Genoptix Awarded DARPA Phase I Contract

SAN DIEGO, May 9 -- Genoptix Inc. has received a $99,000 Phase I research and development contract, with the potential of a future Phase II contract for an additional $750,000, from the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to use its proprietary Optophoresis technology to sort and separate complex biological, cellular or environmental samples. Optophoresis uses near-infrared laser light to simultaneously analyze and isolate specific cells based on differences in their composition, size, shape, surface chemistry and environment.

"Using our technology, we are able to measure uniquely identifiable 'optophoretic' signatures that enable us to detect and sort cells, bacteria, spores and possibly viruses," said Thomas Chung, chief scientific officer of Genoptix. "This technology thus provides higher-resolution identification and more accurate separation of biological particles than current methods. In addition, its near-infrared laser is in a biologically compatible range, leaving cells physiologically intact for further processing and research."