BioCentury
ARTICLE | Emerging Company Profile

Molecular Innovations: A twist of the lid

June 7, 1999 7:00 AM UTC

While most companies have their origins in basic research laboratories or as spin-offs from larger companies, Molecular Innovations Inc. had its origin in the courtroom. Founder John Gerdes testified as an expert witness on DNA evidence for the defense in the O.J. Simpson trial.

Gerdes, then clinical director of DNA testing laboratory Immunological Associates Inc. (Denver, Colo.), poked holes in current DNA detection methodology and came up with areas in which the process could be improved, namely folding the steps of isolation, amplification and detection into one device. He and co-founder Diane Kozwich, a biochemist, obtained a $1.7 million Advanced Technology Project grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)...