Covaris Receives International Collaborative Industry Program Award from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC)

WOBURN, Mass., March 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Covaris, Inc., the leader in focused acoustic technologies for the life sciences, has been awarded an International Collaborative Industry Program (ICIP) grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center for the development of a one-step sample preparation device for use in molecular diagnostics, as part of a $640,000 collaborative project with Coris BioConcept (Gembloux, Belgium).

Under the program, Covaris will develop their award winning Adaptive Focused Acoustics^TM sample-prep technology to interface with the novel detection technology of their collaborator, Coris BioConcept, for the accurate and early detection of sepsis, which impacts millions of patients each year.

"We are excited to develop a simple, one step, low-cost solution for the sample preparation which is critical for high quality Molecular Diagnostics." said Greg Kellogg, Technical Program Manager at Covaris, Inc.

"The partnership between Covaris, Inc. and Coris BioConcept will help bring new health technologies to the market along with economic benefits for both the Wallonia region of Belgium and Massachusetts," said Susan Windham-Bannister, Ph.D., President & CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center.  "We are also excited to announce the second year of the ICIP Program, including two new partner regions in Israel and Medicon Valley.  No, one country or region can address on its own the urgent health challenges that still face our global community, and we are pleased to be partnering with some of the world's leading regions in life sciences innovation. "

About Covaris, Inc.
Covaris utilizes proprietary technologies including Adaptive Focused Acoustic (AFA) to enable advanced sample preparation and optimization of analytical results.  The patented AFA process focuses controlled, precise, and accurate mechanical energy to biological and chemical samples.  The process is non-contact, isothermal, and rapid.  Leading diagnostic centers, universities and pharmaceutical companies worldwide are using Covaris systems for sample preparation for molecular testing.

About Coris BioConcept
Coris BioConcept specializes in developing, manufacturing, and marketing rapid diagnostic tests.  Its product menu includes a wide range of immunochromatographic antigen tests for bacterial and viral pathogens.  Its patented oligochromatographic technology will be implemented in microfluidic format.  Coris BioConcept is present in 80 countries throughout Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and Oceania. 

About The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) is an investment agency that supports life sciences innovation, research, development and commercialization. The MLSC is charged with implementing a 10-year, $1-billion, state-funded investment initiative. These investments create jobs and support advances that improve health and well-being. The MLSC offers the nation's most comprehensive set of incentives and collaborative programs targeted to the life sciences ecosystem. These programs propel the growth that has made Massachusetts the global leader in life sciences. The MLSC creates new models for collaboration and partners with organizations, both public and private, around the world to promote innovation in the life sciences. For more information, visit www.masslifesciences.com.               

Information about Covaris Incorporated is available at http://www.covarisinc.com 
Information about Coris Bioconcept is available at http://www.corisbio.com 
Information about the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center is available at http://www.masslifesciences.com

SOURCE Covaris, Inc.