bioMérieux Presents 2010 Sonnenwirth Award for Leadership in Clinical Microbiology to Patricia Charache

bioMérieux, a world leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics, is proud to announce Patricia Charache, M.D., D(ABMM), as the 2010 recipient of the bioMérieux Sonnenwirth Award for Leadership in Clinical Microbiology. The award will be given during the 2010 American Society for Microbiology (ASM) 110th General Meeting awards dinner on May 24th. Given in memory of Alexander Sonnenwirth, Ph.D., the award honors a top microbiologist for his or her innovation in clinical laboratory science, dedication to ASM and leadership in the microbiology field.

Presented by ASM and sponsored by bioMérieux since 1986, the award recognizes the advancement of clinical microbiology as a profession. On May 24th, as part of a scientific session, Charache will deliver the Sonnenwirth Award Lecture titled, “Medical Microbiology: Challenges, Responsibilities and Solutions.”

Charache is the Program Director, Quality Assurance and Research Outcome Programs, Department of Pathology, John Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. As an infectious diseases physician and a microbiology laboratory director, she has influenced the microbiology industry for over 40 years.

Charache directed The Johns Hopkins Microbiology Laboratories from 1973-1993 where she is still actively involved. Her work on cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, upper respiratory tract pathogens, and molecular methods for detecting infectious diseases have resulted in more than 100 articles in peer-reviewed journals, 17 book chapters, and many editorial board appointments. She has consulted for many countries as a representative of the National Academy of Sciences’ Board on Science and Technology and served on several federal agencies’ committees. While directing the laboratory, Charache mentored 12 bench techs who received their Ph.D.s and an additional 30 techs who earned their Masters degrees.

“It is our great pleasure to honor Dr. Charache with this year’s bioMérieux Sonnenwirth Award for Leadership in Clinical Microbiology,” said Manual Mendez, executive vice president and general manager, bioMérieux North America. “Her commitment and dedication in the fight against infectious diseases has not only helped thousands of patients, but it has also helped to shape the role of the microbiology laboratory.” Charache is an active ASM volunteer and has devoted countless hours to the boards and committees on issues impacting the field of microbiology and as well as the microbiologist. The American Academy of Microbiology, Division C, the Public and Scientific Affairs Board and the American Board of Medical Microbiology have all benefited from her years of leadership, dedication and service.

About bioMérieux

Advancing diagnostics to improve public health

A world leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics for over 45 years, bioMérieux is present in more than 150 countries through 39 subsidiaries and a large network of distributors. In 2009, revenues reached €1.223 billion with 85% of sales outside of France.

bioMérieux provides diagnostic solutions (reagents, instruments, software) which determine the source of disease and contamination to improve patient health and ensure consumer safety. Our products are used for diagnosing infectious diseases and providing high medical value results for cancer screening and monitoring and cardiovascular emergencies. They are also used for detecting microorganisms in agri-food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.

bioMérieux is listed on the NYSE Euronext Paris market (Symbol: BIM – ISIN: FR0010096479).

Other information can be found at www.biomerieux.com

Contacts

bioMérieux
Allan Mohess
Tel: + 1 919-620-2937
allan.mohess@biomerieux.com

Fleishman-Hillard
Kim Mays
Tel: + 1 216-928-3459
kimberly.mays@fleishman.com