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MetaMorphix, Inc.
is the Creator of Innovative, DNA-Based, Pet Product That Can Identify
the Make up of Mixed-Breed Dogs from a List of over 100 Breeds
BELTSVILLE, Md. (Business Wire EON) June 23, 2008 --
The release of a new and expanded version of a dog
DNA test that can genetically identify the make up of mixed breed
dogs was announced today by MetaMorphix,
Inc. The new Canine
Heritage XL Breed Test can detect over
100 breeds, nearly three times more than the original
product released last year. The popularity of the test combined with the
company’s leadership position in DNA-based
marker systems convinced MetaMorphix to expand the product to cover
over 100 breeds. When the Canine Heritage Breed Test was launched
last year, it was an immediate hit with consumers who found it both fun
and informative with the potential for improving canine health. Never
before had DNA science been commercially available for the specific
purpose of identifying the make-up of mixed breed dogs.
“The extraordinarily positive response to our
first product prompted us to continue our R&D efforts and to add more
breeds,” said Dr. Edwin Quattlebaum,
Co-Chairman & CEO of MetaMorphix, Inc. “Our
customers were our guide when we considered breeds to add to the list.
Many wrote to us with suggestions. We are excited that we are able to
make this sophisticated and complex technology simple to use.”
The test uses state-of-the-art, DNA technology yet remains uniquely
user-friendly. Like the previous version, the new dog
DNA test kit includes a simple cheek swab that customers rub along
the inside of their pet’s cheek to collect
cells. The swab is mailed to the company’s lab
for DNA analysis, with results coming back to pet-owners in about 4
weeks in the form of a frame-quality Certificate of DNA Breed Analysis.
The company will also offer an upgrade program for customers that
purchased the original version of the test. Dr. Quattlebaum notes that “MMI’s
laboratory is committed to providing the highest quality canine DNA
analysis. Our upgrade program will allow previous customers to dig
deeper into their dog’s DNA.”
Previous customers can order upgrades at www.canineheritage.com.
Veterinarians are also enthusiastic about the new test. “People
rely on me to tell them what kind of dog they have. But, quite frankly,
it is just a guess on my part. The Canine Heritage XL Breed Test will go
a long way to take some pressure off veterinarians. It may even provide
us with very useful information that can help us in developing
individual nutrition plans, disease prevention, training programs and
the like,” explains Dr. Mike Hutchinson,
a well-known veterinarian in the Pittsburgh, PA area. “I
believe this test is the best DNA-based product available today because
it is comprehensive and the sampling method is painless for the pet and
easy for the dog owner. And do not forget – it’s
just plain fun to find out what your dog really is!”
Pet owners who adopt animals from shelters or rescues generally regard
their pets as important additions to the family. Many want to know more
than the shelter or rescue can tell them. The
Canine Heritage XL Breed Test can give them the piece of the puzzle
they are missing.
"Shelter and rescue dogs are very special to the people who adopt them.
The background and unique stories of these pets are often a mystery,”
noted Betsy Saul, Senior Vice President of Petfinder.com. “How
exciting that the new Canine Heritage XL Breed Test, now with over 100
breeds, can shed some light on these precious members of the family!"
About MetaMorphix, Inc.
MetaMorphix, Inc. is a life sciences company that uses DNA to improve
animal wellness. Its wholly owned subsidiary, MMI Genomics, has more
than a decade of experience in the area of canine DNA research. As a
world-leader in the discovery and commercialization of DNA-based marker
systems that enhance the ability to identify individual dogs, verify
parentage, determine breed type and confirm gender, MMI Genomics has
been at the forefront of developing technology and providing value-added
services to the canine community. This unparalleled leadership continues
to help protect the efforts of canine registries and support dog owners
and breeders around the world.
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking. These
may be identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases such as “believe,”
“expect,” “intend,”
“anticipate,” “should,”
“planned,” “estimated,”
and “potential,”
among others. These forward-looking statements are based on
MetaMorphix Inc.’s current expectations. The
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe
harbor” for such forward-looking statements.
In order to comply with the terms of the safe harbor, MetaMorphix
Inc. notes that a variety of factors could cause actual results and
experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other
expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. The
risks and uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance,
development, and results of MetaMorphix Inc.’s
business include but are not limited to; (1) unproven use of scientific
information to develop or commercialize products; and (2) other factors
that might be described from time to time in MetaMorphix Inc.’s
periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
For more information, go to www.canineheritage.com.
To schedule an interview, contact Theresa Brady at tbrady@canineheritage.com
or 301.575.2505
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