CombiMatrix' Bio-Warfare Detection Technology Published in the Current Issue of Analytica Chimica Acta.Business Editors/Health & Medical Writers BIOWIRE2K MUKILTEO, Wash.--(BW HealthWire)--Oct. 16, 2001 CombiMatrix Corporation, a majority owned subsidiary of Acacia Research Corp. (Nasdaq:ACRI) announced today the publication of an article describing advances that the company has made in detection of bio-warfare agents using CombiMatrix' biochips (Analytica Chimca Acta, 444, October 12, 2001, pp. 69-78.). This article describes the use of CombiMatrix biochips for the simultaneous and highly sensitive detection of numerous bio-warfare agents such as Bacillus bacillus (bəsĭl`əs), any rod-shaped bacterium or, more particularly, a rod-shaped bacterium of the genus Bacillus. Some bacterium in the genus cause disease, for example B. spores similar to anthrax. CombiMatrix is developing this technology through ongoing grants from the U.S. Department of Defense. The focus of the grants is aimed at developing an ultrasensitive hand-held biochip biochip Small-scale device, analogous to an integrated circuit, constructed of or used to analyze organic molecules associated with living organisms. One type of theoretical biochip is a small device constructed of large organic molecules, such as proteins, and capable of system for detecting the deployment of bio-warfare agents. "We have made significant advances through our collaboration with the Department of Defense to develop a hand-held system for detecting the deployment of chemical and biological warfare agents," said Dr. Amit Kumar, President and Chief Executive Officer of CombiMatrix. "Considering the current state of affairs, we plan to pursue this application of our technology through additional collaborations with appropriate government agencies." CombiMatrix biochips are active semiconductor devices that employ complimentary metal oxide semiconductor See MOS. (electronics) Metal Oxide Semiconductor - (MOS) The three materials used to form a gate in the most common kind of Field Effect Transistor - a MOSFET. (CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) Pronounced "c-moss." The most widely used integrated circuit design. It is found in almost every electronic product from handheld devices to mainframes. ) technology to create high-density microarrays of electrodes that are individually addressed. CombiMatrix is developing methods that enable electrochemical electrochemical /elec·tro·chem·i·cal/ (-kem´i-k'l) pertaining to interaction or interconversion of chemical and electrical energies. e·lec·tro·chem·i·cal adj. detection at different electrodes. These methods will enable electrode microarrays to carry numerous immunochemical assays, which range from small molecules (saxitoxin saxitoxin /saxi·tox·in/ (sak´si-tok?sin) a powerful neurotoxin synthesized and secreted by certain dinoflagellates, which accumulates in the tissues of shellfish feeding on the dinoflagellates and may cause a severe toxic reaction in and ricin ricin /ri·cin/ (ri´sin) a phytotoxin in the seeds of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis), used in the synthesis of immunotoxins. ri·cin n. ) to viral particles, spores and cells. About CombiMatrix CombiMatrix is developing a platform technology that has a wide range of applications, from DNA DNA: see nucleic acid. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid One of two types of nucleic acid (the other is RNA); a complex organic compound found in all living cells and many viruses. It is the chemical substance of genes. synthesis/diagnostics to immunochemical im·mu·no·chem·is·try n. The chemistry of immunologic phenomena, as of antigen-antibody reactions. im detection. The platform allows the company to rapidly produce customizable active biochips, which are semiconductor-based tools for use in identifying and determining the roles of genes, gene mutations and proteins. The company is designing its products principally to be responsive to the needs of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic researchers in analyzing raw genomic data in the discovery and development of pharmaceutical products. CombiMatrix's Web site is located at www.combimatrix.com. About Acacia Research Corporation Acacia Research develops and operates life science and enabling technology companies. The company's core technology opportunity has been developed through its subsidiary, CombiMatrix Corporation. Acacia Research intends to build and acquire companies in the life science and material science fields that will utilize CombiMatrix's biochip technology. Acacia Research's website is located at www.acaciaresearch.com. This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA) implemented several significant substantive changes affecting certain cases brought under the federal securities laws, including changes related to pleading, discovery, liability, class representation and awards fees and of 1995. These statements address future events and conditions concerning the Company's business plans. Such statements are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties, such as future economic conditions, changes in consumer demand, and legislative, regulatory and competitive developments. The Company expressly disclaims any future obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained herein. |
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