Great Basin Scientific Raises US$3.6 Million for Product Launch

Great Basin Scientific, Inc. (Salt Lake City, UT, USA) raised $3.6 million in bridge funding to support the company through 2009 and the launch of its first product, pending Food and Drug Administration (FDA; Rockville, MD, USA) 510(k) clearance. Returning investors participated in the funding round.

The tests will be sensitive yet simple and easy to perform. An integrated cartridge will hold all reagents and the tests will be executed by a benchtop analyzer, putting the power of highly-complex molecular tests previously found only in large centralized labs, in a simple, 2-3 step test that can be performed in doctor's office or small hospital or clinic lab.

As part of the preparation for an August 2009 clinical trial for its first test--a 50-minute diagnostic test for methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from a positive blood culture--Great Basin Scientific is leading several preclinical studies. The company conducted a successful feasibility study in spring 2009 as it characterized 132 retrospective samples from study collaborators at the Children's Memorial Hospital (Chicago, IL, USA) and Denver Health Hospital (CO, USA). Testing was performed at Great Basin Scientific's lab in Longmont (CO; USA).

"The results of the preclinical study completely met our expectations and kept us right on track as we approach clinical trials," said Rob Jenison, Great Basin Scientific's chief technology officer and vice president of development.

Several major hospitals will serve as beta-testing sites for Great Basin Scientific's point-of-care molecular platform beginning in mid-July, 2009. During beta testing, clinicians will test the analyzers and provide feedback on process flow and functionality. The testing will serve as preparation for the clinical trials scheduled to begin in August 2009.

Future tests will include nosocomial infections. Tests for Streptococcus Group, the most common cause of sepsis and meningitis in newborns, and Human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection of which certain types can lead to cervical cancer are being developed.

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Great Basin Scientific, Inc.
Food and Drug Administration
Children's Memorial Hospital
Denver Health Hospital