BioFire Defense, a bioMérieux Company, Receives Prestigious Frost & Sullivan’s 2014 Global New Product Innovation Award for its FilmArray® Ebola Test

The FilmArray® Ebola test (BioThreat-E testTM) runs on the BioFire FilmArray® system, a highly accurate and easy-to-use molecular diagnostic instrument which is currently used in hundreds of hospitals in the United States. The system delivers test results in one-hour, significantly reducing current testing time and allowing health professionals to make treatment decisions faster.

“The FilmArray® Ebola test which is rapid and easy-to-use will certainly be a great help for the healthcare professionals in the context of the Ebola outbreak. Diagnostics are a powerful force in improving patient care and I am honored to see the efforts of our team recognized by Frost & Sullivan,” said Kirk Ririe, CEO of BioFire Defense. “I am particularly proud to be part of bioMérieux whose development during more than 50 years has been driven by a pioneering spirit and unrelenting commitment to improve public health worldwide, backed by an extensive geographic footprint.” A Frost and Sullivan analyst Srinivas Sashidhar declared: “BioFire Defense works closely with the U.S. Defense Department to proactively develop infectious disease molecular diagnostics for detecting emerging pathogens and biothreat agents, such as those responsible for Ebola virus disease and anthrax. This proactive approach is a key factor placing the company in a superior position to respond to the Ebola crisis in time.”

The Ebola virus epidemic is a global health emergency, and bioMérieux and BioFire are prepared to work with local authorities to ensure that this test is available in all countries that would need to use it for clinical testing. Created over 20 years ago, BioFire has developed, produced and marketed a number of automated PCR molecular biology systems. More recently, BioFire developed FilmArray®, a unique CE-marked and FDA-cleared multiplex PCR system that integrates all molecular diagnostics steps - sample preparation, amplification, detection and analysis - into one system. As of today, the FilmArray® menu comprises three panels, the Respiratory Panel, the Blood Culture Identification Panel and the Gastro Intestinal Panel, all of which are CE-marked and FDA-cleared. Additionally, BioFire has initiated studies for its Meningitis-Encephalitis Panel, with FDA submission expected in 2015.

* The commercial BioThreat-E testTM is now available to high and moderate complexity clinical laboratories in the U.S. It is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of the emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection of Ebola Zaire virus, unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.”

ABOUT THE AWARD

BioFire Defense has developed a game-changing product to help address the challenging Ebola outbreak at the right time. The company’s continuous research on infectious disease diagnosis and proactive approach are the key growth drivers for its success. Frost & Sullivan's independent analysis of the Diagnostics market clearly shows that as a result of the company’s adherence to FDA criteria and ability to design a product that addresses unmet needs, has helped the company to serve in time. The emergency use authorization of the BioThreat-E test shall help prescribe appropriate treatment on time and prevent the transmission of this contagious and lethal virus, thus directly improving public health. Based on its strong overall performance, BioFire Defense has earned Frost & Sullivan’s 2014 Global New Product Innovation Award.

ABOUT FROST & SULLIVAN

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. Our “Growth Partnership” supports clients by addressing these opportunities and incorporating two key elements driving visionary innovation: The Integrated Value Proposition and The Partnership Infrastructure.

• The Integrated Value Proposition provides support to our clients throughout all phases of their journey to visionary innovation including: research, analysis, strategy, vision, innovation and implementation.
• The Partnership Infrastructure is entirely unique as it constructs the foundation upon which visionary innovation becomes possible. This includes our 360 degree research, comprehensive industry coverage, career best practices as well as our global footprint of more than 40 offices.

For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Is your organization prepared for the next profound wave of industry convergence, disruptive technologies, increasing competitive intensity, Mega Trends, breakthrough best practices, changing customer dynamics and emerging economies.

ABOUT BIOMERIEUX

Pioneering diagnostics

A world leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics for 50 years, bioMérieux is present in more than 150 countries through 42 subsidiaries and a large network of distributors. In 2014, revenues reached €1,698 million with 88% 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. Its 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).
Corporate website: www.biomerieux.com - Investor website: www.biomerieux-finance.com.

ABOUT BIOFIRE DEFENSE

BioFire Defense, LLC, formerly Idaho Technology, Inc., is a subsidiary of bioMérieux Inc. (Durham, NC) and is based in Salt Lake City, Utah. BioFire Defense is focused on technology innovation and product development of pathogen identification and the life science applications. It has developed and provided products for defense, food testing, and the life sciences since 1990.

CONTACTS

BIOFIRE DEFENSE

Media Relations
BioFire Defense
Matt Scullion
Tel: + 1 801 262 35 92x1327
matt.scullion@biofiredefense.com

BIOMERIEUX

Investor Relations

Isabelle Tongio
Tel: + 33 4 78 87 22 37
investor.relations@biomerieux.com

Media Relations

bioMérieux
Aurore Sergeant
Tel: + 33 4 78 87 54 75
media@biomerieux.com

Suzanne Jones
Tel: + 1 919 479 36 37
suzanne.jones@biomerieux.com

Image Sept
Laurence Heilbronn
Tel: + 33 1 53 70 74 64
lheilbronn@image7.fr

Claire Doligez
Tel: + 33 1 53 70 74 48
cdoligez@image7.fr