Bothell-based BioLife Solutions announced April 21 that it was added to the Wilshire 5000 Total Market Index effective after the markets close on April 18 in conjunction with the monthly additions and deletions of the index. BioLife Solutions is a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of proprietary clinical grade hypothermic storage and cryopreservation freeze media and precision thermal shipping products for cells and tissues.

BioLife Solutions up listed from the OTCQX to the NASDAQ Capital Market on March 26 following the closing of a $15.4 million registered stock offering and the elimination of all debt via conversion to common stock.

“We are pleased to have BioLife’s shares included in the Wilshire 5000,” BioLife’s Chief Executive Officer Mike Rice said. “Two key benefits we anticipated following the up listing of the Company’s stock to the NASDAQ Capital Market were increased awareness for BioLife in the investment community and greater liquidity for investors. Recognition of BioLife shares by the addition to the Wilshire 5000 index should help us realize these benefits.”

The Wilshire 5000, the original pure and complete measure of the U.S. stock market, was developed in 1974 by Dennis A. Tito, chairman and chief executive officer of Wilshire Associates Incorporated. It is widely considered the best way to track the U.S. equities market and estimate market value changes. The Wilshire 5000 Total Market exchange-traded fund is the only ETF based upon the Wilshire 5000.