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IQuum Awarded SBIR-NIH Phase II Grant for Development of Hand-Held System for Live Anthrax Spore Detection Allston, MA, April 1, 2004 -- IQuum, Inc. announced today that it has been awarded a $2.0 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) for the development of a hand-held system for live anthrax spores detection based on the Company's proprietary lab-in-a-tube technology. Early warning of an anthrax attack on government buildings and other high-risk targets is a priority for national security and the health and safety of those at risk. IQuum's innovative lab-in-a-tube technology will enable rapid field assay for early detection of Bacillus anthracis spores. This novel anthrax spore detection assay is at least 4 times faster than current live spore assays, and will be able to distinguish between live and dead spores. Moreover, as part of this grant, IQuum will overcome the current challenges of environment sample processing by developing pre-filtration and concentration technologies, as well as inhibitor removal methodologies on its lab-in-a-tube platform.Once developed, IQuum's Liat system for anthrax spore detection will allow military personnel and first responders with minimal molecular biology training to detect the presence of live anthrax spores quickly, safely, and cost effectively. This Phase II project follows a Phase I grant awarded to IQuum in March of 2003. Having successfully completed the proof-of-concept of the live-spore detection assay on the lab-in-a-tube platform in Phase I, IQuum will focus on the development of the complete assay for spore detection and the sample purification module, as well as production of the Liat Analyzer for live spore detection in Phase II. About IQuum, Inc. IQuum is a leader in developing lab-in-a-tube technology, a novel biological sample testing platform intended to provide revolutionary benefits to a broad cross section of the bioassay market. The Company's proprietary technology will enable the less experienced professional to perform more sophisticated biological sample testing in a less expensive setting with greater speed. The lab-in-a-tube platform is the foundation of next generation tools for clinical diagnostics, biodefense, and industrial testing. Founded in 1998, IQuum is located in the Boston metropolitan area in Massachusetts. For more information, please visit www.IQuum.com.
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