Intelligent Bio Solutions Inc. (Nasdaq: INBS) announced today that it has secured a key U.S. patent for its Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Screening Cartridge, bolstering the company's intellectual property portfolio as it prepares to enter the U.S. market in 2025.
The newly granted U.S. Patent No. 12259385 specifically protects the proprietary lateral flow test strip technology inside the company's Drug Screening Cartridge. This patent is fundamental to INBS's testing system, which uses lateral flow technology to detect drugs in fingerprint sweat, and ensures that all current and future screening cartridge products developed by the company are protected under U.S. intellectual property law.
"The intellectual property landscape for lateral flow devices in the U.S. is mature, making the grant of this patent a strong validation of our innovative technology," said Harry Simeonidis, President and CEO at Intelligent Bio Solutions. "The U.S. is a key market for us, and securing broad intellectual property protection strengthens our competitive position as we plan for entry into this multi-billion dollar market in 2025."
Comprehensive Patent Portfolio
This latest patent represents INBS's sixth active patent in the United States, enhancing a portfolio that already includes patents covering the company's Sample Collection Cartridge, cartridge housing, and buffer clip design. The comprehensive IP protection is particularly significant given the company's planned entry into the highly competitive U.S. drug screening market next year.
The patent announcement follows the company's FDA 510(k) submission in December 2024, a critical regulatory step toward commercialization in the United States.
Innovative Drug Testing Technology
INBS's Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Screening Solution addresses significant challenges in workplace drug testing by offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional methods. The technology detects common drugs of abuse, including opiates, cocaine, methamphetamine, and cannabis, through analysis of fingerprint sweat.
The system provides several key advantages over conventional drug testing approaches:
- Sample collection takes seconds
- Results are available in under ten minutes
- The process is hygienic and non-invasive
- The technology is cost-effective and portable
These features make the solution particularly valuable for employers in safety-critical industries such as construction, manufacturing, engineering, transport, and logistics, where ensuring employee safety is paramount.
Market Opportunity and Growth Strategy
The global drug screening market has been expanding rapidly, driven by increasing workplace safety regulations and growing substance abuse concerns. INBS's entry into the U.S. market represents a significant growth opportunity for the company.
Currently, INBS serves customers outside the U.S., including construction firms, manufacturing and engineering companies, transport and logistics operations, drug treatment organizations, and coroners. The planned U.S. market entry in 2025 will substantially expand the company's potential customer base.
"Protecting our proprietary technology is critical as we plan to scale our footprint in the U.S. drug screening market," Simeonidis noted in an earlier statement about the company's expanding patent portfolio.
Technology Applications and Benefits
The Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Screening System offers significant advantages for organizations that require regular drug testing. The non-invasive nature of the test supports employee dignity and well-being while still ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
The technology's rapid results enable more efficient workplace testing protocols, potentially reducing downtime and administrative burden compared to traditional urine or blood testing methods. Additionally, the fingerprint-based approach eliminates many of the handling and privacy concerns associated with conventional biological samples.
As industries continue to prioritize workplace safety and compliance, INBS's innovative approach positions the company to capitalize on the growing demand for more efficient, dignified drug testing solutions.
With its strengthened patent protection, recent FDA submission, and strategic market entry plans, Intelligent Bio Solutions appears well-positioned to establish itself as a significant player in the U.S. drug screening market in the coming years.
