LATEST UPDATE/NEWS from Ingen Pawsitive ID

[KingstonTodd]

Dear InGen Customers:

EXCITING NEWS!!!

International Genetics, Inc (InGen) is proud to announce the introduction of a new line of genetic testing that finally gives breeders a cost effective method of testing dogs for some of the most dangerous inherited genetic diseases. We now offer the following tests:

Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (pra-PRCD)

Von Wilderbrand Type I (vWD)

Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC)

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

Multi Drug Resistance 1 (MRD1)

Visit http://www.ingen.bs for more information on our new products.


OUR NEW PRICING STRUCTURE IS AS FOLLOWS:

FIRST PREMIUM TEST PER DOG $60.00 EA

SECOND OR MORE PREMIUM TEST PER DOG $30.00 EA

As an example, go to our website http://www.ingen.bs and for instance if you have 4 Chesapeake Bay Retrievers you would like to test and want the PRCD & EIC tests, go to the shopping cart, scroll down and click on the photo of the Chessy for either the PRCD or EIC test option. You will then go to a page that gives you the option of selecting the secondary test you want and the quantity of tests to be purchased. Per this example:

PRCD Test ($60) + EIC Test ($30) = $90 X 4 = $360.00 plus S&H


PHASE OUT OF PAWSITIVE I.D. ™

This may come as a shock to some of you, but we are phasing out our original Pawsitive I.D. ™ product. Our new testing procedures represent a major shift in InGen's product mix. Although PID was a popular genetic test product, we are phasing this product out for several reasons. One is that the supplier of the consumable product needed to perform the test has increased the price of this product considerably. This would have necessitated a large price increase on our part. It has been decided to concentrate on the basic test products that our customers have stated they want to purchase and keep the overall cost down as much as possible.

What does this mean to customers who have purchased tests that are currently on file in The Customer Portal? Nothing. Nothing will change as far as your older test results are concerned. They are still and will continue to be available in your portal for viewing or download.

What does this mean for customers who have purchased a kit(s) and not returned them yet for processing? If you want the classic Pawsitive I.D. ™ testing procedure done, simply send in your samples as instructed ASAP and we will process them in our normal fashion. However, understand that we will discontinue testing on this platform as of September 1, 2009 or until our current stocks are depleted.

If you have an outstanding test kit that has not been processed yet, you may elect to have two (2) Premium Tests performed for the same price as the original cost of the Pawsitive I.D. ™ test. That amounts to a $15 - $20 savings over the current cost of the two tests.

What if you previously purchased a PID test but now want another Premium Test that was not available at that time for this individual dog? For a limited time only, those customers with previously tested dogs who want an additional Premium test done can purchase this test with a $15 coupon per dog tested.

Click here to go to our Frequently Asked Questions for more information on this program.

What about colors? At present, colors are still available on the original PID platform. However, color tests are not available on the new testing platform. Colors have been the most confusing portion of the PID test. We are re-evaluating and researching colors and may add some color tests for certain breeds in the future. If there is a certain color test that you would like to see added to our new platform, please email us your request and we will look into it.

Customers may still purchase Pawsitive I.D. ™ but only until September 1, 2009 or while supplies last. Please visit http://www.ingen.bs for more information on the phase out.


InGen is committed to providing dog breeders the highest quality genetic testing at the lowest prices possible. Our goal is to improve the health of as many dog breeds as possible through the use of cost effective genetic testing. Please visit our store at http://www.ingen.bs and take a look around. We want your continued business and will do whatever is needed to satisfy our customers.

Please feel free to give me a call or send an email anytime with any comments, criticisms, complaints or other feedback. I welcome all input from our customers.

Thank you past, present & future business and good luck with your breeding programs!

[lindamarie]

Todd,
I'm not a breeder and don't understand all this. But, if I put it into lay terms............does this mean that anyone can now test their dogs? It doesn't sound very professional and opens the door to a whole lot of mistakes, errors and improper breeding.
Am I right?

[KingstonTodd]

Anyone could test their dogs all along, you just ordered a kit, take a cheel swab and a hair sample, and send it in. What the change is that they are charging 60 per test (or 30 for s second, etc..) when they used to do 20 someting tests for 50-75$$ and they are only offering a few tests, and no more colour results.

[MaxandMe]

WEll I DO believe that the original testing for $50 i did with Beau that ruled out 21 diseases and gave coat color was GREAT
it also boosted this company however it cuold only last so long

here's a link to the FAQ their explaination to why is there
http://www.ingen.bs/faqs.html

or reads as stated below
. Why are you phasing out the Classic Pawsitive ID™ testing platform?

