PositiveID Successfully Detects Ebola Virus on its Firefly Dx Prototype System
08 August 2017 - 1:00PM
InvestorsHub NewsWire
Company publishes white paper and data on Ebola detection
Delray Beach, FL -- August 08, 2017 -- InvestorsHub NewsWire --
PositiveID Corporation (OTCQB:
PSID), a life sciences company focused on detection and
diagnostics, and its ExcitePCR Corporation subsidiary announced
today that it has successfully detected Ebola virus on the Firefly
Dx breadboard pathogen detection system (prototype system) and
published a white paper and data on PositiveIDs website and ExcitePCRs website.
In a collaborated effort with assay partner GenArraytion Inc.,
ExcitePCR successfully detected Ebola virus on the Firefly Dx
prototype system. Ebola virus was tested at low number of copies
via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the amplification curves
demonstrated a cycle threshold (Ct) of 21. The automated runs
successfully synthesized cDNA using a proprietary reverse
transcriptase (RT) step and then completed a 40-cycle PCR to
produce the results.
Rapid detection and diagnosis of Ebola virus infection along
with vaccination is imperative to quickly containing an epidemic.
Ebola is an RNA virus and requires a RT step prior to PCR. Despite
its potential diagnostic advantages, RT-PCR methodology (both
conventional and real-time approaches) typically requires
significant laboratory infrastructure, electrical power, multiple
temperature-sensitive reagents, the operation and maintenance of
specialized equipment, and technical expertise in molecular
biology, potentially complicating deployment in resource-limited
settings.
At the height of the Ebola virus outbreak, there were multiple
challenges with accurately diagnosing individuals due to the need
to collect samples, take them back to a central lab, and then wait
hours or even days for results, stated Lyle L. Probst CEO and
President of ExcitePCR. Firefly Dx could eliminate those challenges
as a self-contained, portable lab for point-of-care/point-of-need
applications, providing results in 30 minutes.
The recent outbreak of Ebola virus disease in West Africa has
highlighted both the importance of rapid and accurate diagnosis of
this disease and the challenges around diagnostic testing.
Throughout the 2014-2015 outbreak, diagnosis relied primarily on
testing of venipuncture blood samples from symptomatic individuals
in a biocontainment laboratory facility, leading to challenges with
specimen collection and data management and often a prolonged
turnaround time to final results.
Continued Mr. Probst, Ebola detection is a perfect example of an
application where Firefly Dx could be particularly critical in
remote locations, far from lab facilities, where time to results
can mean life or death. This is why we have formed ExcitePCR; to
facilitate getting the necessary strategic partner and direct
funding in place to complete the development of what we believe is
a very important product that can change the face of biological
detection.
In addition to Ebola virus, the Firefly Dx prototype system has
also successfully detected a number of other pathogenic organisms
including Zika, E. coli, influenza, MRSA, MSSA, C. diff and
others.
About PositiveID Corporation
PositiveID Corporation is a life sciences tools and diagnostics
company with an extensive patent portfolio. PositiveID develops
biological detection and diagnostics systems, specializing in the
development of microfluidic systems for the automated preparation
of and performance of biological assays. PositiveID is also a
leader in the mobile technology vehicle market, with a focus on the
laboratory market and homeland security. For more information on
PositiveID, please visit http://www.psidcorp.com, or connect
with PositiveID on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.
Statements about PositiveID's future expectations, including the
likelihood that Firefly Dx could eliminate those challenges as a
self-contained, portable lab for point of care/point of need
applications, providing results in 30 minutes; the likelihood that
Ebola detection is a perfect example of an application where
Firefly Dx could be particularly critical in remote locations, far
from lab facilities, where time to results can mean life or death;
the likelihood why this is why PositiveID has formed ExcitePCR, to
facilitate getting the necessary strategic partner and direct
funding in place to complete the development of what it believes is
a very important product that can change the face of biological
detection; constitute "forward-looking statements" within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and as that term is defined
in the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to
change at any time, and PositiveID's actual results could differ
materially from expected results. These risks and uncertainties
include, without limitation, the Companys ability to complete the
development and testing of Firefly Dx; the Companys ability to
raise capital; the Companys ability to commercialize Firefly Dx; as
well as other risks. Additional information about these and other
factors that could affect the Company's business is set forth in
the Company's various filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, including those set forth in the Company's 10-K filed
on March 31, 2017, and 10-Qs filed on May 15, 2017, November 18,
2016, and August 12, 2016, under the caption "Risk Factors." The
Company undertakes no obligation to update or release any revisions
to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or
circumstances after the date of this statement or to reflect the
occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.
Contacts:
PositiveID Corporation
Allison Tomek
(561) 805-8044
atomek@psidcorp.com