Applied DNA Sciences Adds Director of Communications in Response to Growth Demands

STONY BROOK, NY--(Marketwire - February 26, 2009) - Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (OTCBB: APDN), a provider of DNA-based security solutions, today announced that Janice Meraglia has assumed the new role of Director of Communications, encompassing a broad range of issues including Investor and Public Relations. Ms. Meraglia will also help Applied DNA continue its progress in Government Contracts and the Financial Applications verticals.

APDN offers platform technologies that are relevant to both state and federal governments, and include the following applications: authentication of passports, licenses and identification, authentication of currency, homeland security applications, trade regulations and compliance with federal labeling laws. Our patented DNA technologies can protect the financial industry by: securing currency during transport, authenticating financial documents, and tracing the DNA native to the unique papers used in finance. Applied DNA has prevalidated these applications; Ms. Meraglia will manage sales in both areas.

For over 20 years, Ms. Meraglia has successfully partnered with other leaders in start-up and entrepreneurial ventures, as well as launching new businesses within large financial institutions. She is a senior executive with a proven track record in the development, implementation and management of global administrative infrastructures.

Most recently, Ms. Meraglia was Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of the Global Credit Products businesses at Lehman Brothers NYC headquarters. There she worked with functional and regional managers across four credit businesses to develop and deliver strategic goals. Prior to this position, Ms. Meraglia held a similar role at CIBC World Markets where she was one of the founding partners of the Canadian Bank's new financial services based in New York.

"It feels great to be passionate again about a business prospect that will have a global impact. I believe the opportunity to provide commercial forensic solutions, in a world economy that is losing money to illegitimate trade, is very compelling," said Ms. Meraglia. "We provide an invaluable tool that can be used to authenticate products and help save lives. I am very excited to work with the world class team at Applied DNA."

Ms. Meraglia received a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from St. John's University. She is actively involved with various philanthropic organizations in capacities ranging from sponsorship to fundraising. Ms. Meraglia is also a two-year recipient of the President's Corporate Citizenship Award from Lehman Brothers.

About APDN

Applied DNA Sciences markets and sells DNA security solutions to protect products, brands, and intellectual property from counterfeiting and diversion. Its patented technologies, sold under SigNature® DNA use DNA from plants to mark and authenticate products in a unique manner that essentially can not be copied. Applied DNA also provides BioMaterial GenoTyping™ services by using genomic DNA present in natural materials to identify the original source of DNA present in finished products. Both platform technologies protect brands and products in a wide range of industries and provide a forensic chain of evidence to enable enforcement agencies to prosecute perpetrators. To learn more, go to www.adnas.com. APDN's common stock is listed on the Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board under the symbol "APDN."

The statements made by APDN may be forward-looking in nature and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform 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 16, 2008 and our subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. 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.

Contact Information: INVESTOR CONTACT: Debbie Bailey 631-444-8090 fax: 631-444-8848 MEDIA CONTACT: Janice Meraglia 631-444-6293 fax: 631-444-8848 FCMN Contact: Web site: http://www.ADNAS.com