MMI Genomics develops innovative life science technologies to introduce environmentally friendly solutions that improve food and human and animal well being

MMI Genomics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of MetaMorphix®, Inc., was acquired from Celera Genomics in March of 2002. MMI Genomics is a diagnostic company applying genomics and proteomics technologies to develop and commercialize innovative livestock and companion animal products that enhance animal health and productivity.

MMI Genomics' product pipeline is targeted to revolutionize the livestock industries by helping breeders, producers and processors meet the challenges faced in the global marketplace.  These innovative products will dramatically improve breeds and provide powerful methods to select superior animals for feedlot management and certification of meat quality by means of:

· reducing production costs,
· enhancing yield,
· improving safety and nutritional value, and
· enhancing product uniformity and quality.

Likewise, the development of genomics-based products in the companion animal industries will provide breeders, veterinarians, pet food companies and pet owners with tools to diagnose and treat animals that are susceptible to genetic disorders, assuring a longer and healthier life for these animals.

Discovery Programs:
MMI Genomics, Inc. is the discovery and commercialization division for MetaMorphix®'s core genomics and proteomics technology platforms. The acquisition of Celera Genomics livestock discovery programs and assets, as well as continued access to Celera's computational capabilities combined with MMI Genomics experienced research and development team positions MetaMorphix® as a world-leader for systematic and accelerated discovery of new genes and gene products.  MMI Genomics is using whole genome association studies to map genes that define production traits, disease resistance, and other commercially important characteristics in livestock species.  These studies use a proprietary and internally developed unique resource: a dense, evenly spaced map of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that can detect the association between a marker and the trait of interest throughout the entire genome.

MMI Genomics is currently involved in a number of gene mapping and gene discovery research programs that will lead to a new generation of diagnostic tools for dramatically improving breeding and selection of superior animals, management of individual animals based on genetic potential, and certification of meat products that fit specific consumer demands.

For example, as a breeding tool, MMI Genomics' gene specific selection will enable producers to select individual sires and dams with favorable combinations of genes for their trait(s) of interest. This process will improve traditional methods of selection and produce improved genetics.

As a management tool, feedlots will be able to use MMI Genomics' diagnostic assays to identify and sort animals with similar genetic potential for traits such as meat quality, growth and feed efficiency. These diagnostic tools will significantly enhance the ability of a feedlot to produce a uniform product, while also increasing their efficiencies.

MMI Genomics' initial focus in the companion animal industries is the development of diagnostic assays that allow early detection for debilitating genetic disorders such as chronic hip dysplasia in Labrador and Retriever breed types. These diagnostic products will be tools that animal owners, veterinarians and pet food manufacturers will utilize to design and implement specific treatment programs for animals that are likely to develop symptoms for specific diseases at a later age. These intervention programs will insure a long, healthy and pain free life for affected animals. These tools will also be used in breeding programs to eliminate defective genes from the population and to certify the health status of individual animals prior to purchase.

Current Products and Services:
MMI Genomics provides high-throughput genotyping services to the livestock and companion animal industries.  MMI Genomics has been a leader in the development of reliable robust systems for livestock and companion animal parentage and identification.  MMI Genomics and its former companies are responsible for the development and use of many of the technologies and methods used throughout the world by other labs doing parentage and identity testing.  Our experience in DNA parent verification in cattle and canine is unmatched worldwide.  Because of this experience, accuracy of results, and focus on customer service MMI Genomics is the provider of DNA parentage testing for both the largest beef cattle breed association and canine registry in the world.

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