A. There are several reasons:

Applied BioSystems Inc (ABI) www.appliedbiosystems.com , who is the only supplier of the assays needed to process the 128 different DNA tests on the VeriSNP™ testing platform, raised their prices drastically. This price increase would have to have been passed on to the customer through a price increase on the Pawsitive ID™ test kit, raising the price of the complete Pawsitive ID™ test kit to over $90.00 per kit with only one Premium Test result.
Through customer feedback & surveys, we determined that what our customers want are more Premium Tests. Customers like the DNA Fingerprint, Non-Premium disease screenings and color tests, but what our customers really want to know is if their dog(s) are susceptible to some specific genetic diseases and, if affected, how to safely breed around these mutations and raise healthy dogs. And they want a cost effective testing solution. Therefore InGen has decided to focus on new and existing Premium Tests that are processed in our labs in The Bahamas.
By focusing on Premium Tests, we can cater to many more breeds than we were able to previously. Our business plan is predicated on volume. Like Wal-Mart, with more volume come lower prices. And with lower prices we are able to assist breeders test more dogs and help the overall health of dog breeds.
Simplicity. The results on the Classic Pawsitive ID™ Certificate of Genotyping were becoming increasingly misinterpreted by some customers. This resulted in some unintended breeding issues. With the new InGen Certificate, misinterpretations should be all but eliminated.
Q. Will previously tested dog results using the Classic Pawsitive ID™ platform still be available to view online?

A. Absolutely! All customers will be able to view and retrieve their previously tested dog results anytime through our Customer Portal. Nothing in this regard will change.

Q. Can you still perform Parentage Verifications?

A. Only until September 1, 2009. After that, no.

Q. What about Physical Attribute Testing? Will InGen still do color tests?

A. The color testing was the most confusing part of the Classic Pawsitive ID™ platform. There are over 50 different types of canine coat colors and InGen only had 8 color tests on the Pawsitive ID™ certificate. This resulted in many questions and some irritation from customers. There are currently no color tests available on the new Premium Test platform. However, InGen is committed to customer satisfaction. If there is a color test that a large amount of our customers request, we will look into offering that test in the future.

Q. Are any of the new Premium Tests covered by any patents?

A. Many of our Premium Tests have methods that have been patented in certain jurisdictions. However, InGen maintains laboratories in Freeport and Nassau in The Bahamas. These Method Patents were not filed in The Bahamas and InGen is well within its legal rights to perform ANY scientific method that is not covered by patent in The Bahamas.

Q. What are the new Premium Tests?

A. Von Wilderbrand Type 1 (vWD), Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC) and Canine Degenerative Myelopathy (DM). Our older Premium Tests, Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (pra-PRCD) and Multi Drug Resistance 1 (MRD1), are still available.

Q. Is PinPoint DNA Technologies, Inc still involved with InGen?

A. No. InGen purchased assets of PinPoint in December of 2008 but now that all tests are processed in The Bahamas (as of September 1, 2009), PinPoint, as a company, is no longer involved with InGen.

Q. Is Texas A&M still involved with InGen?

A. Texas A&M was never directly involved with InGen. A&M has always dealt directly with PinPoint DNA Technologies, Inc. who sold Non-Premium results to InGen. Once Pawsitive ID™ is completely phased out; Texas A&M will have no direct involvement with InGen.

Q. Are there still Breeder Packs and individual Test Packs?

A. No. This was another area of confusion that we have eliminated. All test packages (whether 1 or 20 or more) are put together at the time of shipment, therefore eliminating the need for different types of packaging.

Q. Do you still offer bulk sales discounts?

A. No.

Q. Why is my order not going through?

A. Some of our customers have encountered problems with their credit card company processing orders outside the United States or their home country. If your credit card does not go through, call the 800 number on the back of the card and let them know you are making a purchase in the Bahamas. It should go through smoothly on the next attempt. If you continue to have problems, you might be using an older version of Mozilla Firefox or Safari or some other browser. Try using Internet Explorer for the purchase.

Q. The number on my Sample Envelope doesn't match the number on the Customer Portal. Why not?

A. The last number on the printed bar code on your Sample Envelope and Pet Data sheet is a "check digit". This number is required on all UPC codes for the computer to be able to read the information in the code. So, if your Sample Envelope profile number is 1234567, the actual test number is 123456.

Q. Who is International Genetics, Inc?

A. International Genetics, Inc (InGen) is a genetic testing company incorporated in The Bahamas with its headquarters in Freeport. Located only 65 miles east of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Freeport is the perfect location to set up an international genetic testing lab. InGen offers several Premium Genetic Disease Screening tests that cost considerably less than the same test(s) offered by some competitors.

