Create a Family Genetic Archive

Physicians tell us that in the future medicine will be 'personalized' to each persons unique genetic make-up. The more family history they have, the better their diagnosis will be. The world's first home DNA storage kit enables parents to create a genetic 'legacy' for their children and grandchildren.

Advances in genetics mean that future generations will benefit from so-called personalised medicine. This means that treatments for illnesses will be targeted much more exactly leading to less side effects and faster recovery. In order to maximise the potency of the new treatments, scientists will want to analyse as many generations of your familys genetic history as possible. But how can they go back very far, when you may no longer be around to provide them with a sample?

A UK company, CATGee (pronounced Catchy), has solved that problem. Utilising state of the art technology, CATGee enables us to store a sample of our DNA in our own home, forever. It is the greatest legacy you can leave your family," said Chris Bridges a founder of the company. None of us knows exactly where medical science will lead, but the DNA you store today could be used to have a positive effect on the lives of future generations. CATGee is so quick and easy everybody should store his or her DNA today. It might not be used for 20 or 30 years, but who wouldnt improve things for their grandchildren if they could?"

To use CATGee you simply rub the inside of your cheeks with a foam lollypop, which is then placed on a special card. The card grabs your DNA and inactivates anything that might damage it. After the card is dried it is stored in the tin. DNA saved this way could not be used to clone someone and since the samples are kept at home the families remain in control.

Also included in the CATGee Kit, which comes stylishly packaged in a silver-coloured tin, is another 'lollypop. This one can be sent to CATGee for analysis to generate your DNA code. The code, which is unique to you, can even be printed on a T-shirt to create the ultimate in customised clothing.

CATGee got its name because Cytosine, Adenine, Thymine and Guanine are the names of the fundamental parts of DNA. Using their initial letters gave a product with no name" a memorable one. Chris Bridges says that this mix of science and marketing is typical of the companys approach to the product. We all have our own DNA and it is a part of what makes us unique; people need to feel more at home with the whole area of genetics. Our intention is to sell a product that is serious fun."

To buy CATGee visit www.catgee.com
Or phone the CATGee order line on +44 1373 814 861 (UK) or 1 800 959 2149 (USA)

Background Information on DNA

2003 is a big year for DNA. It is fifty years since the famous duo, Watson and Crick, published their paper saying that the structure of DNA is a double helix and 25 years since Sir Alec Jeffries invented DNA fingerprinting, the technique that has since helped in solving crimes across the world.

Over those 50 years the science of genetics has made huge leaps forward, with the publication of the draft human genome (the complete DNA sequence for our species) being the culmination of massive collaborative effort by the global scientific community and $10b of investment. The genome is also the springboard into the next generation of research, which promises personalised medicine, based on our individual genetic make-up.