Molecular Diagnostics Developer Grants International License

Enigma Diagnostics (Porton Down, UK), a life-sciences company developing rapid molecular diagnostics systems, has signed a new exclusive license agreement with the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl; Porton Down, UK). The worldwide license covers a broad range of technologies, including Pyrostart, ResonSense, and Temperature Control, which are important elements of Enigma's real-time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) systems. Enigma's technology combines the speed and sensitivity of real-time PCR with the simplicity needed for field-based and point-of-care tests.

The PCR systems are being developed for the rapid detection and identification of infectious organisms, such as bacteria and viruses, in clinical, environmental, and biologic samples. This new agreement follows the initial license agreement that Enigma signed with Dstl in 2004.

The new license agreement, which will remain in place until 2026, will enable Enigma to sub-license any of the technologies covered by the agreement to potential partners and collaborators. The ability to sub-license the technologies covers both PCR and non-PCR applications. In addition, it will enable Enigma to develop its own patent portfolio, as any improvement that it makes to any of the technologies covered by this agreement will be able to be patented by the company. As part of the agreement, Enigma will also gain ownership of a number of trademarks.

The agreement covers 25 patents and patent applications, which will be maintained and managed by Enigma. These patents were previously the responsibility of Dstl.

Enigma Diagnostics Limited is a company developing the next generation of rapid diagnostic instrument platforms for the detection and identification of infectious organisms, such as bacteria and viruses, in clinical, environmental, and biologic samples.


Related Links:
Defense Science and Technology Laboratory
Enigma Diagnostics