Accelr8 Technology Corporation announced that Accelr8 and Novartis have extended their programme agreement through September 30, 2011. Having reviewed new data, Novartis will now install a system in their own facility to expand development capacity. While this project proceeds, the companies will continue to negotiate and intend to agree upon business terms for a formal business relationship and definitive Business Agreement by September 30, 2011.

The agreement also includes an option for Novartis to further extend project support through January 2, 2012.

According to David Howson, Accelr8’s president, “Novartis’ decision to place a nextgeneration BACcel system into its own lab adds another independent team of microbiologists. We believe that this step reinforces our growing recognition in the medical community as uniquely providing  complete, same-day automated diagnostics for ICU patients.”

Accelr8 Technology Corporation is a developer of innovative materials and instrumentation for advanced applications in medical instrumentation, basic research, drug discovery, and bio-detection.