BioFire Diagnostics, Inc., has announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued U.S. Patent No. 8,394,608, covering the company’s FilmArray system. According to company spokespersons, FilmArray’s proprietary technology represents a significant advancement in user-friendliness and multiplex infectious disease testing capability for hospital clinical labs. This is the first U.S. patent issued to cover the FilmArray system, and BioFire has exclusive rights to the patented technology. Specifically, the patent covers methods for sample preparation and two-step multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a sealed container.
As part of the FilmArray system, BioFire has developed the FilmArray Respiratory Panel (RP), which rapidly detects nucleic acids in nasopharyngeal swabs obtained from individuals suspected of respiratory tract infections. Requiring only two minutes of hands-on time, FilmArray RP has about a one-hour turnaround time, and simultaneously tests for 20 viral and bacterial targets.
Additionally, BioFire is continuing to develop a broader test menu for the FilmArray system, including a Blood Culture ID Panel, a Gastrointestinal Panel, and a Meningitis Panel, with more patents expected in the future.
“BioFire is excited to broaden its already extensive intellectual property portfolio,” says Kirk Ririe, CEO. “We are confident this newest patent will provide exclusivity for our FilmArray system and methods.” Read more about the BioFire FilmArray system.
