Sep 17 2008
BioForce Nanosciences Holdings, Inc., a leader in systems integration at the micro and nano scales to create products for the life sciences, is pleased to announce that funding for its ViriChip(TM) pathogen detection system has been secured by Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) in the Senate Fiscal Year 2009 Department of Defense Appropriations bill. Senator Harkin, a four term senator, is a senior member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. The bill must pass the Senate and the House, and receive the President's signature, before this funding is finalized.
BioForce's ViriChip platform is a patented ultramicro scale biosensor platform for detecting and identifying microbial pathogens, in particular viruses. This system could represent a breakthrough in medical virology and in other fields where virus detection is a fundamental necessity, including biodefense and environmental monitoring. The ViriChip platform employs BioForce's Nano eNabler™ system to create miniature arrays of multiple biological substances, such as antibodies, to which different pathogens will adhere.
ViriChip's advantages over conventional methods of pathogen detection are anticipated to include the number of different pathogens which can be detected in one test, the speed with which the testing can be performed, the ability to perform testing under environmental conditions where alternative testing methodologies are not viable, and portability of the system due to the miniaturized nature of the test. These advantages offer the potential to dramatically change the way in which the United States military monitors field environments for the presence of dangerous pathogens.
Kerry Frey, BioForce's President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are appreciative of Senator Harkin's support of this project. Importantly, the ViriChip platform has the potential to improve the safety of our military personnel, and ultimately save lives. ViriChip is but one example of our portfolio of scientific applications involving our platform technology, the ability to deposit micro to nano scale amounts of biological materials onto surfaces in a precise and flexible manner, which is embodied in our Nano eNabler system."