OraSure Technologies, Inc. Announces Closing of DNA Genotek Acquisition

BETHLEHEM, Pa., Aug. 18, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OraSure Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:OSUR - News) announced today that it has completed its previously-announced acquisition of DNA Genotek Inc., a leading provider of oral fluid sample collection, stabilization and preparation products for molecular diagnostic applications, for 50 million Canadian dollars in cash (approximately US $50.7 million at current exchange rates). The acquisition was funded by OraSure with cash on hand.

The acquisition of DNA Genotek strengthens OraSure's leadership in oral fluid diagnostics, by providing OraSure with a complementary portfolio of products that enable easy and reliable collection, stabilization, transportation and storage of high quality nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) samples. These samples can then be used for a wide range of diagnostic and research applications.

Based in Ottawa, Canada, DNA Genotek serves over 3,000 customers in over 100 countries worldwide, including many of the top research universities and hospitals in the United States. DNA Genotek's lead product, the Oragene(R)--DNA Self-Collection Kit, provides an all-in-one system for the collection, stabilization, transportation and purification of DNA from saliva. DNA Genotek products are used in the academic research, clinical genetic testing, pharmacogenomics, personalized medicine, animal genetics and livestock genetics markets. DNA Genotek is the leading provider of oral fluid collection devices to the direct-to-consumer personal genetics testing market. DNA Genotek will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of OraSure.

Further details regarding this transaction can be found in the Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 25, 2011 and August 18, 2011.

About OraSure Technologies

OraSure Technologies is a leader in the development, manufacture and distribution of oral fluid diagnostic devices and other technologies designed to diagnose critical medical conditions and diseases. Its innovative products include rapid tests for the detection of antibodies to HIV and HCV at the point of care and testing solutions for detecting various drugs of abuse. These products enable healthcare providers to deliver critical information to patients, empowering them to make decisions to improve and protect their health. OraSure's products are sold globally to various clinical laboratories, hospitals, clinics, community-based organizations and other public health organizations, distributors, government agencies, physicians' offices, and commercial and industrial entities. For more information on the Company, please go to www.orasure.com.

The OraSure Technologies, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6440

About DNA Genotek

DNA Genotek focuses on providing high-quality biological sample collection, stabilization and preparation products. The company's lead product, the Oragene(R)--DNA Self-Collection Kit, is the easiest way to collect and preserve large amounts of DNA from saliva. Oragene--DNA's reliability and ease-of-use have resulted in rapid adoption at top-tier health research institutions globally, including Harvard, Stanford, Cambridge, and Johns Hopkins. DNA Genotek markets its products worldwide and has established a global customer base in over 100 countries. For more information about DNA Genotek, visit www.dnagenotek.com.

Important Information

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including with respect to the DNAG acquisition and products. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results. Known and unknown factors that could cause actual performance or results to be materially different from those expressed or implied in these statements include, but are not limited to: ability to market and sell products, whether through an internal, direct sales force or third parties; ability to manufacture products in accordance with applicable specifications, performance standards and quality requirements; changes in relationships, including disputes or disagreements, with strategic partners or other parties and reliance on strategic partners for the performance of critical activities under collaborative arrangements; failure of distributors or other customers to meet purchase forecasts or minimum purchase requirements for the Company's products; impact of replacing distributors and success of direct sales efforts; inventory levels at distributors and other customers; impact of competitors, competing products and technology changes; impact of the ongoing economic downturn, high unemployment and poor credit conditions; reduction or deferral of public funding available to customers; competition from new or better technology or lower cost products; ability to develop, commercialize and market new products; market acceptance of oral fluid testing or other products; changes in market acceptance of products, including based on product performance, extended shelf life or other factors; ability to fund research and development and other operations; ability to obtain and maintain new or existing product distribution channels; reliance on sole supply sources for critical product components; availability of related products produced by third parties or products required in connection with the use of our products; ability to obtain, and timing and cost of obtaining, necessary regulatory approvals for new products or new indications or applications for existing products; ability to comply with applicable regulatory requirements; history of losses and ability to achieve sustained profitability; ability to utilize net operating loss carry forwards or other deferred tax assets; volatility of our stock price; uncertainty relating to patent protection and potential patent infringement claims; uncertainty and costs of litigation relating to patents and other intellectual property; availability of licenses to patents or other technology; ability to enter into international manufacturing agreements; obstacles to international marketing and manufacturing of products; ability to sell products internationally, including the impact of changes in international funding sources and testing algorithms; loss or impairment of sources of capital; ability to meet financial covenants in agreements with financial institutions; ability to retain qualified personnel; exposure to product liability and other types of litigation; changes in international, federal or state laws and regulations; customer consolidations and inventory practices; equipment failures and ability to obtain needed raw materials and components; the impact of terrorist attacks and civil unrest; ability to identify, complete and realize the full benefits of potential acquisitions; and general political, business and economic conditions. These and other factors are discussed more fully in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including its registration statements, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other filings with the SEC. Although forward-looking statements help to provide information about future prospects, readers should keep in mind that forward-looking statements may not be reliable. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and OraSure Technologies undertakes no duty to update these statements.

Contact:

Investor Contact:Ronald H. SpairChief Financial Officer610-882-1820investorinfo@orasure.comMedia Contact:Jennifer MoritzZer0 to 5ive for OraSure Technologies917-748-4006jmoritz@0to5.com

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