Biosearch Technologies Awarded Second Phase II Army SBIR Grant

NOVATO, CA (Wednesday, October 13, 2010) - Biosearch Technologies, Inc. (Biosearch), a leading supplier of sophisticated oligonucleotide components to the rapidly growing molecular diagnostics industry, today announced that the company has been awarded another Phase II Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grant from the Department of Defense (DoD). The purpose of the $750,000+ Phase II grant is to continue the design and development of rapid and highly accurate assays for pathogens of military importance. The assays will be based on quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) modified for field deployment in overseas military operations. The grant includes rapid assays for six rickettsial pathogens, four of which are listed in the top 25 of the Global Risk-Severity Index (GRSI) compiled by the Armed Forces Medical Intelligence Center (AFMIC). In addition, several of these agents are listed as Category A or B Priority Pathogens by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). The grant also covers development of Analyte Specific Reagents (ASRs).

Jerry Ruth, PhD, Director of Research and Development at Biosearch Technologies, is the Principal Investigator of the award. Dr Ruth comments, "Stable field-deployable reagents for the rapid detection of highly infectious and often lethal pathogens in the field of military operations are of high importance. Such reagents will also be useful in determining the environmental source of each pathogen." Last month, Biosearch was awarded an $800,000+ Phase II grant from DoD for the design and development of assays for six arbovirus pathogens.

About Biosearch Technologies, Inc.

Biosearch Technologies, Inc. is a privately held, ISO 9001:2008 certified company, located in northern California. Founded in 1993, Biosearch is a leader in the design, development and manufacture of sophisticated oligonucleotide-based tools. Products include fluorophores (CAL Fluor®, Quasar® and Pulsar® dyes) and dark quenchers (Black Hole Quencher® dyes) to be included in custom-synthesized probe formats for real-time, quantitative PCR and other genomic-based applications.

In addition to basic R&D applications, Biosearch now leverages its demonstrated expertise in fully assembled RUO kits and the cGMP manufacture of oligonucleotide components for molecular diagnostic assays. Biosearch Technologies is registered with the FDA (registration number 300300905), and as such, its contract manufacturing processes conform to all applicable GMP requirements per 21 CFR Part 820. Biosearch markets include pharmaceutical, in-vitro diagnostic, biotech, ag/bio, environmental and food testing, public health, and biodefense sectors.

For additional information about Biosearch Technologies, Inc., contact info@biosearchtech.com or visit www.biosearchtech.com.