QTL Biosystems, LLC Announces Field Portable Handheld Sensor For Anthrax And Ricin

SANTA FE, N.M., May 25 /PRNewswire/ -- QTL Biosystems, LLC, a provider of innovative solutions for bio-detection, drug discovery, and life science research, announced today a handheld sensor to detect anthrax, ricin, and other potential bioterrorism pathogens, for use by first responders, hospital triage personnel, Haz Mat personnel and military users.

The Handheld system requires minimal technical expertise for operation and users can be trained in under an hour to detect and identify multiple agents. "QTL has developed an instrument that combines excellent sensitivity with ease of use," notes Dr. Alan Heeger, a member of QTL's Scientific Advisory Board, and 2000 Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry. Tests can be performed in 10 minutes or less and the self-contained cartridges may be stored to preserve a lasting record of analyses performed in the field. The rechargeable battery-powered handheld instrument is designed for field use by users in full protective gear.

"The QTL Biosensor is being developed in conjunction with U.S. Army and public health organizations to certify its capabilities. Evaluation units will be available in August 2004, and the Company plans to ship initial production systems in Q4, 2004," notes Dr. Duncan McBranch, Chief Operating Officer of QTL Biosystems. QTL plans to deliver initial units with cartridges for anthrax and ricin, with Staphylococal Enterotoxin B to follow in early 2005. Additional cartridges will follow to provide a full complement of bacteria, protein toxins, and virus tests.

ABOUT QTL BIOSYSTEMS

QTL Biosystems, LLC of Santa Fe, New Mexico develops and markets bioassays that deliver superior sensitivity, specificity, and speed in simple-to-use formats with low total cost of detection. The Company delivers enzyme activity and protein binding assays for the pharmaceutical and life sciences markets, and Biosensor Systems for first responders, medical triage personnel and military users. Bioassay products are available for the detection of viruses, toxins, bacteria, proteins, hormones, nucleic acids and other biological compounds. The Company's novel technologies integrate its expertise in chemistry, molecular and cell biology and instrumentation.

CONTACT Richard Troiano Director of Bio-defense Sales Tel: (505) 424 1000 Cell: (724) 454 1351 RTroiano@qtlbio.com Tom Buscher QTL Biosystems, LLC 2778 Agua Fria Street Santa Fe, NM 87507 Tel: (505) 424 1000 info@qtlbio.comhttp://www.qtlbio.com/

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CONTACT: Richard Troiano, Director of Bio-defense Sales,+1-505-424-1000, Cell: +1-724-454-1351, RTroiano@qtlbio.com; or Tom Buscher+1-505-424-1000, info@qtlbio.com, both of QTL Biosystems, LLC

Web site: http://www.qtlbio.com/