MENLO PARK, Calif., Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Pria Diagnostics and
Vanderbilt University today announced a collaboration to combine Pria's
miniaturized fluorescence reader with Vanderbilt's lab-on-chip diagnostic
assays. The collaboration is focused on developing products that rapidly
detect immunofluorescent antigens in a handheld package. Pria and Vanderbilt
intend to use the combined technologies to achieve laboratory quality
infectious disease testing, initially for specific applications in mobile
bioweapons and emerging disease detection.
"Vanderbilt has clearly differentiated itself as a world class research
facility in the area of biological MEMS (microelectromechanical systems).
Their extensive experience in using microfluidics to separate and label
samples on a single assay fits ideally with our microfluorimeter," said Jason
Pyle, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer for Pria. "The integration of their
technology with our platform shows how fluorescence testing achieves
diagnostic capabilities previously only available through a laboratory."
Pria's microfluorimeter combines solid-state components, polymer optics
and an integrated digital control system to replace the complex machinery used
in current fluorescent detectors. As a result, the platform is portable,
lightweight and mechanically robust in a device that can be manufactured at
low cost in high volume. The microfluorimeter possesses the sensitivity and
fidelity required in a wide range of fluorescent assays, including screening
for chemical and biological weapons (CBW), chronic and infectious diseases and
hazardous environmental conditions.
John P. Wikswo, Ph.D., Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Physiology,
and Physics at Vanderbilt, will head the University's efforts through the
Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education
(VIIBRE). VIIBRE is supported by DARPA, NIH, and the Whitaker Foundation. "I
am amazed at how well the Pria and VIIBRE technologies are meshing, and our
rapid progress on prototype portable instruments for clinical diagnosis,
biodefense, and toxin exposure," said Dr. Wikswo.
Mobile microdiagnostic tests could quickly and efficiently provide
critical information in a wide variety of military and medical environments.
Pria's platform is small enough to be carried in the pocket or pack of
soldiers in the field for real-time CBW screening of anthrax, cholera or
smallpox. Similarly, physicians could rapidly identify and diagnose emerging
diseases, such as SARS, Ebola or West Nile virus, before outbreaks occur.
About Pria Diagnostics:
Pria Diagnostics is a privately held company specializing in miniaturized
advanced medical diagnostics. Pria uses the latest advances in microfluidics
and florescence-based detection to offer a single unit diagnostic test capable
of highly specific cellular analysis. Adapted from medical research and
military applications, the Company's innovative technology permits an
integrated fully functional design that is highly durable, small, lightweight
and low cost. For more information, please visit http://www.priadiagnostics.com.
About VIIBRE:
The Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education
was created in 2001 by a $5 million grant from the Vanderbilt University with
the goal of establishing cross-disciplinary programs linking the Schools of
Medicine, Engineering, and Arts & Science, with an emphasis on experimental
systems biology.
Contact:
Ben Taylor
Vice President Business Development
Pria Diagnostics
(650) 352-5202 x59
ben.taylor@priadi.com
|
