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April 3, 2009

Ontario Biotech Company Wins Award for Innovation and Receives Investment to Grow Business

London, Ontario-based Cytognomix Inc. has been recognized by the Stiller Centre for Technology Commercialization and the Ontario Genomics Institute (OGI) for its development of DNA probes that can detect genetic mutations and diseases more effectively than other methods currently available.

Established by husband and wife team Drs. Peter Rogan and Joan Knoll, Cytognomix Inc. was awarded the inaugural Stiller Centre Prize on Thursday, April 2^nd in recognition of their innovative science work.  At an event held at the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, the Honourable John Wilkinson, Minister of Research and Innovation, presented the Prize on behalf of the Stiller Centre, adding how important it was to support Ontario businesses like Cytognomix Inc.that are leading the way in developing the technology of the future and helping to grow the province’s knowledge-based economy today. 

The event also featured OGI presenting Rogan and Knoll with the cheque for the investment made on March 13^th, 2009 in their company through its Pre-commercialization Business Development Fund, which invests in opportunities bringing genomics applications to the marketplace. 

“Ontario’s greatest competitive advantage is our people and our ideas,” said Wilkinson. “We are committed to supporting world-class research. And we’re glad to have partners like the Stiller Centre and the Ontario Genomics Institute working with us to turn great Ontario ideas into great Ontario jobs.”

Cytognomix is developing and manufacturing DNA probes that can pinpoint genetic abnormalities more precisely than current methods and could, in the future, result in more effective disease diagnostics and more tailored treatment pathways for patients. 

"These probes are the genetic equivalent of finding a needle in the haystack,” commented Glen Smeltzer, President of the Stiller Centre.  “We are extremely proud to present the inaugural Stiller Centre Prize to such an innovative local business.”

The Stiller Centre Prize aims to attract researchers with promising technologies to commercialize them in the London area.  The prize consists of the provision of space in the centre itself, access to support services and funding assistance for an initial 18-month term. 

Dr. Christian Burks, President and CEO of OGI, said: “OGI supports the acceleration of genomics discoveries and technologies to the marketplace, and we are pleased to be investing in a company that is developing technology that has the potential to make personalized medicine a reality.”

Cytognomix has already designed and tested 400 single copy DNA probes for around 100 chromosomal disorders.  Within a few years it hopes to be manufacturing probes that doctors can use to diagnose many more conditions. 

“Subtle differences in chromosome structure are very common in genetic disorders,” commented Dr. Rogan, who was named a Canada Research Chair this month. “The probes will enable quicker and more precise identification of these diseases and other genetic abnormalities, and will aid physicians in choosing relevant and suitable treatments for the patient.

“To be recognized and awarded The Stiller Centre Prize will raise awareness about the impact of our work in the research and clinical cytogenetic community, and the potential of these probes for future disease diagnosis and personalized treatment.  Receiving an investment from OGI is also invaluable in ensuring continuation of our research, development, and eventually, the manufacture of additional DNA probes to help more people.” 

One example of how these probes can be invaluable is in cases of Williams syndrome which causes the narrowing of the aorta, one of the heart’s major arteries.  This syndrome can sometimes cause a disorder in some children that results in delayed mental development.  Probes have already been developed to detect these abnormalities, which leads to the swift enrollment of the child in remedial programs.

 “This is the real clout of genomics - to marshall the power of predictive medicine,” continued Rogan. 

Another example of how these probes can be used is in helping to determine which patients are less likely to be helped by new drugs coming onto the market. Some drugs have different effects on different people according to their genetic make-up, and therefore produce different results for patients. These DNA probes will be helpful in customizing therapies to individual patients, making treatment more effective, efficient and personalized to the individual.  

About The Stiller Centre for Technology Commercialization:

London’s Stiller Centre for Technology Commercialization has established itself as one of Canada’s leading technology incubators, with a primary focus on commercializing ‘wet-science’ laboratory-based ventures.  The Stiller Centre provides a start-up friendly environment for the launch and early development of technology based companies. 

For more information on The Stiller Centre visit:  www.stillercentre.com

Media contact:

Aggie Caballes

519-858-5016

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About OGI:

The Ontario Genomics Institute (OGI) is a private, not-for-profit corporation focused on using world-class research to create strategic genomics resources and accelerate Ontario’s development of a globally-competitive life sciences sector.  Through its relationship with Genome Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation (MRI), and other private and public sector partners, OGI works to: identify, attract and support investment in Ontario-led genomics research; catalyze access to and the impact of genomics resources; and, raise the visibility of genomics as well as its impact and associated issues.  

For more information on OGI, please visit www.OntarioGenomics.ca

Media contact:

Alastair Harris-Cartwright

Manager, Corporate Communications

T: +1 416-673-6582

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About  Cytognomix:

Cytognomix was cofounded in London Ontario by Peter Rogan and Joan Knoll. Drs. Rogan and Knoll invented a novel genomic technology to design and produce DNA probes using human genome reference sequences. These probes are useful for diagnosis of genetic diseases and cancer.  The mission of Cytognomix is to bring innovative products based on this technology to market.

For more information about Cytognomix, visit:  www.cytognomix.com   

Contact:
Our company is located at the Stiller Centre for Technology Commercialization, London Ontario Canada. 
Phone: 519-858-5050
Fax: 519-858-5142
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