Quanterix Announces Strategic Investment From IQT

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Quanterix Corporation, a company enabling a new generation of molecular diagnostic tests based on its revolutionary Single Molecule Array (SiMoA™) technology, announced today a strategic investment and technology development agreement with In-Q-Tel (IQT), the independent strategic investment firm that identifies innovative technology solutions to support the missions of the U.S. Intelligence Community.  Through this strategic partnership, Quanterix aims to expand the development of its SiMoA technology to enable simultaneous measurement of both nucleic acids and proteins for the detection of pathogens.

Quanterix is developing and manufacturing a fully-automated instrument and low cost consumables for use in both the life sciences and in vitro diagnostics (IVD) markets. SiMoA, which has been validated in multiple published journal articles, will facilitate direct and non-amplified detection of pathogens to obtain a level of sensitivity that could previously only be achieved with amplification methods.  

"The ability to accurately detect the presence of low abundance molecules makes Quanterix technology a critical addition to our strategic investment portfolio," stated Syd Ulvick, Ph.D., Vice President, Physical and Biological Technologies practice at IQT.  "The Quanterix SiMoA platform offers great promise for applications in both the private and public sectors." 

"We are delighted to have In-Q-Tel as a strategic investor and partner, and view this investment as a validation of our technological capabilities," said Martin Madaus, Ph.D., Quanterix Chairman and CEO.  "We are excited to initiate this partnership to expand our platform capabilities to include novel applications that address the needs of the Intelligence Community."  

About Quanterix

Quanterix Corporation is developing its proprietary Single Molecule Array (SiMoA™) technology for the in vitro diagnostics and life science research markets. The digital nature of SiMoA yields unprecedented assay performance, stemming from a 1,000-fold improvement in sensitivity compared with today's analog only technology. SiMoA will enable researchers in life science to validate novel, low abundance biomolecules from a single droplet of blood, leading to greater insight into disease detection, diagnosis, therapy selection and disease monitoring. Automated systems based on SiMoA will provide diagnostic test information to healthcare practitioners faster, with greater reliability, unprecedented range and increased cost effectiveness.  Founded in 2007, the privately held Cambridge, Massachusetts-based company is backed by leading life science investors including ARCH Venture Partners, Bain Capital Ventures, and Flagship Ventures. For additional information, please visit www.quanterix.com.

About IQT

In-Q-Tel is the not-for-profit, strategic investment firm that works to identify, adapt, and deliver innovative technology solutions to support the missions of the U.S. Intelligence Community. Launched in 1999 as a private, independent organization, IQT's mission is to identify and partner with companies developing cutting-edge technologies that serve the national security interests of the United States. Working from an evolving strategic blueprint defining the Intelligence Community's critical technology needs, IQT engages with entrepreneurs, startups, researchers, and investors to deliver technologies that provide superior capabilities for the CIA and broader Intelligence Community. For more information, visit www.iqt.org.

SOURCE Quanterix Corporation