LexaGene Holdings, Inc, a molecular diagnostics company developing fully automated rapid pathogen detection systems, said it has entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM).
The newly signed CRADA aims to foster innovative biothreat defense capabilities which fall in line with DEVCOM’s current technology priorities.
LexaGene plans to work with the US Army to demonstrate the capabilities of the diagnostic company’s MiQLab, its flagship pathogen detection system.
READ: LexaGene Holdings says it has successfully utilized its MiQLab System to detect the presence of multiple strains of pathogenic bacteria
The MiQLab system is described as delivering excellent sensitivity, specificity, and breadth of detection and can return results in approximately one hour. The system also incorporates an ‘unique’ open-access feature designed for custom testing so that end-users can load their own real-time PCR assays onto the instrument to target any genetic target of interest.
"This CRADA enables our team to work with biothreat specialists within DEVCOM who have access to unique biothreat samples and secure government laboratory facilities,” Dr. Manoj Nair, Director Applications & Assay Development at LexaGene said in the statement.
Nair continued: “This working arrangement is critical for us to advance our goal of providing technology for biothreat detection to the United States government."
As part of the agreement, LexaGene will deliver a MiQLab system to DEVCOM for the purpose of determining the system’s ability to detect Bacillus anthracis and Yersinia pestis, which cause anthrax and plague, respectively.
From there, DEVCOM will determine the system’s sensitivity (limit-of-detection) for these two pathogens as well as evaluate the system’s quantitative detection capability.
“Early in my career, I helped develop the Autonomous Pathogen Detection System (APDS), which was selected by the US Department of Homeland Security to be the first autonomous detector component of their BioWatch antiterrorism program. Through this work, I was inspired to improve the APDS technology, so I invented the technology that LexaGene is now commercializing,” said Dr. Jack Regan, LexaGene’s CEO and Founder.
“LexaGene’s MiQLab is open-access, making it much more nimble for quickly responding to a novel threat,” Regan added. “I am very pleased to be working again with the U.S. government and look forward to demonstrating to the Army the benefits of the MiQLab’s open-access technology for the rapid detection of biothreat agents.”
The test work will be conducted at the Beverly, Massachusetts-based company and DEVCOM’s Chemical Biological Center at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland.
Contact the writer at georgia@proactiveinvestors.com
Follow her on Twitter @MissInformd