Q. What advantage is there to having a genetics lab located in the Bahamas?

A. InGen markets and sells certain genetic tests that rely on the use of a certain scientific methods. Some of the methods have been patented in the United States, Canada & European Union. These method patents prohibit unlicensed use of the scientific techniques used in the detection of genetic mutations for some diseases within these jurisdictions. These method patents were never filed in The Bahamas and therefore it is perfectly legal and ethical to use the scientific processes in the Bahamian jurisdiction.

Q. How long does it take to get my results back?

A. We strive to get all results back within 30 days from the time we receive the DNA samples back in our office. Our database system automatically sends an email to the customer once the samples are scanned into our system. The clock starts at this time.

Q. Do you have a turnaround time guarantee?

A. Yes. If any test is not processed and results available to the customer within 45 days from the date of the email alerting the customer to the receipt of the sample, a full refund for the test will be made. See InGen’s terms and conditions for our full refund policy.

Q. Do you still produce and mail a Certificate of Genotyping?

A. No. InGen has an automated Internet based system that allows customers to log into our system and download their certificates from any computer, any where in the world. Customers will be automatically notified by email once they have finished results in the system. InGen will also archive these certificates for customers which can be accessed anytime. This system allows certificates to be transmitted much faster than the older system. It also keeps our costs down which in turn keeps our test kit prices down.

Q. What do we receive once our dog is tested?

A. You will receive your pet’s Certificate of Genotyping approximately 30 days after submission of the DNA sample. This certificate will be available as a download from our web site. It will have all information you provided on the online Pet Profile and the results of the disease screening. This is the single most complete document you will ever have of your pet.

Q. How long do you keep a record of my pet information?

A. Depending on the age of the pet when the sample is submitted, we will keep information in our secure database for up to 15 years.

Q. The results listed for my dog indicates she has tested either positive, negative or a carrier for the listed diseases. What does this mean?

A. Most dogs will test negative. This means they do not carry the gene that causes the particular disease. Obviously, this is good news. It’s also good information, particularly if you are a breeder, to know absolutely that your pet will not get the disease or pass it to offspring in the future. Unfortunately, some pets will test positive or as a carrier of the bad gene. A positive result means your dog definitely has or will develop the disease in the future. A carrier means that your pet does not have the bad gene(s) but could pass them to future offspring if bred with an animal also being a carrier of the particular disease. See your vet immediately if your pet tests either positive or carrier for any listed disease.

Q. I purchased a Pawsitive ID™ test after April 1, 2008 that did not include PRCD or other Premium Tests. Can I get it now?

A. Sorry, no. If you purchased a test after April 1, 2008 and have already submitted your sample and received results, you cannot get any Premium Test included with the Pawsitive ID™ test performed now without purchasing a new test and doing the procedure again.

Q. I recently purchased a PID kit and now you are adding a disease specifically related to my breed. Do I get a discount on purchasing the premium test I need or do I have to pay the full $60 price?

A. If you have purchased a PID kit in the past and now would like an additional Premium Test performed on the same dog as previously tested, we will give you a $15 coupon to reduce the price from $60 per Premium Test to $45 per test. This is a onetime per previously tested dog discount. You will receive a separate certificate for the dog in question for the new test result. Please email your request for this discount to sherrill@ingen.bs Be sure to include your name, phone number, dog’s name & profile number of the previous test. This discount opportunity is valid until October 1, 2009.

Q. In the past, when I purchased 5 or more test kits at a time, I received a discount of $5 per test. I see you no longer offer this. Why?

A. We have decided that in order to keep the overall cost of our testing services as low as possible, we are doing away with the volume discount program we had previously. However, if you are looking to purchase 20 or more kits at a time, please contact us directly for possible discounts.

Q. I previously purchased a Pawsitive ID™ test from PinPoint DNA Technologies but never sent it in for processing. Will InGen honor this test and will it include PRCD?

A. InGen will honor the test but it may not be in the Classic Pawsitive ID™ format. You have until September 1, 2009 to submit your sample to get the Classic Pawsitive ID™ format (subject to availability). Any tests samples submitted after this date will get the new format with two (2) Premium tests included.

Q. Does the InGen test give breed identification information?

A. No, not at this time. The InGen test is for disease screening.

[KingstonTodd]

I would like to know what the "unintended breeding issues" were.

[KingstonTodd]

For those that like the classic PID platform, there may be another company http://www.dnadiagnostics.com/animal_genetics.html, I think they charge $40. No type 1 vWd, but does have the other tests deemed "premium tests" by PID.

[Jac]

WOW!! Todd, thank you!!! I didn't know this company existed! $40!!! That is so cool...
I was getting so discouraged with what PID was doing...I wrote to Rick and he responded (I'm sure you saw it on the breeder forum) but he only justified their activity...and, he said that they were being "responsive" to their customers. Huh???
I plan to contact him again, as he did say that he is very interested in what his customers want...but if they continue with their changes, I know that they will go under...most people paying the higher price will go to the other companies. Sad...I really supported PID and I totally understood that they had glitches as they were a new company...but as soon as they get established, they do this. I am not happy.
I AM happy, however, that you posted this competitor's info!

