NOVATO, CA – Biosearch Technologies, Inc. (Biosearch), a leading supplier of sophisticated oligonucleotide components to the rapidly growing molecular diagnostics industry, today announced that the company has been awarded a Phase II Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grant from the Department of Defense (DoD). The purpose of the $800,000+ Phase II grant is to continue the design and development of rapid and highly accurate assays for pathogens of military importance. The assays will be based on reverse transcriptase quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) modified for field deployment in overseas military operations. The grant includes rapid assays for six arbovirus pathogens listed in the top 20 of the Global Risk-Severity Index (GRSI) compiled by the Armed Forces Medical Intelligence Center (AFMIC). In addition, several of these agents are listed as Category A or B Priority Pathogens by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). The grant also covers development of Analyte Specific Reagents (ASRs).

Jerry Ruth, PhD, Director of Research and Development at Biosearch Technologies, comments, “Field-deployable assays for the rapid and specific detection of highly infectious and often lethal diseases in the field of operations are of paramount importance to military personnel. Additionally, such assays may also be used for monitoring the environmental source of such pathogens.” Dr. Ruth is the Principal Investigator of the award.

About Biosearch Technologies, Inc.

Biosearch Technologies, Inc. is a privately held, ISO 9001:2008 certified company, located in northern California. Founded in 1993, Biosearch is a leader in the design, development

and manufacture of sophisticated oligonucleotide-based tools. Products include fluorophores (CAL Fluor®, Quasar® and Pulsar® dyes) and dark quenchers (Black Hole Quencher® dyes) to be included in custom-synthesized probe formats for real-time, quantitative PCR and other genomic-based applications.

In addition to basic R&D applications, Biosearch now leverages its demonstrated expertise in fully assembled RUO kits and the cGMP manufacture of oligonucleotide components for molecular diagnostic assays. Biosearch Technologies is registered with the FDA (registration number 300300905), and as such, its contract manufacturing processes conform to all applicable GMP requirements per 21 CFR Part 820. Biosearch markets include pharmaceutical, in-vitro diagnostic, biotech, ag/bio, environmental and food testing, public health, and biodefense sectors.

For additional information about Biosearch Technologies, Inc., contact [email protected] or visit www.biosearchtech.com