20/20 GeneSystems is a clinical laboratory testing company in Rockville, Maryland known for their innovative bio-testing, COVID, and cancer diagnostic tools. IDenta Corporation of Jerusalem manufactures and markets on the spot field kits for the identification of illegal drugs, explosives, and other forensics. The two companies recently announced a collaboration after realizing they both share a similar customer base.
Role of the MIDC
After learning about Israeli company IDenta, Barry Bogage, MIDC’s recently retired Executive Director, learned that IDenta manufactures testing kits for illegal drugs and explosive and thought that perhaps an introduction to Maryland Company 20/20 GeneSystems could lead to something. Barry made the introductions and MIDC’s new Executive Director David Speer, will continue to work with these companies as well as encourage other Maryland/Israel companies to create partnerships.
What each company manufactures
One of 20/20 GeneSystems products is the BioCheck Power Screeding Test Kit that tests for suspicious powders like anthrax or other bioterror agents. The kits are used extensively by police and fire departments and agencies including Homeland Security. IDenta Corp. has a wide range of products for identifying a variety of drugs and explosives by using a simple color reaction. IDenta’s products are also used by defense, law enforcement, airports, customs, prisons, border control and more. Both companies recognized an opportunity to collaborate with an overlapping customer base.
20/20 GeneSystems and IDenta Collaboration
After a few months of conversation both companies agreed that the MIDC introduction would prove to be invaluable. Two months ago, the companies signed an exclusive North America distribution agreement for U.S. and Canada. Jonathan Cohen, CEO & President of 20/20 GeneSystems said, “this is the right product at the right time as the pandemic witnessed a skyrocketing of drug related and substance abuse incidents.”
IDenta produces “COLORIMETRIC” detection kits to identify on spot, potentially illegal powder or substances (heroin, crack, opiates, fentanyl, etc). The color kit will provide immediate results if in fact any of these substances prove to be illegal. 20/20 GeneSystems will distribute and market the kits. The collaboration also plans to target direct consumers like parents and schools. Amichai Glattstein, CEO, IDenta, stated, “working jointly with 20/20 GeneSystems will significantly expand the customer base as well as our R&D potential. We feel that the expansion will allow both companies to broaden their customer base and break into more markets using IDenta’s revolutionary technological innovation.” Both Cohen and Glattstein lauded the MIDC for doing exactly its mission: promoting bi-lateral trade and economic development.
Learn more about both these companies on Tuesday, October 25th at 11:00 am EST; 18:00 Israel and hear from other new Maryland/Israel collaborations in biotech, pharma and AI.