ACG Signs MoU with Applied DNA Sciences to Enhance Capsule Authentication and Traceability Technology for
Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Industry
Collaboration to help thwart counterfeits with molecular tagging of capsules
Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:APDN) (“Applied DNA” or the "Company"), and ACG have signed a memorandum of understanding
(MoU) that will allow ACG to utilize Applied DNA’s proven SigNature® molecular tagging and authentication technologies
to develop molecularly-tagged empty hard-shell capsules for offering to ACG’s customers to enhance product traceability and
authentication. The MoU is expected to be followed by a definitive agreement.
The empty capsules market witnessed healthy growth during the last decade and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% between 2016
and 2021 to reach USD 2.13 billion by 2021.
The development of molecularly-tagged empty hard-shell capsules will allow ACG’s customers to enhance every distribution
channel’s integrity. It will also provide pharmaceutical companies with increased and assured capabilities when investigating
suspected counterfeit medicines and help enhance patient and regulator confidence in pharmaceutical companies and their supply
chains.
Applied DNA’s SigNature technology allows the embedding of a bespoke molecular tag into one or more capsule component materials.
Each customer’s molecular tag can be formulated to specifically adhere tenaciously to a wide variety of substrates and is optimized
to allow for authentication at any point in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
On the association between ACG and Applied DNA, Mr. Selwyn Noronha, CEO, ACG Capsules said, “With the increasing threat of
counterfeits in the pharmaceutical supply chain and regulations mandating companies to deploy strategies such as serialization and
to have greater awareness, there is a need for innovative and effective solutions for product authentication, track and trace and
supply chain integrity. We strongly believe that our association with Applied DNA is a step towards nipping the counterfeiting
problem that is grappling the industry today. With the introduction of stricter regulatory norms and measures across the globe, the
pressure lies increasingly in improving existing supply chain safeguards. The association will equip pharmaceutical companies with
greater capabilities to thwart the threat of counterfeits by providing amplified traceability solution across the supply
chain.”
Elaborating on the association, Dr. James Hayward, president and CEO of Applied DNA said “We are proud to announce the signing
of the MoU and are excited by ACG’s development of on-dose authentication for hard-shell capsules powered by the Company’s
SigNature molecular tagging and authentication technologies. The ability to forensically test a capsule in the field and quickly
prove its provenance is a powerful tool for all nodes of the pharmaceutical supply chain and will ensure a more secure and
traceable global pharmaceutical supply chain.”
About Applied DNA Sciences
Applied DNA is a provider of molecular technologies that enable supply chain security, anti-counterfeiting and anti-theft
technology, product genotyping and DNA mass production for diagnostics and therapeutics.
Applied DNA makes life real and safe by providing innovative, molecular-based technology solutions and services that can help
protect products, brands, entire supply chains, and intellectual property of companies, governments and consumers from theft,
counterfeiting, fraud and diversion. The proprietary DNA-based CertainT® platform can be used to identify, tag, test,
and track products, to help assure authenticity, origin, traceability, sustainability and quality of products.
SigNature® DNA describes the core technology ingredient that is at the heart of a family of uncopiable, security and
authentication solutions such as SigNature®T and fiberTyping®, targeted towards textiles and apparel,
BackTrac® and DNAnet®, for anti-theft and loss prevention, and digitalDNA®, providing powerful
track-and-trace. All provide a forensic chain of evidence, and can be used to prosecute perpetrators. Applied DNA Sciences is also
engaged in the large-scale production of specific DNA sequences using the polymerase chain reaction.
Visit adnas.com for more information. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Join our mailing list.
About ACG
The ACG group is the only supplier in the world offering integrated manufacturing solutions for the pharmaceutical industry. The
company’s diverse product range of Capsules, Films & Foils, Engineering and Inspection systems don’t just meet, but exceeds the
demands of international regulatory requirements. ACG is committed to just one goal: to offer everything needed for efficient
capsule and tablet manufacturing. ACG has over 5 decades of experience and is present in over 100 countries, with over 4,500
employees around the world. Our customer-centric approach has won us many loyal, satisfied customers and partners by nurturing
relationships with dignity and transparency.
Visit www.acg-world.com for more information. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Forward-Looking Statements
The statements made by Applied DNA in this press release may be “forward-looking” in nature within the meaning of the Private
Securities Litigation Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements describe Applied DNA’s future plans, projections, strategies and
expectations, and are based on assumptions and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of
Applied DNA. Actual results could differ materially from those projected due to our lack of significant revenues, limited financial
resources, limited market acceptance, history of net losses, market competition and various other factors detailed from time to
time in Applied DNA’s SEC reports and filings, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on December 28, 2017 and our
subsequent quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on February 8, 2018, which are available at www.sec.gov. Applied DNA undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect
new information, events or circumstances after the date hereof to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, unless
otherwise required by law.
ACG
Anil Andrade,
Business Head ACG North America
anil.andrade@acg-world.com
or
Tanya Grover,
Corporate Marketing- ACG
tanya.grover@acg-world.com
or
PR/Media - ACG
Elizabeth Goldsmith, 781-259-8798
liz@goldsmithpr.com
or
APPLIED DNA
Investors:
Sanjay M. Hurry, 212-838-3777
shurry@lhai.com
or
Media: Cheryl Schneider, 212-825-3210
DGI Comm
cschneider@dgicomm.com
or
Program Contact:
Bob Miglani, 631-240-8800
bob.miglani@adnas.com
or
web:
adnas.com
twitter: @APDN
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