WOBURN, Mass., July 16 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Genomics today announced the award of a $9.1 million contract by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate. The Phase IIIX contract under the Bioagent Autonomous Networked Detectors (BAND) program will enable U.S. Genomics to continue development, testing and optimization of the company’s sophisticated biological sensor for the detection of airborne pathogens using single molecule DNA mapping technology.
“The award of the Phase IIIX BAND contract further validates the potential of U.S. Genomics’ single molecule based DNA mapping technology for use as a biological sensor,” said John J. Canepa, Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Genomics; “The resources provided under the contract will allow us to perform extensive operational testing and to advance the capabilities of our prototype systems. These prototypes currently demonstrate the capabilities of our unique, proprietary approach to rapidly detect multiple bacterial pathogens, toxins and viruses simultaneously in an environmental sample using a single reagent set. U.S. Genomics continues to be excited about working with the outstanding team at The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate to deliver a biosensor which meets the program’s mandate to improve the security of our citizens. Additionally, our DNA mapping technology can be applied to multiple sample types for use in forensic, human diagnostic and military applications.
“U.S. Genomics’ unique DNA mapping technology allows extremely precise “broadband” detection of bacterial pathogens, toxins and viruses in a biological sample. The technology’s readings are sensitive to the single-molecule level and yield extremely low false positive rates. Using a universal reagent set that can detect and identify pathogens, the technology produces a genetic signature unique to each DNA fragment in the sample, and also identifies the organism from which the DNA originates. Unlike other detection technologies, U.S. Genomics’ detection platform does not require amplification or the use of pathogen-specific reagents for detection of each threat organism, providing broad operational flexibility and lower costs. Furthermore, U.S. Genomics’ approach has the potential to identify genetically modified species, such as those that may have been deliberately engineered to elude traditional detection methods. These factors enable greater protection in defense applications and are the foundation for new, advanced diagnostics in human infectious disease.
About U.S. Genomics, Inc.
U.S. Genomics is pioneering single molecule biology technologies for biodefense and diagnostics applications by combining advances in microfluidics, optical engineering, and novel labeling strategies. Using its DNA mapping technology, the Company is developing sophisticated biological sensors for the detection and identification of pathogens and biomarkers in the air, human serum and other biologically relevant materials. The Company’s biodefense focus on airborne pathogens has been funded in part by contracts from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate. U.S. Genomics’ portfolio of products will further a greater understanding of genetics and disease that can lead to more effective therapeutics, diagnostics, and biodefense applications. For more information, please visit http://www.usgenomics.com.
CONTACT: John J. Canepa, Chief Executive Officer, +1-781-939-6424,
jcanepa@usgenomics.com, or David L. Hoey, VP Business Development,
+1-781-939-6449, dhoey@usgenomics.com, both of U.S. Genomics
Web site: http://www.usgenomics.com/
