Accelr8 Technology concludes technical development project with Becton

Accelr8 Technology Corporation (NYSE Amex: AXK) announced today that it has concluded a technical development project with Becton, Dickinson and Company (“BD”) (NYSE: BDX). Accelr8’s technology met formal testing requirements for identification of a subset of relevant species of bacteria. However, BD advised the Company that it has decided to decline an associated exclusive technology license option. At any time, BD has numerous new product opportunities, and prioritizes projects on the basis of decision criteria that are not limited to technical factors.

According to David Howson, Accelr8’s president, “We’re disappointed by BD’s decision not to exercise its exclusive option. Nevertheless, we made substantial advances and gained strong supporting technical evidence in the project, including integrated testing using patient specimens. We will continue discussions with other prospective collaborators. The BACcel™ rapid diagnostic system remains the only technology yet supported by published data to have the capability to provide same-day analysis of all significant highly drug-resistant bacteria and their particular resistance mechanisms.”