Use of eGene's DNA Analyzer as Described by GenVault in Genetic Engineering News; Fast, Cost-Effective and Automated Sample-Handling Analysis

Business Wire, July 20, 2006

IRVINE, Calif. -- eGene Inc. (OTCBB:EGEI), a leading biotechnology company that has developed a compact and automated digital genetic analyzer, again appears in the prestigious "Genetic Engineering News'" July 1, 2006 (Vol. 26, No. 13) issue, in the story: "OMICS: Barcoding and Automated Electrophoresis."

In the article, which is a tutorial that describes how eGene client, GenVault is using the system for oligonucleotide quality control work in its DNA storage business, authors James C. Davis, Ph.D., David T. Wong and Jennifer McEvoy described how in the past they used gel electrophoresis to check the quality of incoming oligos and the GenCodes. "Using traditional electrophoresis methods, this process can be cumbersome and time consuming, depending on the number of samples that need to be processed," they wrote. The authors noted that in a high-through-put laboratory efficient use of time is essential in keeping production costs reasonable.

According to the authors, they recently switched to eGene's HDA-GT12 system, which "has allowed for fast, cost-effective and automated sample-handling analysis." The full article is available at http://www.genengnews.com/current/article.aspx?cat=Tutorial&id=1769.

The HDA-GT12(TM) (high-performance DNA analyzer for genotyping on 12 channels) is in use at more than 100 hospitals and research centers worldwide. The system analyzes genetic fingerprinting of living organisms through microsatellites, AFLP and RFLP. It performs fast DNA sample screening and high-resolution DNA fragment analysis (2-5bp). The system also analyzes the quality and quantity of total RNA and cRNA, determines the efficiency of cRNA and cDNA amplification reactions and ensures quality of fragmented cRNA. The company sells cartridges that are specific to the type of analysis to be performed. All data is then received in digital form for appropriate transmission and storage. eGene recently announced that it can successfully identify the DNA of the bird flu virus in as little as five minutes for 12 samples or 50 minutes for 96 samples.

eGene Inc. (www.egeneinc.com) focuses its core technologies of capillary electrophoresis, microfluidics, liquid handling and automation to develop and manufacture low-cost microfluidic, miniaturized digital analyzer systems, software and consumables for biological materials testing applications. These products detect, quantify, identify and characterize DNA and RNA at high rates of specificity and sensitivity while automating routine and non-routine laboratory and industrial procedures critical to product safety, development quality and productivity.

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 revision, which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.