CytoGenix Announces Patent and Publication of Yale Med Research Success with Target Genome Modification.

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 14, 2002

The Dec. 15, 2001 issue of Nucleic Acids Research has published a paper entitled, "Intracellular Generation Of Single-Stranded DNA For Chromosomal Triplex Formation And Induced Recombination" co-authored by CytoGenix (OTCBB:CYGX) Scientific Advisory Board member Dr. Peter Glazer and Dr. Hirock J. Datta. The paper chronicles the successful use of the CytoGenix intracellular ssDNA expression system for Triplex based genetic therapies.

Dr. Glazer is a professor of Therapeutic Radiology and Genetics in the Medical School at Yale University. His first experience with CytoGenix's proprietary expression technology was in March, 1999 as an early experimenter with the Beta Test Kits then provided at cost by the company to leading medical research facilities. Dr. Glazer's success with an early version of the intracellular ssDNA expression system led to his accepting an appointment to the company's Scientific Advisory Board in June of the same year.

Dr. Glazer's laboratory has recently generated single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) in mammalian cells using the current dual plasmid CytoGenix expression system (CYGX.es(TM)). The expressed sequence of ssDNA (oligo) was used to target specific chromosomal sites and attach itself to chromosomal DNA, forming triplex structures, which can induce recombination and mediate directed genome modification and potentially gene repair. Dr. Glazer's lab is currently testing the CYGXes(TM) in an animal model under sponsorship by Cytogenix.

Mammalian cells transfected with the CYGX expression system also express ssDNA to directly mediate recombination with chromosomal sites, either with or without triplex formation, as a tool to effect gene modification.

The target gene may be an oncogene or a tumor suppressor gene as well as any disease-related gene, including but not limited to genes linked to sickle cell anemia, thalassemia and cystic fibrosis.

This work formed the basis for a Yale University patent application entitled, "Methods for correcting genetic defects using triplex forming oligonucleotides produced by a ssDNA expression system." The ability to produce such anti-gene ssDNA with high efficiency in mammalian cells offers novel forms of genetic therapy designed to achieve site-directed modification of the genome, either as gene knock-out or gene correction.

In contrast to some standard gene therapies, this technique can be utilized to repair genes permanently without the use of potentially dangerous viruses. Furthermore, the technology can be applied to a patient's own stem cells, which, after repair, can be re-inserted without adverse immunological consequences.

Dr. Malcolm Skolnick, CYGX president and CEO, notes that Dr. Glazer's use of the ssDNA expression system to achieve triplex formation shows the breadth of applications and the efficiency of the CYGX ssDNA expression systems. Other researchers have demonstrated the success of the CYGXes(TM) in Antisense and Catalytic DNA applications for inhibiting the productions of an ever-increasing variety of harmful proteins.

CytoGenix Inc. is a Houston-based genomics research and development company with proprietary technology important in the advancement of various Oligonucleotide-Mediated Intervention (OMI) therapies. OMI therapies are those that impede the production of disease-causing proteins at their genetic origins through the introduction of specific single stranded DNA (ODN) sequences into the cells.

SAFE HARBOR: Except for statements of historical fact, the statements in this press release are forward-looking. Such statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. These factors include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, risks associated with the acceptance of new products, competition, and other factors more fully detailed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Additional information about CytoGenix and its technology can be found on the Web site at www.cytogenix.com or call Dell Gibson at 281/988-6118, Investor Relations / Corporate Communications.