eGene Announces Researchers Are Developing the New Polymerase Chain Reaction Method to Identify Down Syndrome Model Segmentally Trisomic Mice.

IRVINE, Calif. -- eGene Inc. (OTCBB:EGEI) today announced that its bench-type high-performance genetic analyzer (HDA-GT12) with its gel cartridge kit was utilized to identify Down syndrome model segmentally trisomic mice. The Ts65Dn segmentally trisomic mouse is a widely used model to study Down syndrome (DS). The research was conducted by the New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, 1050 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA. The research result is published in Analytical Biochemistry Volume 340 issue 2, May 2005.

"We believe that eGene's automated HDA-GT12 genetic analyzer with its gel cartridge kit provides researchers with a comprehensive approach in the study of gene expression and its abnormalities that cause genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. The HDA-GT12 system could provide the high-quality data in a few minutes and at low-system and reagents cost. Our technology and systems are uniquely capable of addressing the analytical tool needs for genetic research and screening," said Dr. Ming S. Liu, vice president, Biological Systems Solutions, of eGene.

The Ts65Dn segmentally trisomic mouse possesses an extra copy of a segment of chromosome 16 translocated to chromosome 17. This segment includes the mouse homolog of the Down syndrome critical region of human chromosome 21. The Ts65Dn mouse serves as a useful model to study the developmental regulation of the Down syndrome phenotype. In the research the targeted DNA fragments were resolved and quantified by the high-performance DNA analysis system, HDA-GT12 genetic analyzer, a high-throughput, multichannel, microcapillary electrophoresis instrument. The result has shown the precise and efficient identification of trisomic and disomic animals at any developmental stage with minimally invasive procedures.

"Most genetic testing today is done using the 'traditional' method of Slab-Gel-Electrophoresis technology platform. It is labor-intensive, often highly dependent on operator technique, time-consuming, and often a subjective process that can take hours or days. The origin of eGene and its product initiatives arose out of an assessment of emerging advanced, fast and low-cost genetic testing information needs for improved decision making, inspired by the high performance standards of the global genome project," said Dr. Udo Henseler, CEO of eGene. "We perceived early that a significant market need, price, productivity and technology gap was developing in the neglected small to midsize markets, which are our target segments and are to a very large extent serviced by the 'traditional' technology."

About eGene Inc.

eGene Inc. offers low-cost, micro-fluidic, miniaturized, digital Genetic Analyzer Systems, which are critical to the present and future of microbial and biological materials testing applications. The company's products detect, quantify, identify and characterize micro-organisms at unprecedented specificity and sensitivity, and automate routine and non-routine laboratory and industrial procedures critical to product safety, development, quality and productivity. For more information, visit eGene's Web site at: www.egeneinc.com; view its reports that have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission that are contained in the Edgar archives at www.sec.gov.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are made based on management's current expectations and beliefs. Actual results may vary from those currently anticipated based upon a number of factors. The company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions, which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.