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GTG and Sciona Enter Into Nutrigenomics Intellectual Property Agreement

BOULDER, Colo., March 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Genetic Technologies Limited (Nasdaq: GENE) (ASX: GTG) is pleased to report it has granted a license to its non-coding DNA patents to Sciona, based in Boulder, Colorado, USA. The license runs for nine years and is the first step in a progressive co-operation between GTG and Sciona in relation to the emerging lifestyle and life-extension markets. Sciona is a leading provider in the USA of personalized genetic tests which focus primarily on lifestyle and nutritional adjustments to enhance health and longevity. This is supported by a unique form of nonmedical, lifestyle counseling based on an individual's diet, exercise, lifestyle history and genetic profile. Sciona Chief Executive Officer Peter Vitulli welcomed the granting of the non-coding license and commented, "Sciona is excited to be working with GTG; their intellectual property will allow us to expand our product offerings and our research endeavors, and having access to their world class laboratory facilities will further our expansion in the Pacific Rim area. GTG's non-coding DNA patents, together with our business model patent, will provide us with the ability to develop and explore exciting and new commercial opportunities in the field of Nutrigenomics." GTG will be granted the right to market the Sciona range of products in the Asia-Pacific region, and to serve as a genotyping center for Sciona products at the GTG headquarters laboratory in Melbourne, Australia. Genetic Technologies' Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mervyn Jacobson, said as the leading Asia-Pacific testing laboratory, GTG would be well placed...

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Posted at 02:05 PM

David D. Belaga Named Senior Vice President - Worldwide Marketing and Sales of Sciona, Inc.

BOULDER, Colorado, September 19, 2006 - Sciona, Inc., the leading supplier of direct-to-consumer DNA testing for lifestyle and nutritional guidance, announced today that David D. Belaga has been named Senior Vice President – Worldwide Marketing and Sales. Mr. Belaga has over 20 years experience within the Pharmaceutical and Food industries with both large corporations and entrepreneurial ventures. Prior to joining the Sciona team, he was Senior Vice President of Marketing at Amerifit Nutrition, Inc., a $60 million consumer products health and wellness company that is a leading developer, marketer and distributor of a variety of branded non-prescription products, with a focus on women’s health. Prior to leading the Amerifit marketing efforts, Mr. Belaga held executive positions with a variety of consumer products companies including American Home Products (now Wyeth), Block Drug (now GSK) and PepsiCo managing a range of businesses including Sensodyne Toothpaste, Gold Bond Medicated Powder, Tegrin Medicated Products and Polaner Jams and Jellies. Sciona CEO Peter Vitulli commented, "We are honored to announce that David Belaga has joined the Sciona team – he brings an impressive track record of success to his key role as the Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing and Sales. David’s in-depth background in the areas of brand building, marketing, and sales will be invaluable to the Sciona team, and he will play a critical role in the continued growth, expansion, and success of the company.” Mr. Belaga received his Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana University in Bloomington and an MBA from Emory University in...

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Posted at 02:05 PM

Peter Vitulli Selected as CEO of Sciona, Inc., Leading Supplier of Personal Genetic Testing

BOULDER, Colo., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Peter Vitulli has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Sciona, Inc., the leading supplier of direct-to-consumer DNA testing for lifestyle and nutritional guidance. Sciona, based in Boulder, Colorado, sells a proprietary, genetic test offering unique non-medical, life-style counseling based on an individual's personal history and a confidential genetic screening. By supplying this information direct to consumers through a detailed report, Sciona is able to guarantee complete confidentiality to the customer and total individual control of genetic information. Sciona's tests do not provide specific information about disease state or genetic predisposition, but focus on lifestyle and nutritional adjustments to enhance health and longevity. The Company's products are offered through direct sales, retail outlets and through the internet. (www.sciona.com) "Peter brings both Fortune 500 corporate experience and entrepreneurial skill to Sciona at a critical time in its development," commented Chris Martin, Sciona Chairman. "His business leadership in the areas of nutritional products, medical foods and retailing will drive Sciona's continued expansion in the marketplace." Peter Vitulli replaces Peter Feinstein, a Sciona Board Member and partner in BioVentures Investors LLC, who has served as interim CEO since January, 2006. Prior to Sciona, Peter served as President and CEO of Amerifit Nutrition, a $60 million consumer products health and wellness company focused on women's health. In 2005, he led the sale of the company to Charterhouse Group International. He was also CEO and President of Everfresh Beverages, Inc., a $100 million U.S. and Canadian juice manufacturer,...

