Applied DNA Sciences and Security Marketing Resource Launch 'DNA Security Initiative' Online Portal

STONY BROOK, NY--(Marketwired - March 02, 2016) - Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: APDN) (NASDAQ: APDNW) (Twitter: @APDN), a provider of DNA-based supply chain, anti-counterfeiting and anti-theft technology, product genotyping and product authentication solutions, launched its DNA Security Initiative online portal at www.dnasecurity.net. Created in conjunction with California-based Security Marketing Resource (SMR), the online portal is open to qualified security companies who will have the opportunity to add DNA-based security products and services to their portfolio. The portal features information and training videos on Applied DNA Sciences' SigNature^® DNA products for security professionals, law enforcement, commercial organizations and community members. The portal also provides instruction on how the Company's products and services can be marketed and implemented by security professionals into communities.

The DNA Security Initiative is designed to provide computer-based training and certification on asset-marking and recovery services to U.S. police departments; employees and field technicians at U.S.-based private security firms; and commercial security customers. It also provides an e-commerce portal for centralized order management for its participants. Products sold through the portal include personal and business DNA asset marking kits, metal marking sprays, security DNA spray devices and tactical DNA forensic sting kits. A portion of the website is restricted for security professionals, law enforcement and commercial organizations that work with SMR while other portions are accessible to the general public.

Dr. James A. Hayward, president and CEO of Applied DNA Sciences, said, "The launch of the DNA Security Initiative gives all of our potential security customers across the U.S. a unified portal through which they can learn about the range and use of our products, benefit from marketing materials that describe these products in greater detail, and gain the ability to purchase them directly from the Company. We view this as a tremendously powerful tool that will advance awareness and interest in Applied DNA Sciences' entire security product line, while ensuring consistent messaging is communicated to all of our constituent audiences and allowing for quicker expansion nationwide."

Greg Rankin, CEO of SMR and Executive Director of the DNA Security Initiative, said: "Applied DNA Sciences' stable of DNA-based security products and services provide an unprecedented opportunity to dramatically reduce crime rates in communities throughout the United States. Police are calling this breakthrough forensic science and technology 'a game changer in a new age of crime fighting,' and we are excited to facilitate its use by law enforcement and leading security organizations through this Initiative."

About Applied DNA Sciences

We make life real and safe by providing botanical-DNA based security and authentication 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. Our patented DNA-based solutions can be used to identify, tag, track, and trace products, to help assure authenticity, traceability and quality of products. SigNature® DNA describes the platform ingredient that is at the heart of a family of uncopyable, security and authentication solutions such as SigNature® T and fiberTyping®, targeted toward textiles and apparel, 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. We are also engaged in the large-scale production of specific DNA sequences using the polymerase chain reaction.

Go to adnas.com for more information, events and to learn more about how Applied DNA Sciences makes life real and safe. Common stock listed on NASDAQ under the symbol APDN, and warrants are listed under the symbol APDNW. 

About Security Marketing Resource

Security Marketing Resource is the leading provider of marketing and sales training and support services to security organizations around the world. Services include strategic planning, program development, and creation and implementation of integrated marketing communications programs, including online and offline marketing and sales tactics. Visit securitymarketing.com for more information.

Forward Looking Statements

The statements made by APDN 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 APDN'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 APDN. Actual results could differ materially from those projected due to our short operating history, limited financial resources, limited market acceptance, market competition and various other factors detailed from time to time in APDN's SEC reports and filings, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on December 14, 2015,and our subsequent quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on February 10, 2016 which are available at www.sec.gov. APDN 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.