Frost & Sullivan Acknowledges that PKC's Biosensors are Expected to Become the New Industry Standard in Pathogen Testing

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Feb. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Based on its recent analysis of the global biosensors market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Pharmaco-Kinesis Corporation (PKC) with the 2013 Global Frost & Sullivan Award for New Product Innovation. The company has set a new standard in the biosensors market with its innovative, highly sensitive biosensor. This unique, multi-pathogen detection device utilizes electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to detect pathogens such as E. coli 0157:H7 and the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus. It offers higher sensitivity, accuracy, cost-savings. Other key advantages are its greater portability and reusability; and a shorter, less complex testing process than other biosensors in the market. This exhibits PKC's market expertise and technological excellence.

PKC biosensors' sample preparation is conducted in a controlled environment, which eliminates the possibility of contamination. Additionally, PKC biosensors require minimal human intervention and provide immediate, real-time pathogen detection. The product has a longer lifespan than similar solutions and can operate efficiently for more than five years with repeated use.

Unlike other pathogen test instruments that utilize test strips or incubators, PKC biosensors use a biosensor container with an electrochemical sensor attached to the base, along with a liquid mixer and a microprocessor that records biosensor readings. This entire device is encased in protective housing, which includes a container holder. This technology lets the pathogen detection status be obtained remotely in real time using radio frequency identification (RFID) readers.

"PKC's new biosensor offers a number of advantages over the other pathogen test solutions in the market. For example, the lateral flow method requires about eight hours for sample preparation and testing, while PKC's new technology takes only four hours," said Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Dr. Rajender Thusu. "Further, PKC's technology can detect E. coli 0157:H7, even when it is present in colonies of hundreds, a considerably smaller population than required by other test methods."

Additionally, PKC's technology requires a consumable input of only bacteria culture medium, which makes this solution highly cost-effective. Using a vertical orientation of colonies, instead of existing test solutions' horizontal orientation, significantly accelerates the detection process.

As PKC's biosensors also offer automated signal generation and high ease of use, it does away with the need to train technicians or use expensive additional equipment. The PKC test instrument requires only an initial investment, instead of the recurring investments needed by other test solutions. Overall, PKC lowers the cost of pathogen testing to almost half of that of lateral-flow technology.

"Although designed for use across a number of application areas, PKC's biosensors are used primarily in food processing," noted Dr. Thusu. "They also demonstrate high growth potential in the application areas of patient care monitoring, biodefense, environmental monitoring, and infection control. Another key application area detection of biomarkers related to all cancer types, genetic makers, DAN, RNA and CNS battery of diseases including Alzheimer's biomarkers, Parkinson and MS."  

PKC's constant focus on tracking emerging customer needs enables it to introduce industry-first products and solutions designed to offer high customer value and increased return on investment (ROI). PKC is also developing biosensors using nanotechnology, including nanobiosensors, for both in-vivo and in-vitro monitoring of biomarker levels.

PKC is currently working on the first-generation nano-impedance biosensor (NIB) that exhibits the capability to detect high proteins like vascular endorphin growth factor (VEGF). This is likely to enable real-time analysis of tumors in the human body without the need for a blood draw or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test.  Every twenty four hours, the body of each human on our planet produces one million cancer cells. Our immune system fights these cancer cells and most often wins the battle every day. Due to weakness of the immune system and reasons that are still unknown, one cancer cell from these one million cells can remain in the body. This rogue cancer cell will then start to grow and can metastasize. The science and medical community unequivocally agrees that - were we capable of detecting these metastatic cancer cells before they grow to about 1 gram in critical mass (about 1 cc in volume) - current treatment modalities could defend against the cancer and save every life. PKC VEGF NIB will give cancer patients to hopefully never experience the pain and suffering of experiencing chemotherapy, tumor resection and death.  The first PKC commercial version of NIB for VEGF will be ready in about six months.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has developed an innovative element in a product by leveraging leading-edge technologies. The award recognizes the value-added features/benefits of the product and the increased ROI it offers customers, which, in turn, increases customer acquisition and overall market penetration potential.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

About Pharmaco-Kinesis Corporation (PKC)

PKC is an advanced medical device company at pre-commercialization stage that aims to optimize the healing of the human body through proprietary local Smart Drug Delivery Systems™ and associated devices to measure biological responses.

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the management of Pharmaco-Kinesis Corporation and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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SOURCE Frost & Sullivan