The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted patent no. 8,394,608 to BioFire Diagnostics' patent application covering the FilmArray system.
The patent covers methods for sample preparation and two-step multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a sealed container.
The proprietary technology of the FilmArray system is designed for use in hospital clinical labs to test multiplex infectious diseases.
BioFire Diagnostics CEO Kirk Ririe said, "We are confident this newest patent will provide exclusivity for our FilmArray system and methods."
The company has developed FilmArray Respiratory Panel (RP) as part of the FilmArray system. It detects nucleic acids in nasopharyngeal swabs obtained from individuals suspected of respiratory tract infections.
The FilmArray RP, which simultaneously tests for 20 viral and bacterial targets, requires only two minutes of hands-on time and has about a one-hour turnaround time, claims the company.
In addition, the company is developing a broader test menu for the FilmArray system, including a Blood Culture ID Panel, Gastrointestinal Panel and a Meningitis Panel, with more patents expected in the future.
