Rapid Micro Biosystems Awarded a Contract by Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) for the Implementation of a Rapid Sterility Test for Vaccines

LOWELL, Mass., Oct. 23, 2017 -- Rapid Micro Biosystems, a leading provider of automated, non-destructive, rapid microbial detection, is pleased to announce the receipt of a $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. When combined with Rapid Micro Biosystems’ 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, Chief Executive Officer 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, Vice President Development at Rapid Micro Biosystems.

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 program, the resulting product will make valuable improvements to the quality control release of sterile vaccines and other lifesaving pharmaceutical products and will immediately benefit the public.

About Rapid Micro Biosystems

Rapid Micro Biosystems creates innovative products for fast, accurate, and efficient detection of microbial contamination in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, biologics, medical devices, and personal care products. The company’s Growth Direct™ System is the first and only non-destructive, growth-based system to automate microbial quality control testing. By automating and accelerating the detection and enumeration of environmental monitoring, bioburden and sterility testing, the Growth Direct decreases QC testing time, ensures data integrity, and reduces the risk of costly contamination events. For more information about Rapid Micro Biosystems visit www.rapidmicrobio.com

Contact:
Eugenia Kendrick
Rapid Micro Biosystems
[email protected]