Kromek Group PLC Kromek awarded new DARPA bio-surveillance contract (0022O)
May 27 2020 - 2:00AM
UK Regulatory
TIDMKMK
RNS Number : 0022O
Kromek Group PLC
27 May 2020
27 May 2020
Kromek Group plc
("Kromek" or the "Group")
Kromek awarded up to $5.2m contract extension to develop device
to identify pathogens by DARPA
DARPA-sponsored project to develop device and technology to
detect and identify pathogens in an urban environment
Kromek (AIM: KMK), a worldwide supplier of detection technology
focusing on the medical, security screening and nuclear markets, is
pleased to announce that it has been awarded an extension to its
contract by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
("DARPA"), an agency of the US Department of Defense, to detect and
identify pathogens in an urban environment. This follows successful
completion of the base period of the contract which was awarded by
DARPA in December 2018 to develop a vehicle-mounted
biological-threat identifier.
Under the terms of the new contract, Kromek has been awarded up
to $5.2m to further work on its mobile wide-area bio-surveillance
system capable of detecting airborne pathogens. The total contract
period is up to June 2021. The completed system aims to extend the
existing SIGMA network for biological threats as part of DARPA's
SIGMA+ initiative.
The miniaturised system will be capable of detecting viruses and
bacteria and is intended to be located on vehicles to detect the
presence of a pathogenic threat. The small, unmanned system that
will run all day will also be capable of being used in high
footfall areas, such as hospitals and airports.
Dr Arnab Basu, CEO of Kromek, said: "We are delighted to be
awarded this extension by DARPA. The technology developed under
this program is capable of sample collection to comprehensive
analysis of threats present in air in an autonomous manner. By
sequencing the genetic code, the device can not only identify
threat pathogens, but also be used to identify the particular
strain to aid triage and treatment selection, in addition to being
able to track mutations of the pathogen.
"As the system can be vehicle mounted or placed in high footfall
areas such as hospitals and airports, the location where the sample
is collected can be mapped to a GPS position. The transfer of data
to a central server allows a picture of pathogen levels across a
city to be built up enabling decision makers to react rapidly to
any evolving pathogenic threat."
This announcement contains inside information.
For further information, please contact:
Kromek Group plc
Arnab Basu, CEO
Derek Bulmer, CFO +44 (0)1740 626 060
Cenkos Securities plc (Nominated Adviser
and Broker)
Max Hartley (NOMAD)
Julian Morse (Sales) +44 (0)20 7397 8900
Luther Pendragon (PR)
Harry Chathli
Claire Norbury
Alexis Gore
Joe Quinlan +44 (0)20 7618 9100
About Kromek Group plc
Kromek Group plc is a technology group (global HQ in County
Durham) and a leading developer of high performance radiation
detection products based on cadmium zinc telluride ("CZT") and
other advanced technologies. Using its core technology platforms,
Kromek designs, develops and produces x-ray and gamma ray imaging
and radiation detection products for the medical, security
screening and nuclear markets.
The Group's products provide high resolution information on
material composition and structure and are used in multiple
applications, ranging from the identification of cancerous tissues
to hazardous materials, such as explosives, and the analysis of
radioactive materials.
The Group's business model provides a vertically integrated
technology offering to customers, from radiation detector materials
to finished products or detectors, including software, electronics
and application specific integrated circuits ("ASICs").
The Group has operations in the UK and US (California and
Pennsylvania), and is selling internationally through a combination
of distributors and direct OEM sales.
Currently, the Group has over one hundred full-time employees
across its global operations. Further information on Kromek Group
is available at www.kromek.com and
https://twitter.com/kromekgroup.
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END
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