Rapid Micro Biosystems has received a $7.3 million contract from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) for the implementation of a rapid sterility test for vaccines.

This awarded grant is part of BARDA’s Advance Development of Medical Countermeasures for Pandemic Influenza, which focuses on improving the government’s responsiveness to future pandemic threats. When combined with Rapid Micro Biosystems’ automated Growth Direct™ detection system, the rapid sterility test will result in faster release of vaccines and other sterile products. Timely delivery of these products carries multiple public benefits, principally in facilitating rapid responses to pandemic or emerging infections, agents of bioterrorism, and availability of life saving medicines.

“Our unique detection technology will show contamination within hours and will provide results in half the time of the traditional 14-day test,” said Edward Ognibene, Vice President Development at Rapid Micro Biosystems.

The team at Rapid Micro Biosystems has extensive experience in product development, manufacturing, and service of rapid microbial quality control products, and has previously worked successfully with BARDA to develop the fundamental technology for a rapid sterility test.  Upon completion of the program, the resulting product will make valuable improvements to the quality control release of sterile vaccines and other lifesaving pharmaceutical products and will immediately benefit the public.

Visit www.rapidmicrobio.com/technology to see how it works.