The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reviewed Idaho Technology’s 510(k) application and cleared the Joint Biological Agent Identification and Diagnostic System (JBAIDS) for use as an aid in the laboratory diagnosis of anthrax.

The JBAIDS Anthrax Detection System can detect the gene components of deadly organism Bacillus anthracis in a variety of environmental sample types, and also clinical blood samples as well as cultured organisms. The JBAIDS was selected by the US Department of Defense as the platform for use in rapid identification of over ten deadly pathogens associated with bioterrorism and diseases of military interest.

The FDA clearance allows testing of blood and laboratory culture samples to aid in the laboratory identification of B. anthracis, with results in less than one hour. The current method of growing, isolating and identifying a culture can take as long as several days for results.

"This is a great example of how private industry and the government can work as partners to protect our nation and those who defend it. Working closely with the FDA (Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Evaluation and Safety), our team consisted of the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense (specifically the Chemical Biological Medical Systems Joint Project Management Office), and our scientists and staff at Idaho Technology.

"The team worked extremely hard and effectively to get the system cleared, providing a capability to make our military personnel safer," claims Todd Ritter, Idaho Technology's Chief Corporate Development Officer. "We would also like to thank the Army, Navy and Air Force laboratories that performed the clinical trials and helped with the pre-clinical evaluations, as this was truly a Joint effort".

Salt Lake City, Utah - Dec 1, 2005

Author Information - Todd A. Ritter

Director of Business Development and Product Development

TODD A. RITTER is Director of Business Development and Product Development of Idaho Technology Incorporated. Todd began his career in 1990 as Chief of the Laboratory and Radiology Services at Altus Air Force Base, OK. In 1994, he was appointed Director of the Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory, U.S. Air Force Reference Laboratory. During this time, Todd saw the need for a portable and fast detection device that could address growing concerns in biological warfare and emerging infectious diseases, and commissioned Idaho Technology to build the Ruggedized Advanced Pathogen Identification Device (R.A.P.I.D. System) for the U.S. Air Force. In 1997, he became Chief of Medical Force Protection, Air Combat Command USAF, and was responsible for deployment surveillance and population health surveillance for over 600,000 airmen in the US and abroad. Todd joined Idaho Technology in 1999, and is intimately involved in the delivery and training of the R.A.P.I.D. System as well as its upgrades and improvements for use by the military, and law enforcement agencies. Todd holds a Master of Science degree in biology, and also is a certified medical technologist. Prior to his career with the military, Todd was a full-time Defensive Football Coach for Wilkes University, PA.

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