TUCSON, Ariz.–HTG Molecular Diagnostics, has announced today it is entering the next phase of a multi-million, multi-institutional research project to develop technologies that would rapidly measure an individual’s level of exposure to radiation in the event of a radiological or nuclear incident. This $5M contract extension, $2.7M of which is HTG’s portion, is part of a five-year, potential $35.4M contract between ASU and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). It began August 2011 and concludes April 2012. This funding supports gene expression and development services which will demonstrate the feasibility of HTG’s qNPA™ assay and a radiation signature to measure exposure dose of radiation. If successful in this effort, additional contract options may be exercised for further assay development and submission for clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a diagnostic test.

HTG Molecular Diagnostics’ proprietary qNPA technology uses quantitative nuclease protection to discover and detect unique levels of gene expression reflecting gene activity and biological function. ASU is leading this multi-institutional research program to build a test that accurately measures an individual’s level of dose to radiation exposures in the aftermath of a radiological or nuclear incident. HTG’s qNPA technology is being developed as a platform that will enable testing of thousands of individuals a day, permitting more rapid and effective triage of large numbers of patients than is currently possible.

“Our contract with ASU and the BARDA program is very synergistic with HTG’s diagnostic strategy. Our qNPA technology offers a unique blend of value with high throughput and multiplex capabilities which is ideal for this diagnostic application,” said TJ Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, HTG Molecular Diagnostics. “We are honored to be part of this multi-institutional program and believe our work with ASU has further established HTG’s dynamic offerings.”

About HTG Molecular Diagnostics

HTG Molecular Diagnostics is a privately-held, Tucson-based company providing products for gene expression profiling, miRNA, siRNA and mRNA measurement for clinical research, companion diagnostic and prognostic applications in oncology. The company’s qNPA molecular technology platform is well-suited for reliably detecting changes in gene expression levels especially from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue. Additional information is available at www.htgmolecular.com.

About the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)

BARDA, within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, uses a comprehensive integrated portfolio approach to the advanced research and development, stockpile acquisition, innovation, and manufacturing infrastructure building of the necessary vaccines, drugs, therapeutics, diagnostic tools, and non-pharmaceutical products for public health medical emergencies including chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, as well as pandemic influenza, and emerging infectious diseases.