Molecular diagnostic device company finds convenient growth options as it moves from R&D to production phase

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, March 20, 2012 – The University of Maryland BioPark announced today that InstantLabs, a current BioPark tenant, has expanded its office and laboratory space, doubling its square footage. InstantLabs was founded in 2008 to commercialize a portable, point-of-need real-time PCR-based (Polymerase Chain Reaction) molecular testing platform and began leasing space in the BioPark in 2010. With additional office and lab space in the BioPark, InstantLabs can now perform more of the assembly work for its MAC (Multiple Assay Disposable Cartridge) test kits. Over the next year, InstantLabs expects to ramp up activity as it begins selling the Hunter PCR system and related test kits.  The Company is currently offering kits to detectSalmonella and Listeria for the food safety markets, and Porcine DNA for Halal certification. A set of tests that detect the broad range of dangerous E. coli strains is in the final stage of development.

“We truly enjoy being part of the supportive environment here at the BioPark thanks to its first-rate team – which has gone above and beyond in accommodating our corporate growth. The BioPark also has a strong collaborative culture among the tenants,” said Steven Guterman, CEO of InstantLabs. “It was an easy choice to expand our operations here.”

InstantLabs is a developer of fully integrated, portable and affordable real-time PCR (qPCR) systems, uniquely suited for use at point-of-need locations. The company is focused initially on the food safety markets and will be expanding into human diagnostics – areas where accurate and rapid test results can make consequential differences in outcomes. The company’s Hunter Accelerated-PCR platform is host to a broad line of pathogenic test kits. User-friendly and network enabled, the Hunter system makes possible broader use of gold standard PCR diagnostic testing. InstantLabs aims to transform and expand the addressable market for qPCR with its Hunter system and range of assays for the rapid and reliable detection of potentially dangerous pathogens. InstantLabs, founded in 2008, is a privately held company.

About the University of Maryland BioPark

University of Maryland, Baltimore is among the nation’s leaders in education, research, public service, and patient care. As the founding campus of the University System of Maryland, UM has celebrated more than 200 years of excellence. The 12-acre University of Maryland BioPark is driving the commercialization of new drugs, diagnostics and devices, bringing much-needed laboratory and office space to the area and encouraging collaboration among biotechnology companies and the university. Two multi-tenant lab and office buildings totaling 356,000 square feet and housing 24 tenants have been completed. A third commercial building is expected to begin construction in 2012 along with the groundbreaking Maryland Proton Treatment Center. The Maryland Forensic Medical Center—the most advanced in the nation—opened in summer 2010.

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Media contact:
Jamie Lacey-Moreira
[email protected]
443-212-5260