VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 29, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BioMark Diagnostics Inc. (CNSX:BUX) (FSE:20B) (OTCQB:BMKDF) announces the award of a grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to partner with David Chen, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Chemistry at the University of British Columbia, to develop a novel sample enrichment method for surface-enhanced Raman spectrometry (SERS) detection.
"We are developing metabolomics-based diagnostic assays for the ultra-early, non-invasive detection of cancer before tumors become metastatic and symptomatic," said BioMark President and CEO Rashid Ahmed. "Our approach detects enzymes that are over expressed in cancer cells through a urine sample. The future of our technology includes a novel application of SERS that could allow for its use via hand-held equipment. Incorporating important clinical and technical features into our SERS system will enhance its clinical utility by increasing its sample handling capability and improving its sensitivity and signal specificity.
"We are delighted to be working with Dr. Chen and his team at the University of British Columbia to help BioMark advance this critical project. Dr. Chen has significant expertise in chemical separation, ultra-trace detection and clinical diagnostics. He will direct the project and supervise the design of a novel analytical system that can provide greater separation power in detection of metabolites of interest," Ahmed explained. "We are grateful to the Canadian government for awarding BioMark yet another grant that supports our work to advance this important technology toward commercialization."
About National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Engage Grants
Engage Grants are intended to foster the development of new research partnerships between academic researchers and companies, and supports research and development projects aimed at addressing a company-specific problem. This $25,000 grant extends over a six month period.
About BioMark Diagnostics Inc.
BioMark Diagnostics is developing proprietary, non-invasive, and accurate cancer diagnostic solutions, which can help detect, monitor and assess treatment for cancer early and cost effectively. The technology can also be used for measuring response to treatment and potentially for serial monitoring for cancer survivors.
Further information about BioMark Diagnostics is available under its profile on the SEDAR website www.sedar.com and on the CSE website www.thecse.ca.
Forward-Looking Information
This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of BioMark. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of BioMark. Although BioMark believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because BioMark can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. BioMark disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.
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