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Aperiomics Announces Grant from National Science Foundation
Grant to help improve ability to extract useful DNA information from difficult samples e.g., clinical specimens and forensic samples.
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703-401-6339
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Aperiomics Announces Grant from National Science Foundation To Continue Development of Rapid Pathogen Identification Technology
Ashburn, VA – September 25, 2018 – Aperiomics, the only company identifying every known bacteria, DNA virus, fungi and parasite in a single test today announced that the National Science Foundation has awarded an additional $229,000 from its Small Business Innovative Research grant to the company.
Aperiomics is tasked with “Rapid Pathogen Diagnostics and Biosurveillance using Multiplexed High-throughput Sequencing,” which will improve the ability to extract useful DNA information from difficult samples such as clinical specimens and forensic samples.
Dr. Crystal Icenhour, co-founder and CEO of Aperiomics said, “We’re very excited to be part of this important research and honored that NSF continues to put its trust in the skills of the Aperiomics team and our unique methodology. This research is a major step forward in the way DNA information can be put to work in the service of medical and other scientific discovery.”
In addition to the latest grant, Aperiomics and its CEO have been recognized across a variety of organizations. Over the last two years, Aperiomics received more than $1.6 million from the NSF. In 2017, the company closed a seed round of funding, raising $512,000 that was led by Pipeline Angels, a national network of new and seasoned women angel investors. Also, Dr. Icenhour is among a number of top female founders of successful startup companies selected to compete for venture capital on September 26th at the Booz Allen Hamilton Innovation Center in Washington, D.C. The audience will include entrepreneurs, venture influencers, young professionals and service providers, all of whom see massive growth potential for investing in female founders. Last year Aperiomics was recognized again as one of the D.C. region’s most innovative companies as a finalist in The Greater Washington Innovation Awards. The company was named “Life Sciences Innovator of the Year” in 2016.
About Aperiomics
Aperiomics is the only company identifying every bacteria, DNA virus, fungi and parasite in one test. Clinicians and patients call on Aperiomics to identify infectious diseases that other tests cannot. The only company of its kind and scope in the world, Aperiomics identifies every known pathogen (bacteria, virus, fungi or parasite) in a single test via deep metagenomic shotgun sequencing of DNA from any sample, be it patient, environmental, or otherwise. The complete genetic fingerprint of that sample is then compared to the Aperiomics Microbial Database™- the most comprehensive database of microorganisms, including the world’s largest collection of pathogens. This breakthrough, only possible through Aperiomics, can be used to accurately identify unknown/chronic infections, limit the use of antibiotics and solve difficult medical cases. Patients and their families often contact Aperiomics directly after hearing about our successes in helping others. Aperiomics is supported by the National Science Foundation. It was named Life Sciences Innovator of the Year in 2016 and a finalist in the 2018 Greater Washington Innovation Awards. For more information, visit www.aperiomics.com or call (703) 229-0406.