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Posted at 11:56 AM

Sciona to Conduct Free Seminar on 'Genes, Nutrition and You'

Sciona to Conduct Free Seminar on 'Genes, Nutrition and You' at Boulder Public Library Monday, November 21, 7-9pm PR Newswire - Tuesday November 15, 2005 Discover the Relationship Between Your Genes, Diet and Lifestyle BOULDER, Colo., Nov 15, 2005 /PRNewswire via COMTEX -- Sciona, Inc. today announced it will conduct a free seminar, "Genes, Nutrition and You," in the auditorium of the Boulder Public Library on November 21, 2005 from 7pm - 9pm. "Genes, Nutrition and You" will cover the emerging science of nutritional genetics, or "nutrigenetics". Nutrigenetics refers to the interaction between genes, diet and lifestyle. The seminar will be presented by Yael Joffe, Dietitian. Ms. Joffe, Sciona's Director of Nutrition, is a state registered dietician with a particular interest in Nutrigenomics and is co-authoring an upcoming book entitled, "It's Not Just Your Genes." She is currently completing her Masters degree in Nutrigenomics at the University of Cape Town, South Africa and is involved in the development of a Nutrigenomics curriculum for postgraduate study. The workshop is co-sponsored by Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy and Cellf(TM) Genetic Assessments. "This seminar will help you to discover the relationship between your genes, diet and lifestyle, and what you can do to avoid risk and promote optimal health," added Christopher Turf, R.Ph., Director of Compounding and Medical Outreach for Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy. Mr. Turf will follow Ms. Joffe's presentation with a discussion of the practical ways to implement some of the recommendations you might receive in a Cellf Action Plan(TM). Mr. Turf is a...

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Posted at 10:30 AM

Dr. David Castle Named to Form Ethics Advisory Board at Sciona, Inc.

BOULDER, Colo., Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Sciona, Inc., developer of the first genetic assessment sold directly to consumers through retail pharmacies,announced today that David Castle, Ph.D. will chair its Ethics Advisory Board.Castle is a globally-recognized bioethicist and is a principal investigator on three large-scale Genome Canada funded Genomics, Ethics, Law and Society (GE3LS) research programs. "The emergence of new scientific fields like nutrigenomics always raises ethical and social issues, many of which can be anticipated and proactively addressed for everyone's benefit," says Castle. "I am delighted to have accepted this invitation from Sciona. The creation of an Ethics Advisory Board demonstrates Sciona's commitment to providing high-quality products and services in a socially responsible manner." Sciona has pioneered the development of products and services which combine human genomics and nutritional sciences for people interested in optimizing their health. "We're very pleased to have Castle's counsel on our innovative work in nutrigenetics," adds Jim Bruce, Sciona CEO. "His expertise will provide critical insight into the ethical considerations associated with our continued product development in this ground-breaking arena." Castle earned his undergraduate BS in Biology and BA (Hon) at the University of Alberta, an MA in Philosophy at McMaster University and his Ph.D. in Philosophy at the University of Guelph. He is now an associate professor at Guelph, a member of the Joint Centre for Bioethics at the University of Toronto and a member of McGill University's Centre for Intellectual Property Policy. Cellf(TM) Genetic Assessments provide consumers with personalized health and nutritional...

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Posted at 10:48 AM