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IQuum Awarded Biodefense Contract from U.S. Department of Homeland Security Allston, MA, July 14, 2004 -- IQuum, Inc. has been awarded a $3.5 million phase I contract by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Advanced Research Project Agency (HSARPA) to develop a sophisticated bioaerosol monitoring system for bio-defense applications. Under the 18-month contract, the Company will apply its lab-in-a-tube platform technology to the development of the Bioagent Autonomous Networked Detectors (BAND), a "detect-to-treat" system for round-the-clock, distributed monitoring of outdoor urban areas for bacteria, viruses and toxins. IQuum's Liat™ BAND system will combine proven technologies in a novel form and introduce a powerful new method for multiplexed agent detection. The system consists of two components: a disposable cassette containing all reagents necessary for 1 month's operation in a fully-enclosed format, and an analyzer responsible for air-sampling, disposable manipulation, detection, and overall control. Tailored for the BAND system, the Liat platform will enable rapid, sensitive, and fully automated biological sample testing. As part of this project, IQuum will also develop a common assay format to unify toxin and microbial detection to enable the monitoring of multiple agents at the same time.Once developed, the BAND system will be considered for deployment in thousands of public areas including airports, government buildings, and commercial complexes to protect against potential bioterrorism by detecting the presence of airborne bioagents. "These awards dramatically enhance our efforts to meet some of Homeland Security's most immediate technology needs, defending against biological and chemical threats" said Dr. Charles E. McQueary, Under Secretary, Science and Technology. HSARPA received 518 White Papers submitted in response for this phase I contract, its first competitive solicitation. Through rigorous proposal evaluation by a panel of government experts, IQuum was among fourteen teams selected for the award. Click here for the US Department of Homeland Security press release on this award. 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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