PLEASANTON, CA and ARLINGTON, VA – IntegenX Inc., a privately held company and leading developer of rapid human DNA identification technology, today announced the opening of its Washington, D.C.-area office to support the company’s work with federal agencies. The office will be managed by Dr. Joseph A. DiZinno, who has been appointed Senior Director of Federal Programs for IntegenX.
“We are pleased to announce the opening of our D.C. office, which will provide a strategic base of operations to engage with the many U.S. government agencies and organizations based in the region,” said Stevan Jovanovich, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of IntegenX. “Joe’s leadership and extensive expertise in working within this community will be instrumental as we gear up for the commercial launch of our RapidHIT™ system and deepen our collaborations with federal agencies interested in tapping into the power of rapid DNA technology.”
Dr. DiZinno joins IntegenX from BAE Systems where he was Technical Director, Homeland Security and Law Enforcement in Washington, D.C. Prior to BAE, Joe spent 22 years with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), starting his career as a Special Agent and retiring in 2008 as Director of the FBI Laboratory. In this role, he oversaw all case-working and response units related to domestic and international criminal and terrorist cases and led a team of 550 professionals providing forensic examinations, technical support, expert witness testimony, and training to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. His professional affiliations include former Vice Chairman of the Council of Federal Forensic Laboratory Directors, Chairman of the mtDNA group of The Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods and member of the American Academy of Forensic Science. He currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at George Mason University where he instructs undergraduate and graduate students in forensic science. Dr. DiZinno is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and The Ohio State University College of Dentistry.
“Much of my work with the FBI focused on the development and application of new forensic techniques that expanded the capabilities of law enforcement to identify criminals and clear the innocent,” said Dr. DiZinno. “The RapidHIT system is a truly game-changing technology that is poised to become the new de facto standard in DNA-based forensics. It’s an exciting time to join IntegenX and establish the company’s presence in the nation’s capital.”
The IntegenX RapidHIT 200 is a self-contained Human Identification (HID) system that automates and accelerates the process of producing standardized DNA profiles from mouth swabs and other human samples in less than 90 minutes. Numerous local, state, national, and international law enforcement and security agencies use DNA-based human identification to make informed identification decisions regarding the arrest, detention, or release of suspects, as well as to analyze crime scene evidence. The RapidHIT 200 system will allow, for the first time, rapid DNA analysis at the point of collection—such as on arrest or detention—setting a new standard in the usage of DNA profiles as an actionable biometric similar to fingerprints.
About IntegenX Inc.
IntegenX, headquartered in Pleasanton, California, is a leading developer of rapid human DNA identification technology, Next-Gen Sequencing library preparation systems, and DNA/RNA ambient temperature stability and storage products. IntegenX technology platforms are the result of the integration of advanced fluidics, optics, and biochemistry capabilities to produce products for DNA-based human identity testing and forensics, next generation sequencing and biodefense applications. The company’s expertise and extensive intellectual property includes its patented MOVe™ valve technology, patent-pending PrepX™ reagent kits for next generation sequencing library preparation, as well as a portfolio of patented DNA and RNA reagents including GenTegra™ for stabilization and storage of purified DNA and RNA, and GenPlate® for storage of blood samples. For more information, please visit www.integenx.com.