Rapid Micro Biosystems, a provider of automated, non-destructive, rapid microbial detection, has received $7.3 million contract from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) for the implementation of a rapid sterility test for vaccines.
This awarded grant is part of BARDA’s Advance Development of Medical Countermeasures for Pandemic Influenza, which focuses on improving the government’s responsiveness to future pandemic threats.
The Massachusetts-based company says that combined with its automated Growth Direct detection system, the rapid sterility test will result in faster release of vaccines and other sterile products. Timely delivery of these products carries multiple public benefits, principally in facilitating rapid responses to pandemic or emerging infections, agents of bioterrorism and availability of life saving medicines.”
“Our continuing relationship with BARDA demonstrates the critical need for rapid sterility testing as part of our response to immediate health threats,” said Robert Spignesi, CEO at Rapid Micro Biosystems.
“Our unique detection technology will show contamination within hours and will provide results in half the time of the traditional 14-day test,” said Edward Ognibene, VP Development at Rapid Micro Biosystems.
The company says the team at Rapid Micro Biosystems has extensive experience in product development, manufacturing and service of rapid microbial quality control products, and has previously worked successfully with BARDA to develop the fundamental technology for a rapid sterility test.
Upon completion of the programme, the resulting product will make valuable improvements to the quality control release of sterile vaccines and other lifesaving pharmaceutical products that will benefit the public.
