Hound Labs, Inc. Announces Initial Results of Clinical Studies and Data from Pioneering Research Using the HOUND® CANNABIS BREATHALYZER

Groundbreaking results presented at leading scientific conferences

OAKLAND, Calif. – March 19, 2018 – Hound Labs, Inc. has been rigorously testing the HOUND® CANNABIS BREATHALYZER for more than three years in the laboratory, in the field, and in clinical studies. Initial findings from clinical studies with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), confirmed that the measurement capabilities of the HOUND® CANNABIS BREATHALYZER meet or exceed the ultra-sensitivity required to measure THC¹ in breath. In addition, the company has conducted hundreds of tests with marijuana users that provide a new understanding of how THC remains in the breath for 2–3 hours after smoking established previously by global researchers.²  The company’s research team presented data supporting these findings at Pittcon 2018, the world’s leading annual conference and exposition on laboratory science.

The HOUND® CANNABIS BREATHALYZER is the first breathalyzer to measure THC from recent marijuana use in breath. It delivers better information than results from oral fluid, blood, or urine tests, which measure residual THC for days or even weeks – long after safety-impacting effects subside. The ability to measure ultra-low levels of THC in breath with the HOUND® CANNABIS BREATHALYZER opens new frontiers of research to better understand recent marijuana use.

In collaboration with leading scientists and researchers, Hound Labs and Triple Ring Technologies (the engineering firm partnering with Hound Labs to develop the HOUND® CANNABIS BREATHALYZER) have conducted hundreds of tests with human subjects who have used marijuana both indoors and outdoors. In March 2018, the team presented findings at Pittcon, including confirmation that THC can be measurable in breath for 2–3 hours before it dissipates. This timeframe applies to both frequent and occasional marijuana smokers.

“Presenting at the conference validates the rigorous research methodologies utilized by our team and acknowledges the importance of the data from our first phase of research.”

– Kevin Limtao, Bioengineer at Triple Ring Technologies

“Pittcon is the premier laboratory science conference,” said Kevin Limtao, bioengineer at Triple Ring Technologies. “Presenting at the conference validates the rigorous research methodologies utilized by our team and acknowledges the importance of the data from our first phase of research.”

Hound Labs developed a proprietary scientific method to not only detect THC in breath but also to measure it in parts per trillion (picograms). In January 2018, at the Mass Spectrometry: Applications to the Clinical Lab (MSACL) 10th Annual Conference, UCSF Clinical Chemistry Fellow, Y. Ruben Luo, PhD, presented data confirming the sensitivity of the HOUND® CANNABIS BREATHALYZER and the need to measure THC in breath below 5 pg/L.

“Clinical studies with the Hound Labs solution underscored the importance of incredibly sensitive tools to measure THC in breath,” commented Mr. Luo. “What was surprising was that the Hound Labs test initially had lower levels of detection than what we normally see with our mass spectrometer, so we had to develop new calibration methods to ensure our equipment measured the same low levels as the HOUND® CANNABIS BREATHALYZER.”

“We developed portable technology that meets or exceeds the gold standard used by forensic laboratories throughout the world.”

– Dr. Mike Lynn, CEO and co-founder of Hound Labs

“In partnership with Triple Ring Technologies, we developed technology that meets or exceeds the gold standard used by forensic laboratories throughout the world,” said Dr. Mike Lynn, CEO and Co-Founder of Hound Labs. “We offer a solution that not only extends the boundaries of clinical research but also provides better information about recent marijuana use for employers, law enforcement, and legislators who are trying to balance public safety with the fair treatment of cannabis users.”

Hound Labs continues to conduct research with Triple Ring Technologies using the HOUND® CANNABIS BREATHALYZER. Clinical studies with UCSF are ongoing. The company will release research results throughout the year.

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¹ THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis.

² Couper, Fiona J. and Barry K. Logan, “Drugs and Human Performance Fact Sheets,” NHTSA, 2017. See also Grotenhermen, F. et al., “Developing science-based per se limits for driving under the influence of cannabis (DUIC). Findings and recommendations by an expert panel,” Nova-Institut, Hurth, DE, 2006.

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About Hound LabsHound Labs, Inc. develops advanced breath testing technologies to address leading public health and safety issues. The Company’s flagship product is the HOUND^® CANNABIS BREATHALYZER, an ultra-sensitive, analytical test that identifies active THC molecules in breath. Breath testing introduces the drug testing industry’s shortest cannabis detection window, giving employers a practical and objective solution to detect and deter recent use. By limiting cannabis detection to use occurring before or during the workday, test results empower employers to maintain safe workplaces, improve hiring and retention efforts, and maintain fairness in the workforce. Founded in 2014, Hound Labs is headquartered in Fremont, California. Benchmark, EEC, Icon Ventures, Intrinsic Capital Partners, NFP Ventures, Tuatara Capital, and individual investors have funded the Company. Learn more at HoundLabs.com and follow us on LinkedIn @HoundLabs, Inc.