 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
IQuum Awarded Additional Patent for Lab-in-a-tube Technology Allston, MA, November 15, 2005. -- IQuum today announced the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 6,964,862 for a “Sample Processing Device and Method.” The patent covers the core lab-in-a-tube technology, as well as methods of processing a sample within a lab-in-a-tube sample vessel. “Our lab-in-a-tube technology is highly novel and we are please to see the issuance of the ‘862 patent,” said Dr. Shuqi Chen, CEO of IQuum. “The unique combination of the lab-in-a-tube sample vessel and modular sample processor will revolutionize biological sample testing, and truly enable the non-specialized personnel to conduct more sophisticated biological sample testing in any setting with greater speed.” The lab-in-a-tube sample vessel comprises a flexible tube that contains all assay reagents pre-packed in tube segments separated by peelable seals. Multiple sample processing actuators in the Liat™ systems compress the tube to selectively release reagents from tube segments, move the sample from one segment to another, and control reaction conditions. The technology provides significant advantages over current approaches, including (1) full walk-away automation of all testing processes from sample preparation to amplification to real-time detection, (2) rapid testing with a sample-to-result time of as little as 30 minutes, and (3) a truly closed system where all sample processing is conducted within the closed sample vessel. No reagents or reaction mixtures need to be manually added or transferred during a test, thus avoiding cross-contamination, reducing biohazard risks, and preserving sample integrity. IQuum is leveraging this proprietary technology to develop the next generation of tools for biological sample testing. For example, the Liat™ Analyzer is a fully automated molecular diagnostics system that is currently undergoing clinical trials. The company is also applying the technology to bio-defense, including the development of the Bioagent Autonomous Network Detector in collaboration with the US Department of Homeland Security for bio-aerosol monitoring. Other applications are also being actively pursued. This issuance complements US Patent 6,780,617, issued on August 24, 2004, which covers the lab-in-a-tube thermal cycling device and method. IQuum holds the exclusive worldwide rights to both patents. About IQuum, Inc. IQuum, based in Boston, Massachusetts, is the leader in developing lab-in-a-tube technology, a novel biological sample testing platform which provides revolutionary benefits to a broad cross section of the bioassay market. The Company's proprietary technology enables the non-specialized personnel to perform more sophisticated biological sample testing in any setting with greater speed. Founded in 1998, the Company is commercializing its lab-in-a-tube technology and products for the clinical diagnostics, bio-defense, and industrial testing markets. For more information, please visit www.IQuum.com.
|