ALLERCA To Begin Development of Allergen Free Cats As An Alternative To Current Allergy Treatments

ALLERCA, a division of Geneticas Life Sciences, today announced the approval of a project to produce the worlds first allergen-free cats. Research is to begin using patented technology to eliminate the allergen-producing gene in cats. The allergen-free cats produced by ALLERCAs genetic technology will allow consumers to enjoy the love and companionship of a pet without the cost, inconvenience, risk, and limited effectiveness of current allergy treatments. The company estimates that potential annual consumer sales of the allergen-free cats in the US alone could be in excess of $1.3 billion per year.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) August 22, 2004 --- Simon Brodie, CEO of Geneticas Life Sciences stated, ALLERCA, the allergen-free cat, will be a significant new alternative to the traditional treatment of cat allergies given that it eliminates the allergen at its source. People who have lived without the companionship of a household pet because of their allergies will now be able to have a pet of their own without the associated risks and costs of allergy treatments. The potential health benefits are far reaching. Treatment of cat allergies is currently a multi-billion dollar industry, and approximately 10% of the country, or 27 million Americans, have cat allergies. Of those allergic to cats, approximately one-third own a cat, enduring the health problems in order to have the companionship of a pet. People who are allergic to cats experience moderate to severe allergic and asthmatic symptoms when they come into contact with a cat. In severe cases, an allergic reaction to cats can result in respiratory failure and death. Cat allergen has also been identified as one of the three major risk factors for developing childhood allergies, asthma, and other respiratory diseases that are becoming a serious public health issue. The allergen-free cats produced by ALLERCA will allow consumers to enjoy the love and companionship of a pet without the cost, inconvenience, risk and limited effectiveness of current treatments"

Brodie states: To date, most treatments to cat sensitivity have centered on avoidance, immuno-therapy, and pharmaceuticals. Avoidance can mean either choosing to live without a pet, or making considerable alterations in ones living environment and daily routines. If a patient refuses to part with a beloved pet, the physician will recommend considerable alterations in the patients living environment and daily routines. For example, in order to avoid excessive exposure to indoor allergens it is recommended that carpets be removed from floors, bedding be covered with special sheets, air conditioners be cleaned regularly, and air be filtered with costly air filters. Allergy sufferers will shut off areas of their house to their pet, and ask that friends put their pet cats outside when they visit the friends home. ALLERCAs patented technology is a new alternative to all current treatments for allergies. Rather than recommending avoidance, immuno-therapy, medication, or washing, this technology eliminates the allergen at its source. Using established gene targeting techniques, it is possible to knockout" the cat allergy gene in a cat embryo. Offspring of these cats will be allergen-free. Once the first allergen-free breeder cats are created, production will entail simple pet breeding. ALLERCA receives thousands of inquiries each month, so we know that the demand and interest is genuine."

With a price target of $3,000 per cat, ALLERCA expects to sell over 200,000 allergen-free cats each year in the United States when they become available in 2008, with a similar number sold internationally.

For additional information contact: Simon Brodie, CEO, Geneticas Life Sciences, 310 312 9522

About Geneticas Life Sciences.
GENETICAS was established to help those hoping to preserve genetic material for future use in cloning (when available) or procedures not yet developed. As a company working with the leading edge of research and the application of assisted reproductive technologies, including nuclear transfer, GENETICAS is keenly aware of what the very near future might hold for cloning and related human and animal health sciences. GENETICASs commercial cloning division provides cloning services to worldwide clients. The ALLERCA division is currently developing the worlds first patented allergen free cat, expected for 2008. A special project, the GENETICAS ARK, aims to prevent the extinction of the many species that are in danger of disappearing from our planet by storing their DNA, and to hopefully reproduce and reintroduce these animals into future protected habitats. Read more at www.geneticas.com
CONTACT INFORMATION:

Simon Brodie
Geneticas Life Sciences
Tel: 310.312.9522
Fax: 310.861.5606

(http://www.allerca.com)

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