Presentations at a Major International Forensics Meeting Highlight the Ability of 22nd Century Group, Inc.' Patented PCT Platform to Improve DNA Detection in Important Forensic Samples

SOUTH EASTON, Mass., Oct. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Pressure BioSciences, Inc. (OTCQB: PBIO) ("PBI" or the "Company") today announced that two research groups have reported on the ability of the Company's Pressure Cycling Technology ("PCT") Platform to improve the detection of DNA in challenging forensic samples.  The studies were presented by scientists from the Institute of Applied Genetics, Department of Forensic and Investigative Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center ("UNTHSC") in Fort Worth Texas, and from the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences in Houston Texas.  The study results were presented at the 23rd annual International Symposium on Human Identification ("ISHI"), being held from October 15-18, 2012, in Nashville, TN.

DNA testing on forensic samples is performed to help in the identification of individuals by their unique DNA profile.  Samples that contain suboptimal quantity and/or quality of DNA are commonly encountered in forensic DNA analysis.  One such problem is the presence of DNA contaminants or inhibitors in the sample, which can effectively reduce the detection of DNA, potentially causing a poor or even invalid result.  Lessening the effects of these contaminants/inhibitors should improve the quality of the forensic (or for that matter, any) DNA test.

Dr. Bruce Budowle, Executive Director of the Institute of Applied Genetics at UNTHSC, said: "Our results indicate that DNA testing can be enhanced by treating forensic samples that contain inhibitory compounds with PCT.  We consider our study as a proof of concept that PCT treatment might be a viable method to overcome certain inhibitory effects that can adversely affect DNA testing.  Importantly, it appears that PCT can reduce the effects of inhibitors known to be present in some bone samples, resulting in a marked improvement in DNA testing of these often difficult samples."

Dr. Nate Lawrence, Vice President of Sales and Marketing of PBI, commented: "We believe the results of these studies show that incorporating PCT into the standard workflow of the forensic DNA testing laboratory could significantly enhance both the productivity and quality of DNA testing. We further believe that this enhancement in testing will result in solving difficult and/or unsolved cases."

Dr. Lawrence continued: "To that end, we have spent a number of hours at the ISHI meeting talking with forensic scientists about these results, and what they need to incorporate PCT into their daily DNA testing workflows. With this knowledge in hand, we are planning to accelerate the development of our forensic-based instruments and consumables, with an expectation that the release of these products will positively affect revenue in 2013."   

About Pressure BioSciences, Inc.

Pressure BioSciences, Inc. ("PBI") (OTCQB: PBIO) is focused on the development, marketing, and sale of proprietary laboratory instrumentation and associated consumables based on Pressure Cycling Technology ("PCT"). PCT is a patented, enabling technology platform with multiple applications in the estimated $6 billion life sciences sample preparation market. PCT uses cycles of hydrostatic pressure between ambient and ultra-high levels to control bio-molecular interactions. PBI currently focuses its efforts on the development and sale of PCT-enhanced sample preparation systems (instruments and consumables) for mass spectrometry, biomarker discovery, bio-therapeutics characterization, vaccine development, soil and plant biology, forensics, histology, and counter-bioterror applications.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release regarding the Company's intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations, or predictions of the future are "forward-looking'' statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the significant improvement in the detection of DNA in forensic samples with the use of the PCT Platform over other extraction methods; that the PCT Platform could potentially enhance the detection of DNA in forensic samples containing contaminants/inhibitors, specifically bone samples; the Company's plan to speed up the development of its instruments and consumables for commercial forensic use; the conclusions related to the advantages of the PCT Platform reported by the University of North Texas and the Harris Country Institute of Forensic Sciences; that PCT could improve the processing and results of DNA testing and lead to solving crimes that are unsolved today; that the Company will be successful in accelerating the development of its forensic-related instruments and consumables, and that the release of these products will have a positive impact on 2013 revenue; and the size of the life sciences sample preparation market.  These statements are based upon the Company's current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors include, but are not limited to: possible difficulties or delays in the implementation of the Company's strategies that may adversely affect the Company's continued commercialization of its PCT-based product line; changes in customer's needs and technological innovations; the Company's and its strategic partners/distributors sales forces may not be successful in selling the Company's PCT product line because scientists may not perceive the advantages of PCT over other sample preparation methods; that other researchers may not be able to replicate the data reported in the studies mentioned; and if actual operating costs are higher than anticipated, or revenues from product sales are less than anticipated, the Company may need additional capital beyond December 2012. Further, given the uncertainty in the capital markets and the current status of the Company's product development and commercialization activities, there can be no assurance that the Company will secure the additional capital necessary to fund its operations beyond December 2012 on acceptable terms, if at all.  Additional risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements are discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, and other reports filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the information included in this release, except as otherwise required by law.

PBI filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the SEC for an offering to which this communication may relate. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement for the offering and other documents PBI has filed with the SEC for more complete information about PBI and the offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC Web site at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, PBI can arrange to send you the prospectus, when available, upon request.

For more information about PBI and this press release, please click on the following link:
http://www.pressurebiosciences.com

Investor Contacts:


Richard T. Schumacher, President & CEO

Pressure BioSciences, Inc.

Nate Lawrence, Vice President of Sales & Marketing

(508) 230-1828 (T)

 

SOURCE Pressure BioSciences, Inc.

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