Boston Business Journal May 10, 2004

 

U.S. Genomics inks homeland defense contract

U.S. Genomics Inc. announced a $7.5 million, 18-month biodefense contract from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to develop a biological sensor to detect and identify airborne pathogens.

Woburn-based U.S. Genomics has a DNA mapping technology that uses a compound that the company says can identify any pathogen by producing a unique genetic signature for each organism. The technology also has the potential to identify genetically modified species.

"Our DNA mapping platform is being developed as a powerful tool for genetic analysis and infectious disease diagnostics," said U.S. Genomics' chairman and CEO Stephen P. DeFalco in a statement. "This new contract enables us to extend the platform for biodefense applications."

Privately held U.S. Genomics was founded in 1997 and has raised a total of $25 million in venture financing and private investment.