PositiveID Corporation, a developer of biological detection and diagnostics solutions, announced today that it has signed a U.S. Special Operations Command ("USSOCOM") Cooperative Research and Development Agreement ("Agreement") with Special Operations Research, Development, & Acquisition Center, Science & Technology Directorate ("USSOCOM SORDAC-ST"), to further develop the Company's real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) pathogen detection system, Firefly Dx, for use across the USSOCOM mission space.
PositiveID's Firefly Dx is a point-of-need, handheld system designed to deliver molecular diagnostic results using real-time PCR chemistry. Firefly Dx is being developed to meet the growing need in military and healthcare markets for more rapid and accurate point-of-need diagnostics that will enable hospitals, physicians, deployed military personnel, and others to save lives. Firefly Dx is designed to derive results from a sample in less than 20 minutes, at the point of need, compared to two to four hours for a laboratory-based device, which could enable accurate diagnostics leading to more rapid and effective treatment at the point of care than what is currently available or non-existent with existing systems.
The objective of this Agreement is to provide a foundation for cooperative work between USSOCOM SORDAC-ST and PositiveID to continue the development of Firefly Dx for Special Operations Force ("SOF") applications, and to provide enhanced operational capability to USSOCOM assets. PositiveID will receive requirements, priorities, feedback, and human factors/human systems integration support to facilitate its ability to support SOF technology needs.
William J. Caragol, Chairman and CEO of PositiveID, said, "We are very proud to work in partnership with the Department of Defense and USSOCOM to help fill their need for novel technologies and systems that can be used to safeguard those who protect our country. We intend to utilize their expert guidance as we continue to develop the prototype of Firefly Dx."
PositiveID's Firefly Dx is a point-of-need, handheld system designed to deliver molecular diagnostic results using real-time PCR chemistry. Firefly Dx is being developed to meet the growing need in military and healthcare markets for more rapid and accurate point-of-need diagnostics that will enable hospitals, physicians, deployed military personnel, and others to save lives. Firefly Dx is designed to derive results from a sample in less than 20 minutes, at the point of need, compared to two to four hours for a laboratory-based device, which could enable accurate diagnostics leading to more rapid and effective treatment at the point of care than what is currently available or non-existent with existing systems.
The objective of this Agreement is to provide a foundation for cooperative work between USSOCOM SORDAC-ST and PositiveID to continue the development of Firefly Dx for Special Operations Force ("SOF") applications, and to provide enhanced operational capability to USSOCOM assets. PositiveID will receive requirements, priorities, feedback, and human factors/human systems integration support to facilitate its ability to support SOF technology needs.
William J. Caragol, Chairman and CEO of PositiveID, said, "We are very proud to work in partnership with the Department of Defense and USSOCOM to help fill their need for novel technologies and systems that can be used to safeguard those who protect our country. We intend to utilize their expert guidance as we continue to develop the prototype of Firefly Dx."