Genetic Technologies Clarifies Misconceptions on BRCA testing
Genetic Technologies Limited (ASX: GTG; NASDAQ: GENE) today clarified reported misconceptions arising from its plans to enforce its exclusive intellectual property rights in relation to BRCA1 and BCRA2 hereditary breast and ovarian cancer testing.

Firstly, it has been suggested that Genetic Technologies would somehow restrict researchers from conducting research into breast cancer. Genetic Technologies is offering a diagnostic service to patients who may have an inherited predisposition to developing breast and ovarian cancers. This testing service is unrelated to research which is undertaken in the public sector.

Secondly, it has been suggested that Genetic Technologies will substantially increase prices. This suggestion is speculative and unfounded. Health care providers in Australia and New Zealand enjoy comparatively low prices compared to other countries and Genetic Technologies is not contemplating any major change to its current pricing practices and is looking forward to negotiating mutually satisfactory arrangements with the relevant state health authorities.

Mr. Michael Ohanessian, Chief Executive Officer of Genetic Technologies, said "We are very proud of the fact that Genetic Technologies currently provides its diagnostic results within four weeks. This means better patient care and more efficient delivery of public health services.

"Our earlier decision to not enforce our patent rights has been at a considerable cost to us over the last five years. The beneficiaries have been laboratories that have been shielded from paying any licence fees for use of the patents. Genetic Technologies on the other hand continues to carry the financial commitment for its exclusive rights to the patents. Given that we now offer an excellent service, we believe it is time to revisit that arrangement."

Mr. Ohanessian concluded, "We are confident that centralising testing in our state-of-the-art Melbourne
laboratory will improve the quality and efficiency of testing services provided to patients and families in which an inherited predisposition to developing breast and ovarian cancers is suspected."