunologists who manage the research projects. Our field site is located in a poor rural area covering an area of about 12,000 square km. TB is highly endemic in the region, which has one of the highest rates in sub-Saharan Africa. For more information about the South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, please visit http://www.satvi.uct.ac.za/.

(R) Oragene is a registered trademark of DNA Genotek, Inc.

SOURCE DNA Genotek Inc.