[KingstonTodd]

Since PID and this other company both use the VeriSNP technology, I would be interested in they have glitches too, ie its the thechnology, or if they do not, and its PID technicians that were having troubles.

[Jac]

Todd, I thought I'd do a check on google for this company, since forum discussions show up on google...I thought that we might get some breeder feedback on this company...in the search I found a web page that I don't understand one bit...but thought that you might.... http://escience.ws/b572/L25/L25.htm

[Jac]

Okay, Todd, I know absolutely nothing about science and have a very rudimentary understanding of DNA, but I found the info about SNP technology very interesting (and confusing).
I am wondering, now, if PID is switching DNA testing types? It seems that the SNP is the test for a lot of diseases/conditions...and veriSNAP is just one lab, I think.
I'd be interested in your perspective on this...
I just put "verisnap dna technology accuracy" in the search engine and got mostly info about PID testing and it was similar to the breeder comments I have already read...so then I searched "SNP DNA accuracy" and found a lot of articles aobut it. This article, http://www.genengnews.com/articles/chit ... 760&chid=2 , listed a link to the company that PID said is raising their rates so high that they can't provide services any longer...Applied Biosystems. When I get time, I will look into that company for further info.
I want to know what they are charging...and, from reading some of the other articles, it seems that SNP DNA testing is pretty easy...one company provides free machines but I am sure that there are still fees for the service.
Here is the Applied BioSystems site: http://www3.appliedbiosystems.com/AB_Home/index.htm
Anyway, I am confused, interested and fascinated...

[KingstonTodd]

SInce you seem interested I'll, explain a little bit. In simplified form, the veriSNP technology that PID and others are using is based on DNA binding. Our DNA is two stands, and one strand binds the other very specifically, based on each nucleotide. For the test, they have a chip in which they put a very short piece of DNA that they make to have a sequence that matches one of the strands of DNA of the disease gene, and if you pass a sample over it that has the disease gene DNA in it, the disease gene DNA will bind to the chip DNA and give a signal, and viola, you get your result. The only way their cost is going up is if the complany they get the chip with the DNA on it is increasing its cost. Dont see why they dont keep their profit margin the same, and just increase their cost the same as the chip increase. The chip is a finite size and can only have a certain number of DNA pieces put on it for testing, and that is why they are limited in number of tests, and to add a test they have to remove one to make space on the chip, and why they can get all the DNA results at once, since one sample does on one chip, with many different DNA pieces for different diseases.

[Jac]

Thanks, Todd, I am interested and I appreciate the instruction...you confirmed my reasoning regarding the price increase. I could not figure out why they didn't just keep the test and pass along the increase...that makes sense, but to change it to only offering single tests and charging the same as they did (almost) for the entire string of testing...well, it just doesn't make sense to me.
Then, when they say they are being responsive to their customer's requests...that REALLY doesn't make sense!
I think that I am ready to respond to Rick now...thanks.

[KingstonTodd]

I also wonder if it is this other company and its "patent pending" that made Ingen move off shore. Kind of grey area ethically, to get around patent coverage.

[Mhyles30]

Hello Todd and Jac! I am a little confused so please help me understand because I want to buy the kit for my new puppy. If I purchased the classic Pawsitive ID kit ($75.00) and send the sample before Sept. 1, 2009, will they still test for everything just like the used too since it's the older kit? I really like the color feature they have and I am hoping if I buy the older kit they will still have that available.

Thanks,
Maila

[Jac]

Hi Todd,
I don't think that the patent is a big issue, nor their moving...I think that it was a business decision to avoid costly litigation over the patent.
My husband is a patent attorney and, without having any of the real facts...just the claims, he said that getting a patent in the US does not protect the product world-wide...Now, my opinion...still, even if PID is correct with their claim that the patent does not reach them now and that they felt that their methods are drastically different from Optigen, the fact remains that a company with deep pockets ($$$) can afford to litigate for an extended period and a small company would not...so many businesses who really do have good cases can't afford to be in litigation for years and years...they would go bankrupt...so they try to compromise or find a good way around the claim...which, in this case, would be to move the business from the US...and to hold off on competing until you had some legal way to do so.
I think that PID was really slammed by the other companies and, probably, bullied by attorneys...because they were offering the same (and better) service for far less money...maybe this had something to do with their new business model...I don't know.
But I have never thought that they (PID) were doing anything illegal or unethical.

Maila...I don't know the answer, sorry.