Firefly is based on technology from your M-BAND (Microfluidics-based Bioagent Networked Detector) airborne bio-threat detector; can you explain the evolution of this technology and what inspired it?
A: Mr. William J. Caragol, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Throughout meetings with past and potential new customers representing a variety of different industries, we listened to their needs and the circumstances they often face including military field deployments, evolving conditions in remote areas ,agricultural testing, etc and it became clear that there is a real and pressing need for portable, handheld, rapid biological testing solutions.
We have been able to evolve and miniaturize the patented technology advances we’ve achieved in the development of our M-BAND, which is basically a “lab-in-a-box,” and Dragonfly cartridge based systems to create a handheld, battery-powered, rapid biological testing system that can communicate test results from sample purification to final results in less than 30 minutes to a SMART phone or personal computer. Furthermore, the system is designed to be easy to use and does not require a high level of technical expertise to operate.
Q: Investorideas.com
According to your April 29, 2013 press release, Firefly is expected to quickly process human and agricultural samples to provide accurate confirmation of biological threats via a smart-phone application. What is a realistic time frame to see this app available to military in the field?
A: Mr. William J. Caragol, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
The business strategy that we have employed for our biological detection technologies in the past and intend to continue moving forward is to innovate and develop novel technologies for markets in detection and diagnostics, and to partner with large firms that have a foothold in the market with scalable manufacturing capabilities. We believe that with the appropriate funding partner, we could complete the development of handheld prototypes and cartridges and have the devices ready for field testing in approximately 12 months.
Q: Investorideas.com
What biological agents can the Firefly Dx system detect?
A: Mr. William J. Caragol, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
The assay format of the Firefly Dx is polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using Real-time TaqMan® probe-based chemistry and is currently adapted to detect both DNA and RNA targets. PositiveID is currently developing diagnostic panels for the Firefly Dx against measles, respiratory diseases, and Arboviral diseases. Because the Firefly Dx instrument is a universal cartridge-based system, however, it will be able to accommodate new assays or panels very rapidly. Some examples of organisms for which we have previously developed immunoassays include anthrax, small pox, various forms of influenza, and MRSA, among many others.
Q: Investorideas.com
Can you give us an update on your M-BAND system and the status of BioWatch Generation 3?
A: Mr. William J. Caragol, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
As you know, on January 25, 2013, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security released a draft request for proposal (“RFP”) for Stage 1 of BioWatch Generation 3. At that time it was announced that the final RFP for Stage 1 would be released in the government’s third quarter of fiscal 2013, which ends June 30th. If that timeline holds, the RFP is expected to be awarded in late 2013 and have a performance period of 18 months. We look forward to the release of the final RFP and will keep our investors informed of any updates.
About PositiveID Corporation
PositiveID Corporation is an emerging growth company and developer of biological detection systems for America's homeland defense industry as well as rapid biological testing. PositiveID is focused on the development of microfluidic systems for the automated preparation of and performance of biological assays in order to detect biological threats at high-value locations, as well as analyze samples in a medical environment. http://www.PositiveIDCorp.com
About InvestorIdeas.com:
Investorideas.com is a meeting place for investors and public companies in leading sectors? Find investing ideas in biotech and biodefense stocks, tech and mobile stocks, mining stocks, oil and gas, water stocks, renewable energy, beverage stocks, defense stocks, nanotech and more on TSX, OTC, NASDAQ and global exchanges.
Get free investor news and stock alerts
Sign Up: http://www.investorideas.com/Resources/Newsletter.asp
Disclaimer /Disclosure: Disclaimer: Our sites do not make recommendations. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. We attempt to research thoroughly, but we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of information presented. All Information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of our web sites. This site is currently compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising. .More info: www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp and disclosures: PositiveID Corporation compensates Investorideas.com for news release publication, syndication on blogs and related sites and email distribution and company profile: renewed May 2013 for three months: $1500 plus 50,000 144 shares .
http://www.investorideas.com/About/News/Clientspecifics.asp
BC Residents and Investor Disclaimer : Effective September 15 2008 - all BC investors should review all OTC and Pink sheet listed companies for adherence in new disclosure filings and filing appropriate documents with Sedar. Read for more info: http://www.bcsc.bc.ca/release.aspx?id=6894
Contact
PSID:
Allison Tomek
561-805-8000
atomek@positiveidcorp.com
Investorideas.com: 800 665 0411