Verichip now chipping diabetics on Fox News

Corporation ("VeriChip") (NASDAQ:CHIP), a provider of RFID systems for healthcare and patient-related needs, and its development partner RECEPTORS LLC, a technology company whose AFFINITY by DESIGN™ chemistry platform can be applied to the development of selective binding products, announced today that a significant milestone has been achieved toward the development of an in vivo glucose-sensing RFID microchip. Upon successful completion of the in vivo glucose-sensing RFID development program, this self-contained, implantable bio-sensing device will, for the first time, have the ability to measure glucose levels in the human body through an external scanner, thereby eliminating the need for diabetics to prick their fingers multiple times per day. The key to the development of the implantable glucose sensor is the self-contained, in vivo capable glucose-sensing system. RECEPTORS' sensing system design is discussed by RECEPTORS' President and Chief Science Officer, Dr. Carlson, in the "Self-Contained Implantable RFID Glucose-Sensing Microchip" white paper that is available on RECEPTORS' and VeriChip's websites. The design of the glucose-sensing system incorporates two critical components. RECEPTORS recently completed Phase I proof-of-concept program successfully prepared prototype examples for both the glucose-selective binding environment and the glucose-competitive signaling component. These critical components were used to demonstrate the bench top format application of the glucose-sensing system to the detection of glucose levels. This demonstration is the proof-of-concept foundation of the glucose-sensing system. Scott R. Silverman, Chairman of VeriChip, said, "We are not only focused on current opportunities for patient identification within our VeriMed Health Link business, but also on the future applications of RFID in healthcare. The glucose sensor is a promising example, combining a unique application of the technology and an extremely valuable market. While there is much more to do, development of the binding environment was a big step towards reaching that future. " In December 2007, VeriChip and RECEPTORS unveiled plans to build a prototype self-contained implantable bio-sensing device included in an RFID microchip. Following VeriChip's purchase of all intellectual property related to the human implantable RFID glucose-sensing microchip from Digital Angel Corporation in November 2008, VeriChip is now RECEPTORS' exclusive partner. In the next phase of this program, the optimization of the sensing system components, development of the sensing to electronics signal transduction system and incorporation of the devices biocompatible shield will be developed.show less...