BioFire Receives U.S. Patent for the FilmArray System

BioFire Diagnostics, Inc. has announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued Patent No. 8,394,608 covering the company’s FilmArray system.

FilmArray’s proprietary technology represents advancement in user-friendliness and multiplex infectious disease testing capability for hospital clinical labs. This is the first U.S. patent issued to cover the FilmArray system, and BioFire has exclusive rights to the patented technology. Specifically, the patent covers methods for sample preparation and two-step multiplex polymerase chain reaction in a sealed container.

As part of the FilmArray system, BioFire has developed the FilmArray Respiratory Panel, which rapidly detects nucleic acids in nasopharyngeal swabs obtained from individuals suspected of respiratory tract infections. Requiring only two minutes of hands-on time, FilmArray RP has about a one-hour turnaround time, and simultaneously tests for 20 viral and bacterial targets.

Additionally, BioFire is continuing to develop a broader test menu for its FilmArray system, including a blood culture ID panel, gastrointestinal panel and a meningitis panel, with more patents expected in the future.

“BioFire is excited to broaden its already extensive intellectual property portfolio,” said Kirk Ririe, CEO of BioFire Diagnostics. “We are confident this newest patent will provide exclusivity for our FilmArray system and methods.”