PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 28, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Invisible Sentinel Inc., a life sciences company that develops rapid diagnostics for the detection of foodborne pathogens, has established a pilot manufacturing program at the University City Science Center in Philadelphia.
Invisible Sentinel, which employs 12 people, began its laboratory research on technology that addresses global food safety at the Science Center's Port business incubator in 2007, and added manufacturing capabilities in July 2012. Its first-in-class diagnostic device is expected to launch this fall. The pilot facility has the initial production capacity to supply product for regulatory studies and to meet initial sales goals – and has the potential to be scaled for larger volumes.
"We anticipate receiving regulatory approval this fall and look forward to supplying our customers with some of the fastest and most sensitive tests for the detection of foodborne pathogens," says Invisible Sentinel CEO Benjamin Pascal. "As native Pennsylvanians, we're proud that we have been able to design, develop and produce our product right here in our home state," Pascal says. "The City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have offered multiple incentives that fostered the maturation of our Company and the development of our technology from concept to fruition. This is our chance to give back by establishing a pilot production facility and creating jobs here at the Science Center."
"While Invisible Sentinel has the potential to have a global impact on food safety, they're keeping their operations local," says Science Center President & CEO, Stephen S. Tang, Ph.D., MBA. "We've been delighted to help Invisible Sentinel on its journey along the commercialization pathway. Ben Pascal and co-founder Nick Siciliano have developed their technology, raised funds in a challenging economic environment and are now on the verge of launching their product. We're proud that they are planning to remain – and grow – at the Science Center."
The new pilot manufacturing facility complements Invisible Sentinel's existing R&D laboratory and off-site animal facility. These combined resources and their relative proximity allow Invisible Sentinel to efficiently manage an innovative R&D program and prepare to launch its suite of food safety diagnostics and related applications.
About The Science Center
The University City Science Center accelerates technology commercialization, regional economic development, and the market availability of life-enhancing scientific breakthroughs by bringing together innovations, scientists, entrepreneurs, funding, laboratory facilities, and business services. Established in 1963 and headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, the Science Center was the first, and remains the largest, urban research park in the United States. Graduate organizations and current residents of the University City Science Center's Port business incubators have created more than 15,000 jobs that remain in the Greater Philadelphia region today and contribute more than $9 billion to the regional economy annually. For more information: www.sciencecenter.org .
About Invisible Sentinel
Based in Philadelphia at the University City Science Center, Invisible Sentinel develops diagnostic technologies for a safer food supply. The Company's focus is on developing rapid diagnostics that quickly provide accurate information about the presence of harmful pathogens. The first in class patented technology, produced under good manufacturing practices, provides the same data as the USDA reference methods but minimizes the time, reduces the cost, and lowers the overhead associated with conventional diagnostics. The food industry is the first market that the Company is targeting, but its platform technology has the potential to provide valuable tools for additional industries including healthcare, veterinary, biodefense, and environmental testing, where rapid detection of target analytes from unrefined samples is critical. Uniquely designed for easy, practical use—on-site and throughout the entire food distribution network—Invisible Sentinel's proprietary diagnostic products promise to create a new standard for rigorous quality control.
CONTACTS:
Jeanne Mell
University City Science Center
3711 Market Street, Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-966-6029
302-345-8130 (cell)
jmell@sciencecenter.org
Kristen Fitch
University City Science Center
215-966-6156
kfitch@sciencecenter.org
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