Biosearch Technologies Responds to China Influenza H7N9 Outbreak by Providing H7N9 Detection Panel

NOVATO, CA (MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2013) – Biosearch Technologies, Inc. (Biosearch) announced today that the company has implemented a rapid response to the current outbreak of Avian Influenza Virus A (H7N9) in China. Biosearch is ready to provide to the scientific community on-demand, rapid synthesis of real-time qPCR probes and primers composing the H7N9 detection panel recently developed and published on 8 April by the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Influenza in Beijing, China. WHO lists FAM-BHQ® probes as crucial reagents in their protocol named, “Real-time RT-PCR Protocol for the Detection of A(H7N9) Influenza Virus,” which is available for download at: http://www.who.int/influenza/gisrs_laboratory/cnic_realtime_rt_pcr_protocol_a_h7n9.pdf.

BHQ (Black Hole Quencher®) dye technology has a proven performance record as the critical component in the detection and characterization of 2009 Influenza A (H1N1). As the inventor of the BHQ dyes, Biosearch is directing significant resources to providing fast turnaround time in the production of H7N9 ValuPanel Reagents* to ensure that scientists in laboratories worldwide have a reliable, quality source for monitoring the incidence of this influenza outbreak. “Biosearch is prepared as we were during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic to supply the H7N9 signatures to scientists worldwide,” says Marc Beal, Director of Corporate Development at Biosearch Technologies. “Our recent acquisition of DNA Technology A/S (Århus, Denmark) will also enable Biosearch to effectively meet European demand.” Biosearch will prepare the following assay components:

• Universal InfA probe and primers to detect all strains of influenza A;

• H7 and N9 probe and primers to subtype the novel strain of avian influenza; and,

• RNaseP probe and primers as a form of positive control

For more information about these important avian flu-related reagents, please visit http://info.biosearchtech.com/avianflu. Biosearch makes all such probe and primers available to the scientific community for research purposes only. *For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

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, Stellaris® RNA FISH, and other genomic-based applications.

In addition to basic R&D applications, Biosearch now leverages its demonstrated expertise in fully assembled RUO kits and in the cGMP-compliant manufacture of oligonucleotide components for molecular diagnostic assays. Biosearch Technologies is registered with the FDA (registration number 3003009052), and licensed by the State of California Department of Public Health (license number 55563) as a medical device manufacturer. As such, its GMP and Commercial Services manufacturing processes conform to all applicable cGMP requirements per 21 CFR Part 820. Biosearch’s markets include pharmaceutical, in vitro diagnostics, biotechnology, 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.