CPHD news,
CDC Validates Bio-Threat Test Kits for Cepheid Smart Cycler(R)
DNA Test Reagents Provided to National Laboratory Response Network
SUNNYVALE, Calif., Dec 10, 2001 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Cepheid (Nasdaq: CPHD chart, msgs) today announced that the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed and validated test kits for several bio-threat agents optimized for use on the company's Smart Cycler(R) DNA detection systems. The CDC is providing the test reagents to the Laboratory Response Network (LRN), comprised of over 80 state and local public health and military laboratories. Established by the CDC in 1999, in collaboration with the FBI and the Association of Public Health Laboratories, the LRN provides nationwide screening and reference testing capabilities to respond to a bioterrorism event.
The CDC is developing validated detection assays for bio-threat agents and provides these approved testing reagents to the LRN, enabling public health laboratories to rapidly and accurately identify anthrax bacteria and other potential agents of bioterrorism. Only LRN member laboratories can confirm the presence of bio-threat agents using CDC protocols.
"The availability of these assays will strengthen our ability to make a rapid identification of a bio-threat agent," said Stephen Morse, Ph.D., Associate Director for Science with the CDC's Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Program. "The LRN is bringing advanced technology to the public health effort to combat bioterrorism."
One of the most sensitive and accurate methods for identifying a biological agent such as anthrax is real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction), a chemical reaction capable of detecting trace levels of the target organism's DNA. Cepheid's Smart Cycler line of DNA detection systems, designed for both laboratory and field-testing, enables rapid sample analysis by real-time PCR with results in as little as 20 minutes. Introduced in May 2000, the systems are in place and being used by various U.S. government and state agencies, including the CDC, Department of Defense, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, U.S. Department of Agriculture and state public health laboratories.
"Availability of CDC-validated, optimized reagents for the Smart Cycler shows the extent to which our systems are being used in the public health sector," said Thomas Gutshall, Cepheid chairman and chief executive officer. "Rapid, accurate test results are critical for emergency preparedness and response, and our DNA detection technology has demonstrated its value for these types of time-critical applications."
Cepheid, based in Sunnyvale, Calif., is a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of miniaturized, fully integrated instrument systems for rapid, on-site detection of DNA -- the universal biological identifier. Founded in 1996, the company is commercializing its technology and products for scientific, medical and industrial applications requiring time-critical detection of human and other genes, infectious disease agents, and industrial and environmental contaminants at the point of need. Cepheid and Smart Cycler are registered trademarks of Cepheid. See www.cepheid.com for more information.
Statements in this release, including those that may relate to revenue growth, trends in financial or operational performance, litigation, new product plans and business prospects are forward-looking statements. Actual results might differ materially from these statements due to risks and uncertainties, including the impact of competitive products and pricing, market acceptance of new products, market conditions and enforcement of intellectual property rights. A more detailed description of these risks and other risks applicable to Cepheid appears in Cepheid's reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available upon request from Cepheid. Cepheid disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements. |
