Akrivis Technologies Signs Strategic Alliance and Distribution Agreement with United States Biological Corporation

Will co-develop products and services based on Akrivis’ breakthrough technology platform for the ultrasensitive detection of biomarkers

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Akrivis Technologies, LLC announced today that it has reached a strategic alliance and distribution agreement with United States Biological Corporation, a world leader in the manufacture and distribution of antibodies and biochemicals used in research laboratories and production facilities. Adapting elements of nanotechnology with molecular detection and immunology, Akrivis Technologies has developed a modern solution to a long-standing research dilemma: how to provide aggressively lower sensitivity levels across multiple immunoassays and detection platforms, from colorimetric to fluorescent detection in vitro, to nuclear imaging in vivo.

“In addition, Akrivis and USBiological will co-develop new ultrasensitive kits based on USBiological’s extensive catalog of biomolecular targets, biomarkers and antibodies, covering the oncology, CNS, cardiovascular, inflammation and auto-immune therapeutic areas.”

As part of the agreement, USBiological will co-develop, manufacture, promote and sell novel Research-Use-Only products and services based on Akrivis’ Z-TECT^TM technology platform. With ultra low limits-of-detection several thousand fold lower than currently achievable, Z-TECT^TM makes it possible to vastly improve the early detection of cancer biomarkers in vitro. In addition, Z-TECT^TM is capable of imaging millimeter-size micro-lesions in animal models and makes cancer detection in vivo now possible at much lower levels of growth.

“As we progress towards developing ultrasensitive clinical diagnostics, this agreement provides Akrivis with USBiological’s extensive U.S. and international sales and distribution channels for the broad and imminent commercialization of its Z-TECT^TM ultrasensitive detection platform for research use,” said Joel Berniac, Ph.D., MBA, CEO of Akrivis Technologies. “In addition, Akrivis and USBiological will co-develop new ultrasensitive kits based on USBiological’s extensive catalog of biomolecular targets, biomarkers and antibodies, covering the oncology, CNS, cardiovascular, inflammation and auto-immune therapeutic areas.”

Warren Shore, President of USBiological, added, “This strategic alliance and distribution agreement will expand USBiological’s current product lines and technologies by building onto Akrivis’ novel Z-TECT^TM technology platform, and by providing the research community with new ultrasensitive reagents and kits for a variety of immunoassay formats, including ELISA, chemiluminescence, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and radioimmunoassays.”

About Akrivis Technologies, LLC

Akrivis Technologies, LLC is a privately held company headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, committed to the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of serious and life-threatening diseases based on its patented Z-TECTTM technology platform. Z-TECTTM is a new nanotechnology-based technique for detecting unusually low levels of protein and molecular targets. Unlike traditional methods, which are not readily adaptable to multiple assay formats and require special detection equipment, Akrivis’ Z-TECTTM technology platform amplifies true signal at the source. This comprehensive approach allows unparalleled access to the entire spectrum of immunoassays and detection platforms. With ultra low limits-of-detection several thousand fold lower than currently achievable, Z-TECTTM makes it possible to vastly improve the early detection of cancer biomarkers in vitro. Z-TECTTM is also capable of imaging millimeter-size micro-lesions in animal models and makes cancer detection in vivo now possible at much lower levels of growth. For more information, please visit http://www.akrivis.com/.

About United States Biological Corporation

United States Biological Corporation is a leader in the supply of antibodies, molecular biology products and biochemicals used in research laboratories and production facilities throughout the world. A privately held company headquartered in Salem, Massachusetts, USBiological is a primary brand for the Life Science Industry. Its catalog of 150,000+ biochemicals, antibodies, recombinant proteins, cell culture media and molecular biology kits are used in virtually all scientific applications and settings, including genomic research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development and the diagnosis of disease. USBiological’s customers include most of the leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies located in the US and abroad. For more information, please visit http://www.usbio.net/.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this news release regarding future product development programs, potential applications of technology, opportunities for the respective companies or any other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by the management of Akrivis Technologies, LLC, or United States Biological Corporation constitute forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including: limited operating history, need for future capital, risks inherent in the development and commercialization of potential products, protection of intellectual property, and economic conditions generally.

Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, opinions, and expectations of the companies’ management at the time they are made, and the companies do not assume any obligation to update their forward-looking statements if those beliefs, opinions, expectations, or other circumstances should change.