Veredus Laboratories Develops Lab-on-Chip Solution for Distinguishing and Detecting Foodborne Pathogens Such as E. coli

New VereFoodborne™ Detection System,
Based on Lab-on-Chip Platform from STMicroelectronics with Proven Technology in the Industry

Korea, June 27, 2011 – Veredus Laboratories, a leading molecular diagnostic test developer, and technology partner STMicroelectronics (www.st.com) announced that they have successfully developed and deployed the VereFoodborne™ lab-on-chip application capable of detecting 10-12 types of foodborne pathogens, including Shiga toxin-producing E. coli that caused fatal foodborne illness outbreaks recently occurring in Europe.

Based on STMicroelectronics' lab-on-chip platform, VereFoodborne is a portable lab-on-chip application capable of distinguishing and detecting foodborne pathogens such as E. coli, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (E. coli O157 and E. coli O104, etc.), Salmonella, Listeria, and Campylobacter. Since the VereFoodborne chip can simultaneously track multiple fragments of foodborne pathogen genes, it can identify bacteria and viruses far more accurately than other detection methods. This performance is made possible because the microarray on the chip enables detection of multiple pathogens in a single test, resulting in significantly reduced time and cost compared to conventional test methods.

Dr Rosemary Tan, CEO of Veredus Laboratories, stated, "We have designed and developed VereFoodborne over approximately two years and launched this solution to respond in a timely manner to diseases currently occurring. VereFoodborne can be ideally used for testing food products. VereFoodborne is already being used in pilot deployments in some parts of Asia. We hope that this solution will help protect consumers from foodborne pathogens."

Anton Hofmeister, Group Vice President overseeing the Microfluidics division at ST, explained, "By combining ST's lab-on-chip platform with Veredus' molecular diagnostic expertise to detect mutations and changes in pathogen profiles, a powerful and innovative diagnostic tool has been realized that can rapidly and accurately identify pathogens."

VereFoodborne will be a powerful tool for health authorities and the food industry to conduct food safety surveillance and investigate foodborne illness outbreaks.
With this tool, health authorities can handle foodborne illness investigations rapidly. Through rapid testing with VereFoodborne, health authorities can more quickly and accurately remove suspected 'hosts' that may be causing foodborne pathogens. This enables early containment and prevention of disease transmission. When crops are confirmed to be free of foodborne pathogens at the time of shipment, quarantine can be lifted more quickly, preventing unnecessary costs and spoilage of food.

On the other hand, major food companies can thoroughly test all food components during pre- and post-processing. Conventional methods requiring much longer test times result in extended storage life as perishable food components remain stored in warehouses for prolonged periods. Small enterprises that generally must rely on centralized laboratories can also perform in-house testing at lower cost and faster turnaround with VereFoodborne.

VereFoodborne™ Overview
The VereFoodborne lab-on-chip was developed through a joint effort between Veredus Laboratories, a medical diagnostics company in Singapore, and STMicroelectronics, the world's leading company in silicon chip design and manufacturing. It is a portable lab-on-chip application that rapidly detects all major foodborne pathogens in a single test. Unlike conventional diagnostic methods, VereFoodborne is an innovative molecular diagnostic test capable of detecting pathogens by accurately conducting genetic analysis of infectious diseases in just 2 hours, compared to the days to weeks previously required. With a high level of automation, users can easily perform tests at the point of need rather than through traditional laboratory analysis methods.

About Veredus Laboratories Pte Ltd
Veredus Laboratories was established in 2003 and is a biotechnology company that develops, commercializes, and manufactures diagnostic tools sold worldwide. Veredus provides user-friendly, high-precision molecular diagnostic tools consisting of VereChip™ utilizing cutting-edge lab-on-chip technology and gel-based detection kits. Veredus' VereChips™ are powered by the VereID™ biosystem. Veredus' first lab-on-chip product, named VereFlu™, was launched in 2008 focusing on the global threat of novel influenza. This product led to the launch of the VereThreat™ chip in early 2009, supporting biosurveillance in areas where needed. Veredus is also recognized by the industry through numerous awards including Red Herring Asia 100, Red Herring Global 100, Asia Innovation Award (Gold), and BioSpectrum Editor's Choice Emerging MedTech Company of Singapore. More detailed information is available on the website www.vereduslabs.com.