SUNNYVALE, Calif., Jan. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cepheid today announced that its GeneXpert technology is being used in a new biothreat detection system produced by Smiths Detection, an operating division of UK-based Smiths Group plc. Smiths announced its launch of the Bio-Seeq Mail Sentry system in a separate press release. The Bio-Seeq Mail Sentry is a detection system capable of screening letters and packages for the potential biological threat of anthrax. The system utilizes the same GeneXpert module and anthrax test cartridges that are currently being deployed within the Biohazard Detection System (BDS) developed by Northrop Grumman for screening mail within United States Postal Service (USPS).
“Our GeneXpert technology has been demonstrated to be accurate and reliable over the course of significant trials involved with the USPS program and has again demonstrated this capability with the Smiths Bio-Seeq Mail Sentry program,” said John Bishop, Cepheid CEO. “We expect that additional applications in biothreat detection may be realized through programs that utilize Cepheid’s GeneXpert modules, such as the one initiated by Smiths Detection and through the use of GeneXpert systems that operate on a stand- alone basis.”
According to Smiths Detection, the Bio-Seeq Mail Sentry performed successfully in trials that were conducted within a major US banking institution, which subsequently placed an order for the production version of the Bio-Seeq Mail Sentry system. Smiths Detection is marketing the system on a global basis for use in screening letters and packages for the potential presence of anthrax in various facilities within the government and commercial sectors.
About Cepheid
Cepheid , based in Sunnyvale, Calif., is a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of fully integrated systems that enable genetic assessment when and where it is needed. Founded in 1996, the company is commercializing its technology and products worldwide for research, medical, and industrial applications requiring assessment of the human genome, infectious disease and biothreat agents. See http://www.cepheid.com/ for more information.
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are not purely historical regarding Cepheid’s or its management’s intentions, beliefs, expectations and strategies for the future, including those relating to sales of standalone GeneXpert systems and demand for additional biothreat detection applications, and the commercial success of the Bio-Seeq Mail Sentry system. Because such statements deal with future events, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from the company’s current expectations. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include risks and uncertainties such as those relating to: market demand for the Bio-Seeq Mail Sentry system; the rate of environmental testing of users of this system, which will affect the amount of consumable products sold, and whether the system-as-built performs to specifications; Cepheid’s reliance on distributors to market, sell and support its products; Cepheid’s success in increasing its direct sales; the impact of competitive products and pricing; market acceptance of and demand for the GeneXpert product; and unforeseen development and manufacturing problems with respect to the GeneXpert(R) system and reagents. Readers should also refer to the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Cepheid’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2002 and “Factors that Might Affect Future Results” in its most recent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, each filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
All forward-looking statements and reasons why results might differ included in this release are made as of the date of this press release, based on information currently available to Cepheid, and Cepheid assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statement or reasons why results might differ.
For further information, please contact: John Bishop, CEO, bishop@cepheid.com , or John Sluis, CFO, sluis@cepheid.com , both of Cepheid, +1-408-541-4191; or media, Cynthia Martin, +1-312-640-6741, clmartin@financialrelationsboard.com , or investors/analysts, Tricia Ross, +1-310-407-6540, tross@financialrelationsboard.com , both of Financial Relations Board for Cepheid.
Cepheid
CONTACT: John Bishop, CEO, bishop@cepheid.com , or John Sluis, CFO,sluis@cepheid.com , both of Cepheid, +1-408-541-4191; or media, CynthiaMartin, +1-312-640-6741, clmartin@financialrelationsboard.com , orinvestors/analysts, Tricia Ross, +1-310-407-6540,tross@financialrelationsboard.com , both of Financial Relations Board forCepheid
Web site: http://www.cepheid.com/
