“From an unlikely location, a place known for its peace and tranquility, for its marvelous ecosystems, and for a flowing lifestyle all here refer to as ‘pura vida’ or pure life emerges cutting edge technology.”

The message above welcomes visitors to BioTD, a tiny biotechnology firm located in Barreal de Heredia, in a nondescript industrial park. From this location, the scientists and technicians employed by BioTD work on ambitious Research and Development projects like:

• QUINASEXIN: A no- invasive test for the early detection of fetal sex.
• PROPOREG: A pure natural antioxidant purified from the byproduct of tropical bees.
• PCR-K: State of the art non-invasive fetal cytogenetic tests.
• E CELSEP: A centrifugation replacement device.
• CELL BLOCK ONE: A product to preserve centrifuged cells.

The 40th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva

From April 18^th to the 22^nd, representatives from 46 countries will present their inventions in Geneva. Only the most significant scientific inventions are selected for this exhibition, and BioTD is one of the three Latin American firms accepted. The other two are from Peru and Uruguay.

The BioTD invention that will be presented in Geneva is Citofem, a modern alternative to the Pap-smear (Papanicolaou) method of detection for abnormal uterine cells. The current Pap-smear utilizes Xilol, a substance that dyes the cells, while Citofem uses the resin Cubliq. The Citofem method is estimated to be 58 percent more effective in detecting cancer cells, and it does not require expensive equipment. It has also been approved for use by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Citofem kits will be exported to the U.S. later this year.

According to the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC), Citofem will be the first biotechnology product exported by Costa Rica that is 100 percent Tico. While the biotechnology and medical sciences industries have found a comfortable research and production environment in our country, the largest and most successful employers are foreign companies. BioTD started in Costa Rica and Tico investors injected the initial capital requirements.

The official press release by the MEIC includes the following comment from Roy Mora, Executive Vice President of Business Development at BioTD:

“It is with great pride that we are able to go to this exhibition, since we were chosen among the three most important inventions in Latin America by an international panel. This is a Costa Rican idea that we have been developing over 7 years.”