Cannabix Technologies Files Patent for Detection of Molecules in Breath using High-field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS)
Cannabix is developing Marijuana Breathalyzer devices to give law enforcement and employers a tool to enhance public safety
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cannabix Technologies Inc. (CSE: BLO) (OTC PINK: BLOZF) (the “Company or Cannabix”) developer of the Cannabix Marijuana Breathalyzer for law enforcement and the workplace, is pleased to report that it has filed a provisional patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) entitled, “Apparatus and Methods for Detection of Molecules”. This provisional patent covers multiple new inventions and intellectual property (“IP”) related the development to the Company’s FAIMS (field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry) based marijuana breathalyzer technology. This new patent application is the culmination of research and development work conducted by Cannabix scientists and engineers in the areas of ion mobility spectrometry, fluid dynamics, and non-volatile molecule sampling, during which several significant technical challenges have been overcome. This patent application seeks protection for, among others, novel methods in asymmetric waveform generation and application and ion optics design. It is anticipated that additional IP will be included in the subsequent non-provisional patent filing and that these techniques can lead to utility in other areas related to detection of molecules in breath.
Cannabix is using its FAIMS system to isolate and detect ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”), a non-volatile compound, in breath. The Cannabix device has been designed and built in a series of modules that together allow for sample intake, ionization, ion focusing and direction, filtering and detection – all done under atmospheric pressure. This modular design provides the flexibility for the potential detection of other molecules of interest in breath. In addition, the device has the ability to couple directly to a mass spectrometer in order to validate its detector responses.
The Company reported results of field testing earlier this year such that its FAIMS device is capable of selectively isolating and detecting THC from human breath up to 90 min after subjects consumed both marijuana and nicotine. Further improvements have been made since then and engineers are well into the next iteration of design.
“Cannabix has developed a unique system with several non-obvious features that have been discovered through our commitment to research and development and innovation. The breath is composed of both volatile and non-volatile components --volatile components like alcohol are relatively easy to detect. The detection of non-volatile compounds like THC under atmospheric pressure (without vacuum) in a humid environment is not an easy endeavour and we believe our work will lead to new types of devices that the analytical and diagnostic fields have been seeking for breath analysis, and possibly other applications. Furthermore, this provisional patent should open the door to several additional patent opportunities,” stated Dr. Raj Attariwala, Chief Scientific Officer.
About Cannabix Technologies Inc.
Cannabix Technologies Inc. is a leader in marijuana breathalyzer development for law enforcement and the workplace. Cannabix has established breath testing technologies in the pursuit of bringing accurate, durable, portable tools to market to enable detection of marijuana-impaired driving offences on roads at a time when marijuana is becoming legal in many global jurisdictions. Cannabix is working to develop drug-testing devices that will detect THC- the psychoactive component of marijuana that causes intoxication- using breath samples. In particular, Cannabix is focused on developing breath testing devices for detection of recent use of THC, in contrast to urine testing for THC metabolite that requires an invasive collection and reflects usage, days or even weeks earlier. The devices will also be useful for other practical applications such as testing employees in the workplace where impairment by THC can be hazardous.
We seek Safe Harbor.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
“Rav Mlait”
CEO
Cannabix Technologies Inc.
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Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking information that involves various risks and uncertainties regarding future events. Such forward-looking information can include without limitation statements based on current expectations involving a number of risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance of the Company, such as final development of a commercial or prototype product(s), successful trial or pilot of company technologies, no assurance that commercial sales of any kind actually materialize; no assurance the Company will have sufficient funds to complete product development. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the Company’s plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information, including: (i) adverse market conditions; (ii) risks regarding protection of proprietary technology; (iii) the ability of the Company to complete financings; (iv) the ability of the Company to develop and market its future product; and (v) risks regarding government regulation, managing and maintaining growth, the effect of adverse publicity, litigation, competition and other factors which may be identified from time to time in the Company's public announcements and filings. There is no assurance that the marijuana breathalyzer business will provide any benefit to the Company, and no assurance that any proposed new products will be built or proceed. There is no assurance that existing “patent pending” technologies licensed by the Company will receive patent status by regulatory authorities. The Company is not currently selling commercial breathalyzers. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. These and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking information are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.
