Safeguard Biosystems’ Test For Influenza A Viruses Enables Mass Surveillance

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Safeguard Biosystems Inc., an emerging Canadian company specializing in advanced molecular diagnostic technologies, has created a rapid, simple and cost-effective test for the detection of all Influenza A viruses including the Swine Flu (H1N1), and Avian Flu (H5N1) strains.

“Highly accurate and cost-effective testing should be a critical component of biosecurity strategies. Only with mass surveillance for the presence of disease causing pathogens in animals can we hasten early detection and prevention,” says Richard Strafehl, CEO, Safeguard Biosystems.

Safeguard Biosystems has developed tests based on two technologies; the Lateral Flow Device (LFD) for rapid, simple in-field testing and the 3D SensorArrayTM for automated DNA testing to subtype viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. The LFD test can provide a result in minutes and if ‘positive’, DNA extracted from the LFD can be used with the 3D SensorArrayTM or other molecular systems to provide valuable subtyping or reassortment information.

What is common to these tests is that a) they address a large and previously underserved need for pathogen screening b) they are rapid, inexpensive and effective enabling broad adoption c) they make possible preventative mass surveillance for biosecurity and human health related issues.

The Company’s Influenza A lateral flow device test is designed to identify the presence or absence of all Influenza A viruses, including the H1N1 strain, in approximately 5 minutes. In recent trials for Influenza A H5N1 (Avian Flu) on wild birds in Europe and domestic poultry in Asia, the test achieved greater than 99% accuracy with exceptional sensitivity. The product is scheduled to launch later this year as AvianGUARDTM Flu (for poultry and birds). In light of the current outbreak, Safeguard Biosystems is working with government agencies to expand this test for use to include humans and pigs.

In the development of the Company’s technologies and tests it has worked with leading scientific institutions such as Argonne National Laboratory (US Government), the US Department of Agriculture, the Veterinary and Central Science Laboratory Agencies (UK Government), IMTEK (Germany) and the Canadian Centre for DNA Barcoding.

CattleGUARDTM is the Company’s test for an infectious virus in cattle. Though not transmissible to humans, it is in a family of viruses associated with West Nile Encephalitis, Yellow Fever, Dengue Fever and Hepatitis C.

DairyGUARDTM is the Company’s 3D SensorArrayTM automated DNA test for multiple bacteria in milk.

“At Safeguard Biosystems we believe that mass surveillance is the best tool for global prevention, spreading and early warnings of these types of viruses.” says Strafehl.

About Harris Brown and Partners Limited

Harris Brown and Partners Limited has been engaged by the Company to procure financing that will enable it to further develop and launch its Influenza A and other rapid molecular diagnostic products.

Harris Brown & Partners Limited (http://www.harrisbrownpartners.ca) is a Canadian corporate finance firm based in Toronto Ontario, and conducts business in North America and the United Kingdom. The firm specializes in advising and providing capital to small and mid-sized companies requiring new funding or for undertaking refinancings, acquisitions, and restructurings.

Source
Safeguard Biosystems Inc. 

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