Millipore And Boston Probes To Develop Bacteria Identification Tests

Millipore Corp. and Boston Probes, Inc. (BPI) are to jointly develop peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probe-based tests under a new strategic alliance.

Under the terms of the alliance, BPI will develop and manufacture PNA probes, kits and systems that will be used for the identification of bacteria and microorganisms. Millipore, a leader in the filtration and analysis of microorganisms, will develop applications and market the products to customers engaged in the testing of water, beverage, pharmaceutical and microelectronic products, as well as manufacturing processes. The two companies also expect to form additional distribution partnerships to sell tests for analysis of microorganisms in food, dairy and personal care products.

Tests utilizing the PNA technology are expected to provide customers with more information about microorganisms and shorten the time it takes to identify them, giving customers critical information when they need it most. "Recent outbreaks of Salmonella and E. coli demonstrate the need for more effective bacterial testing methods," said Dr. Jack T. Johansen, BPI's president, CEO and co-founder. "BPI's PNA technology unmistakably identifies microorganisms through their genetic makeup. We expect that with Millipore's distribution network, together we can provide our customers with breakthrough tests that improve the quality of their products, cut costs and even potentially save lives."

Probe-based assays rely on strands of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or ribonucleic acid (RNA)—called probes—to identify complementary DNA or RNA in a sample and thereby detect and diagnose disease. While traditional DNA and RNA probes have provided great benefits, a synthetic DNA probe—PNA—expands the range of accessible sample types and assay formats while also improving test specificity and sensitivity, the companies claim.

"By providing positive, genetic identification of microorganisms with PNA probes, we can speed the identification process and eliminate dangerous microbes," said William C. Emhiser, vice president and general manager of Millipore's Applied Microbiology Division. "More rapid, confident decision-making based on our products leads to a lowered risk of exposure to bacterial threats."

For more information: Dr. James Coull, Boston Probes, Inc., telephone: 781-271-1100, ext. 223 or Tom Anderson, Millipore Corp., 80 Ashby Road, Bedford, MA 01730-2271, USA. Telephone: 781-533-2225. Fax: 781-533-3110.