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U.S. Genomics has invested in excess of $50 million in DLA technology,which integrates novel labeling strategies, advanced microfluidics and opticalengineering to enable pathogens to be identified by rapidly analyzingindividual DNA molecules present in a clinical sample. The technology iscapable of simultaneously detecting a broad range of infectious organisms in asingle diagnostic test. A diagnostic test based on DLA has the potential toprovide clinicians and doctors' information important for patient health, suchas which drugs a specific pathogen may be resistant to, and which drugs couldbe used for most effective patient treatment.
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"We are very pleased to enter into this strategic relationship with BD,"said John J. Canepa, U.S. Genomics' CEO. "BD is the clear market leader inclinical microbiology and their deep experience in product development is anideal complement to our innovative DLA technology and strong research team.We share the goal of establishing a new, faster, more accurate capability formicrobial diagnostics, based on genotype, leading to more effective patienttreatment and better outcomes."
DLA technology, developed with support from venture capital investors,NSF, DARPA, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), also has thepotential to be applied in applications such as patient screening, hospitalmonitoring, epidemiology and forensics. U.S. Genomics currently has anextremely sensitive and accurate sensor for detection of biological threats indevelopment under the DHS Bioagent Autonomous Network Detector program.Similar precision is required in hospital settings, where regulations mayrestrict reimbursement for costs associated with certain infections that occuras a result of hospital procedures. DLA has the potential to rapidly andaccurately resolve whether a patient who became sick during a hospital staywas infected with a known hospital-based organism, or a strain not previouslyseen.
"We see tremendous potential for application of DLA technology," Canepacontinued. "Working closely with BD on this collaboration, we plan toprioritize development efforts toward the multi-billion dollar infectiousdisease testing market. Further, the flexibility of the DLA technology toaddress a wide range of sample types creates future opportunities for U.S.Genomics to expand into significant new application areas, such as bio-security, bio-surveillance, and environmental and food safety testing."
About U.S. Genomics, Inc.
U.S. Genomics is pioneering single molecule biology technologies fordiagnostics and biodefense applications by combining advanced microfluidics,optical engineering, and novel labeling strategies. Using its DNA mappingtechnology, the Company is developing sophisticated biological sensors for thedetection and identification of pathogens and biomarkers in the air and otherbiologically relevant materials. The Company's biodefense focus on airbornepathogens has been funded in part by contracts from the U.S. Department ofHomeland Security Science and Technology Directorate. U.S. Genomics'portfolio of products will further a greater understanding of genetics anddisease
