POINT ROBERTS, Wash., Feb. 4, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- www.Homelanddefensestocks.com, a global investment research portal for the Homeland Defense and Security Sector, reviews market activity following the recent discovery and identification of the ricin toxin at the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Several stocks realized gains as investors scouted out companies with technology solutions for threats of chemical and biological agents. According to research by Frost and Sullivan (World Chemical and Biological Agent Detector Markets), the future for both biological and chemical detection markets looks positive as ongoing terrorist activities create an urgent demand for detection and protection solutions. The recently announced 10% increase for FY 2005 Department of Homeland Security budget will allow additional allocation of funds and resources to develop and implement reliable detection systems. The budget request includes a $274 million Bio-Surveillance Program Initiative designed to protect against bioterrorism.
http://www.homelanddefensestocks.com does not make stock recommendations but offers a unique information portal to investors including a growing list of public companies, stock and industry news, feature articles, and related industry research. The site currently features integrated homeland security company, Markland Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:MRKL) www.marklandtech.com. Markland is positioned in the chemical detection sector through its recent acquisition of Virginia based Science and Technology Research, Inc (STR) and its Shipboard Automatic Chemical Agent Detection and Alarm System (ACADA). The US Navy currently has an active open $40 million dollar contract with STR. The ACADA is an automatic chemical agent alarm system capable of detecting, warning and identifying blister and nerve agents simultaneously. The ACADA is man-portable, operates independently after system start-up, provides an audible and visual alarm, and provides communication interface to support battlefield automation systems. Markland is pursuing additional sales for the chemical detector products through Foreign Military Sales, other government agencies, local municipalities, cities, and commercial markets.
As Government, industry and individual consumers are demanding detection and protection methods for chemical and biological agents, the market potential is accelerating. Another chemical detector company, RAE Systems manufactures rapidly deployable, multi-sensor chemical detection monitors and networks for homeland security and industrial applications. Additionally, they offer a full line of portable single-sensor chemical and radiation detection products.
BioSante Pharmaceuticals, Inc and Cepheid realized increases in share prices following the ricin news. Cepheid is developing BioThreat detection technology, most notably its GeneXpert(r) technology platform used in the Biohazard Detection System (BDS) program with the United States Postal Service (USPS). BioSante Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the reiteration of its June 2003 Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Army's Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases for the development of a needle-free vaccine against ricin, anthrax, staph and bubonic plague. Under the CRADA, BioSante provides BioVant(TM), its proprietary nanoparticulate-based vaccine adjuvant and delivery system, and the Army provides recombinant antigens for potential vaccines against various bioterrorism agents.
Response Biomedical, a TSX Venture Exchange company develops and markets rapid on-site RAMP tests for medical and environmental applications. The RAMP System consists of a portable fluorescent Reader and single-use, disposable Test Cartridges. RAMP tests are commercially available for the rapid on-site detection of anthrax, smallpox, monkeypox, ricin and botulinum toxin.
About Ricin:
Ricin can be found in the form of a powder, mist, or a pellet, and can also get into water or food and be swallowed. Ricin gets inside the human cells and prevents the cells from making the proteins they need to survive. Eventually this is harmful to the entire body, and can be fatal. The effects of ricin poisoning depend on whether ricin was inhaled, ingested, or injected
For More Info On Ricin:
www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/ricin/index.asp
Homelanddefensestock.com includes a growing list of public companies in the sector. The following is a partial list of companies involved in Homeland Defense and security technology and solutions in Airport Security, Biodefense, Biometrics, Defense, Internet Security, Integrated Security, Military, Border and Port Security. www.investorideas.com/Companies/HomelandDefense/Articles/StockList.asp
ECON Investor Relations Inc., (ECON Corporate Services) owner of the domain www.homelanddefensestocks.com, is a privately owned corporate communications company specializing in investor relations, media relations and research in public companies and industry sectors for the investment community. Nothing on the site should be construed as an offer or solicitation or recommendation to buy or sell any specific products or securities. Although we attempt to research thoroughly, there are no guarantees in accuracy. We encourage all investors to use our research as a resource only, but to further their own research on all featured companies, industry research and articles featured. Our Investor Pick of the Month is not a solicitation, but should only be viewed as a suggestion. Featured company Markland Technologies compensates ECON.
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More information on Homeland Security issues, including news releases, events and experts available for comment, can be found on the Homeland Security Newsline at www.primezone.com/hs