PHILADELPHIA, PA--(Marketwire - Nov 5, 2012) -Invisible Sentinel Inc., a life sciences company that develops rapid diagnostics for the detection of foodborne pathogens, announced today that its first-in-class rapid diagnostic for the detection of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli in poultry received Performance Tested Methods(SM)accreditation from the Association of Analytical Communities (AOAC). The AOAC is a global standardization organization that validates analytical test methods for the food industry. The AOACPerformance Tested Methods(SM) designation is recognized by the USDA and FDA, as well as numerous global regulatory agencies.
"This approval marks a tremendous milestone for Invisible Sentinel and introduces our first-in-class pathogen detection system to the food industry. The Company's Veriflow™ Campylobacter Assay (Veriflow™ CA) is a rapid, molecular based detection system designed to provide easy-to-interpret results," said Ben Pascal, co-founder and CEO of Invisible Sentinel.
Invisible Sentinel's Veriflow™ CA is a unique molecular detection system and is the first hand-held molecular diagnostic to be approved by the AOAC for the detection of foodborne pathogens. This test is among the fastest commercially available assays for the detection of Campylobacter from poultry rinsates and offers a multitude of competitive advantages over alternative detection methods. The Veriflow™ system features the robustness, ease of use, and speed of detection that was previously absent from competing testing methodologies.
"We are now providing Veriflow™ CA to targeted customers and are initiating discussions with potential partners for its further distribution in the United States, Europe and other territories," said Nick Siciliano, co-founder and COO of Invisible Sentinel. "Veriflow™ CA is an excellent demonstration of Invisible Sentinel's technology and we are advancing Veriflow™ assays for the detection of Listeria, Salmonella, and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) through the AOAC approval process. We intend to provide a comprehensive suite of pathogen detection solutions to the food industry," said Siciliano.
Invisible Sentinel has commenced manufacturing of its Veriflow™ assays and is preparing for a formal product launch. The Company believes their Veriflow™ technology will create a paradigm shift in the food industry by providing a diagnostic solution that combines the practicality and versatility of traditional methods with the speed and sensitivity of molecular based detection.
About Invisible Sentinel
Based in Philadelphia at the University City Science Center, Invisible Sentinel develops diagnostic technologies for a safer food supply. The Company's focus is on developing rapid diagnostics that quickly provide accurate information about the presence of harmful pathogens. The first in class patented technology, produced under good manufacturing practices, provides the same data as the USDA reference methods but minimizes the time, reduces the cost, and lowers the overhead associated with conventional diagnostics. The food industry is the first market that the Company is targeting, but its platform technology has the potential to provide valuable tools for additional industries including healthcare, veterinary, biodefense, and environmental testing, where rapid detection of target analytes from unrefined samples is critical. Uniquely designed for easy, practical use -- on-site and throughout the entire food distribution network -- Invisible Sentinel's proprietary diagnostic products promise to create a new standard for rigorous quality control.
About the University City Science Center
The University City Science Center accelerates technology commercialization, regional economic development, and the market availability of life-enhancing scientific breakthroughs by bringing together innovations, scientists, entrepreneurs, funding, laboratory facilities, and business services. Established in 1963 and headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, the Science Center was the first, and remains the largest, urban research park in the United States. Graduate organizations and current residents of the University City Science Center's Port business incubators have created more than 15,000 jobs that remain in the Greater Philadelphia region today and contribute more than $9 billion to the regional economy annually. For more information about the Science Center, go to www.sciencecenter.org.
