Released on = April 25, 2006, 9:57 am

Press Release Author = Gentris

Industry = Biotech

Press Release Summary = Gentris obtains rights from Mayo Foundation for Medical
Education and Research to provide genetic testing services for mutations associated
with adverse reactions to irinotecan

Press Release Body = Research Triangle Park, North Carolina - April 24 2006 -
Gentris Corporation, a leading global provider of applied clinical pharmacogenomic
services and diagnostic product solutions, today announced that the company has
signed a sub-licensing agreement with Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and
Research to provide genetic testing services for the UGT1A1 gene.

The UGT1A1 gene is known to be involved in the metabolism of irinotecan
(Camptosar®), a commonly-prescribed first-line treatment for advanced colon cancer
and rectal cancer. Though proven effective, irinotecan can cause dangerous or
lethal adverse reactions in up to 30 percent of the population due to genetic
inability to properly metabolize the compound. Recognizing this, the FDA has
recently revised the safety labeling for Camptosar® to recommend reduced dosing in
patients who test homozygous for the *28 variant of the UGT1A1 gene.

An estimated 145,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed in the United
States each year making it the third most common cancer. Up to 50 percent of cases
are candidates for irinotecan therapy. "The ability to genotype patients for UGT1A1
before they are treated with irinotecan puts Gentris at the cutting edge of
pharmacogenomics," commented Michael Murphy, President and CEO of Gentris.
"Irinotecan is a classic example of a drug that has an enhanced safety profile when
administered in conjunction with pharmacogenomic testing. We are proud to be one of
the select laboratories that is helping to ensure proper administration and dosing
of this drug."

As a result of this non-exclusive agreement with Mayo Foundation for Medical
Education and Research, Gentris is poised to offer UGT1A1 genotyping for cancer
patients being treated with irinotecan. In addition to colorectal cancer,
irinotecan is also being tested and used for other gastrointestinal cancers as well
as lung cancer and breast carcinoma.

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About Gentris Corporation
Gentris Corporation is a leading global provider of applied clinical pharmacogenomic
services and diagnostic product solutions. As pioneers in the field of
pharmacogenomics, Gentris helps pharmaceutical companies and clinical research
organizations effectively integrate pharmacogenomics into their drug development
programs to deliver safer, more effective compounds to the market sooner. Gentris is
developing validated reference controls and diagnostic test kits that will bring the
promise of personalized medicine to physicians and patients, which will enhance
patient management, improve patients\' response to therapy and revolutionize medicine
through pharmacogenomics. For additional information, please visit
http://www.gentris.com.






Web Site = http://www.gentris.com

Contact Details = Jonathan Jordan
press@gentris.com
919-557-7890