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VeriChip Offers Updates on its Implantable RFID Implantable Microchip
[July 10, 2009]

VeriChip Offers Updates on its Implantable RFID Implantable Microchip


Jul 09, 2009 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- VeriChip Corp., a provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems for healthcare and patient-related needs, this week provided additional comments regarding its VeriMed Health Link patient identification system following the recent passage of a bill by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives banning forced microchip implantation in humans, and also outlined its current and potential future applications for its RFID implantable microchip.



The VeriMed Health Link system was cleared by the FDA in 2004 as a Class II medical device and is the first and only implantable microchip cleared by the FDA for patient identification.

The Company's VeriMed Health Link system is the connection between a patient and their personal health record. It provides emergency room doctors and nurses with immediate access to vital medical and emergency contact information, which will help them to treat the patient rapidly, accurately and safely during an emergency. Health Link utilizes a tiny microchip (similar in size to a grain of rice), handheld scanner and a secure online database. The Health Link microchip stores only a unique 16-digit identification number and is injected just under the skin in the rear upper portion of the right arm. When a Health Link member presents in an emergency department unconscious, unresponsive or confused, emergency medical personnel use the Health Link scanner to retrieve the member's identification number to access his or her personal health record.


The Company said it has always focused on improving the health and welfare of high-risk patients who chose its first-of-its-kind, FDA-cleared technology, the VeriMed Health Link system. As the VeriMed Health Link system evolves from identification to other applications including potential diagnosis and treatment, with applications ranging from the glucose-sensing microchip to other sensor applications and more, the Company said it envisions the full development of its technology through various patents it holds. In light of the current administration and its focus on personal health records, the Company anticipates the continuing evolution of its intellectual property and technology.

One example of the Company's current technology in action is its relationship with Alzheimer's Community Care, based in West Palm Beach, FL. More than 100 participating individuals, those suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia and their caregivers, have received the Health Link implantable microchip to provide emergency department staff easy access to those patients' identification and medical information.

In November 2008, VeriChip purchased all intellectual property related to implantable human RFID and sensor technologies including, but not limited to, Patent No. 7,125,382 entitled "Embedded Bio-Sensor System" from Digital Angel Corp. That patent is currently being utilized in connection with VeriChip's and its development partner's, Receptors, efforts to jointly develop a glucose-sensing device. VeriChip announced in December 2008 that the 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.

In May 2009, VeriChip, in conjunction with its development partner, announced plans to develop surveillance and point-of-care sensor systems that will efficiently detect and identify the presence of a particular biological threat such as influenza virus, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or other illnesses. The companies published a white paper outlining the development of "An Integrated Sensor System for the Detection of Bio-Threats from Pandemics to Emerging Diseases to Bio-Terrorism," which is available at verichipcorp.com.

Silverman said, "In November, I made a substantial investment in this Company based on my belief in the technology, its current applications and its potential in the future. As we look to the future, we place significant value on our intellectual property, including our implantable microchip, and the potential of a glucose-sensing device and related sensor applications, to address healthcare, identification and security needs around the globe." VeriChip said it expects to hold a conference call at the end of July to discuss recent corporate events and the future direction of the Company. Additional details will be provided in a press release at a later date.

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