FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: ERIC WOOLSON
MONDAY, November 3, 2008
515-681-3967

EXEMPLAR GENETICS WINS FAST-TRACK GRANT
FROM NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

SIOUX CENTER, Iowa – Exemplar Genetics has been awarded a Fast-Track Small Business Innovation Research grant from the National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute (NHBLI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to advance its efforts assisting the search for a cure of cystic fibrosis, the company’s president said today.

The SBIR grant program has two phases. Phase I typically funds proof of concept or prototype development. Phase II funds product development and commercialization.  The Fast-Track mechanism eliminates the gap in funding between Phase I and Phase II grants because both applications are submitted and reviewed together.

Exemplar Genetics received approval in September for a six-month Phase I research grant in the amount of $99,533 and a Phase II grant of $624,442.  Grant amounts are determined through a detailed budget of the proposed work’s cost.

“The SBIR program is probably the number one source of federal grant money for the small business community. On average, only one of eight Phase I proposals are funded, and the percentage of Fast-Track grants awarded is even lower,” said John Swart, who noted that the grant was awarded under Exemplar Genetics’ original name Porcinogen.  “It is really gratifying to receive SBIR funding, especially as a brand new company. It’s a testament to our efforts and it tells us that we are doing something that others recognize as being extremely promising and valuable.”

Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease that affects the lungs, liver, pancreas and intestines.  It is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene.  The lack of an animal model that develops the lung disease seen in patients with cystic fibrosis is a major impediment to understanding how the disease works and how it can be treated or cured.

“Despite improvements in the lives of patients with the disease, cystic fibrosis remains one of the most common life-shortening diseases.  Current treatments are directed at the symptoms rather than the underlying defect,” Swart said. “This award will allow us to develop an important resource for the cystic fibrosis research community and will hopefully lead to new therapies and preventions.”

 Exemplar Genetics will develop, validate and produce additional models for other diseases independently and in collaboration with the country’s best scientists.  For more information, visit the company’s website at www.exemplargenetics.com.