NOVATO, CA (Tuesday, Sept 22, 2009) – 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 a contract by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the development of rapid multiplexed fluorescent assays to determine bioterror and food safety pathogens. This five year contract utilizes bead-based assays and detection on a Luminex® xMap® platform. Throughout the contract, Biosearch will be collaborating with Pejman Naraghi-Arani, PhD, at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories (LLNL), and the Luminex Corporation to develop rapid, highly specific assays for agents listed as Select Agents by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Dr Naraghi-Arani is a Thrust Area Leader in the Biological Detection and Response Program at LLNL, and serves as the contract’s Technical Expert. The initial target analytes include Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax; Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of the plague; and Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia. Each of the three pathogens is listed as a Category A Priority Pathogens by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
Jerry Ruth, PhD, is the Director of Research and Development at Biosearch, and the Principal Investigator of the Award. Dr Ruth comments, “The goal is to develop rapid simultaneous surveillance methods for multiple bioterror pathogens, in addition to ensuring the safety of the US food supply. The unprecedented strategic alliance of Biosearch, Lawrence Livermore National Labs, and Luminex will make this possible.”
About Biosearch Technologies, Inc.
Biosearch Technologies, Inc. is a privately held, ISO 9001:2008 certified 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 kits and the cGMP manufacture of oligonucleotides for molecular diagnostic assays. As a Class I ASR manufacturer, Biosearch’s manufacturing processes conform to all applicable GMP requirements per 21 CFR Part 820. Biosearch markets include pharmaceutical, diagnostic IVD, 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.
