Smiths Detection to Distribute Emergency Response Biological Screening Kits Globally

Smiths Detection today announces a world-wide distribution agreement with 20/20 BioResponse for its BioCheck powder screening test kits. The partnership adds a low-cost, highly-effective biological threat assessment tool to strengthen Smiths Detection’s portfolio of proven emergency and first response solutions.

Mal Maginnis, President, Global Military and Emergency Responders for Smiths Detection, said: “This partnership reinforces our goal of becoming a total solutions provider for biological threat assessment. BioCheck complements our line of suspicious powders assessment technologies giving emergency responders a comprehensive suite to choose from for quick, efficient and accurate detection in suspicious powder incidents.”

BioCheck is a patented and easy-to-use screening kit that combines a ‘best in class’ protein assay with a pH test to rapidly assess suspicious powders representing potential biological threats. Emergency responder teams and government agencies worldwide have used the sensitive kits for more than seven years.

Jonathan Cohen, President & CEO of 20/20 BioResponse, a division of 20/20 GeneSystems Inc., said: “Smiths Detection is an ideal partner with a well-established global customer base that will greatly benefit from the capabilities that BioCheck offers. Their full breadth of complementary technologies provides a comprehensive solution, and we look forward to a meaningful and long-term relationship with them.”

Smiths Detection (www.smithsdetection.com) offers advanced security solutions in civil and military markets worldwide, developing and manufacturing government-regulated technology products that identify explosives, chemical and biological agents, weapons and contraband. It is part of Smiths Group (www.smiths.com), a global leader in applying advanced technologies to markets in threat as well as contraband detection, energy, medical devices, communications and engineered components. Smiths Group employs around 22,000 people in more than 50 countries.

About 20/20 BioResponse

20/20 BioResponse (www.2020BioResponse.com)is dedicated to delivering innovative biotechnology solutions to emergency responders. The company is a division of 20/20 GeneSystems, Inc. (www.2020gene.com ) which focuses on the development and commercialization of innovative and unique diagnostic products for cancer and other diseases. The company is privately held and headquartered in Rockville, Md.