(Woburn, MA) — CryoXtract Instruments, LLC, a leader in developing unique automation solutions for preserving and optimizing frozen biological samples, announced today that the United States Patent Office has granted U.S. Patent No. 8,448,456 related to systems, methods and devices for aliquotting frozen biosamples.

This patent is jointly owned by Harvard University and Northeastern University, which collaborated on the development of the technology. CryoXtract is the exclusive licensee of the patent, which covers CryoXtract’s core technology and solutions that enable the scientific community to access high-value frozen biological samples while protecting them from

detrimental repeated freeze/thaw cycles.

Biosamples are critical to the advancement of molecular medicine, biomarker discovery/validation and other important research and development initiatives. Today, access to frozen biosamples is typically achieved by thawing the entire stored primary sample, aliquotting the amount needed for scientific purposes, and then refreezing the primary sample.

“Frozen aliquotting has the potential to alter current sub-optimal practices for accessing and preserving the value of critical biosamples. Our technology and associated product solutions aim to meet the rapidly growing demand for efficient access to these samples, while ensuring preservation of their integrity and the validity of scientific outcomes and discoveries,” said John A. McCarthy, Jr., CryoXtract’s CEO. “Corresponding patent applications are pending in other

international markets. Additionally, we have filed new U.S. and international patent applications directed to key enhancements and broadened applications for our core technology.”

“We see the granting of this patent as a significant milestone, not just for CryoXtract and our University partners, but for scientists involved in the advancement of medicine who will benefit from CryoXtract’s continued focus on introducing unique, high-value solutions into the scientific community,” said Dr. Omar Amirana, Managing Director and Head of Life Sciences at Allied Minds, Inc., the Boston-based private investment group that founded and funds the company.