Date: Sep 22, 2010 Author: Michelle Lang Source: bizjournals (
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Michelle Lang
Rapid Micro Biosystems Inc. has signed a deal with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) that could net up to $6.7 million for the Bedford-based microbial contamination detection firm. The contract calls for the development of rapid sterility testing for vaccines.
The vaccine testing developments are part of the BARDA Strategic Science and Technology Division's Innovative Platform Technologies program. According to a release by the Rapid Micro Biosystems, testing developments will enable quicker release of vaccines -- by up to four weeks -- for influenza, infections and bioterrorism agents.
The deal is broken down into a $2.2 million payment to Rapid Micro Biosystems in the first year, with the potential for up to $4.5 million more in two option years.
Rapid Micro Biosystems develops the Growth Direct System, which spots microbial contamination using digital imaging instead of relying on human eyesight to conduct the same work. The system is aimed at pharmaceutical companies and is intended to reduce product loss, labor costs, facility closings and inventory costs. The company raised an $18.6 million Series A round of financing in July 2009 from Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, TVM Capital, Quaker BioVentures and VIMAC Milestone Medica Fund.
