HALIFAX, March 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - MedMira Inc., (“MedMira”) the global market leader in premium rapid diagnostic solutions, announced today that it has filed a provisional patent application for a system which enables over-the-counter (OTC) home testing and diagnosis of infectious diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis C, and other medical conditions. MedMira’s comprehensive OTC system is all-inclusive, containing everything necessary to obtain definitive test results and support the consumer, with confidential counselling and medical referrals.
“MedMira’s OTC system will enable individuals to safely and accurately test themselves and obtain a diagnosis of diseases and medical conditions how and when they choose,” said Hermes Chan, president and COO, MedMira. “Our system will promote public safety and customer value, and was developed based on our first-hand OTC experience. This patent will ensure that our intellectual property is protected as we move forward into new OTC markets, including the United States.”
MedMira was the first company in the world to introduce an OTC rapid HIV test, in Hong Kong and Macao in 2005, and has used this experience to develop an advanced all-inclusive, consumer-focused home diagnostic system. Advancements in healthcare practices, particularly in the diagnostics field, are making it possible for consumers to implement self-care solutions in the privacy of their own home, to improve, monitor and maintain their health. Home-use tests for infectious diseases are the next step in this self-care evolution, and MedMira will be a global leader.
MedMira plans on introducing its home-use HIV diagnostic system in global markets, including the United States (US), where there is increasing demand for a home HIV testing solution. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently developing requirements to support the approval of OTC home-use HIV tests, which will allow manufacturers to bring such tests to the US market.
Home HIV testing will be key to the control and prevention of the spread of HIV, enabling more people to test themselves and seek treatment when necessary. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that of the 1 million people infected with HIV in the US, approximately 25% are unaware of their HIV status.
About MedMira
MedMira is the leading global manufacturer and marketer of in vitro flow-through rapid diagnostic tests. MedMira’s tests provide reliable, rapid diagnosis in just 3 minutes for the detection of human antibodies in human serum, plasma or whole blood for diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C. The United States FDA and the SFDA in the People’s Republic of China have approved MedMira’s Reveal(R) G2 and MiraWell(R) rapid HIV tests, respectively.
MedMira’s Reveal(R) G2 and MiraWell(R) rapid HIV tests are currently used in clinical laboratories, hospitals, and clinics where professional counselling and patient treatment are immediately available.
The MiraCare(TM) Rapid HIV Antibody Test is available over-the-counter (OTC) in pharmacies throughout Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, in the People’s Republic of China. MiraCare(TM) is sold through MedMira’s distributor network to pharmacies, hospitals and laboratories in the European Union.
MedMira delivers rapid diagnostic solutions to healthcare communities around the globe. Its corporate offices and manufacturing facilities are located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada with a representative office in Guilin, China.
This news release contains forward-looking statements, which involve risk and uncertainties and reflect the company’s current expectation regarding future events. Actual events could materially differ from those projected herein and depend on a number of factors including, but not limited to, changing market conditions, successful and timely completion of clinical studies, uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process, establishment of corporate alliances and other risks detailed from time to time in the company quarterly filings.
The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this statement. For more information visit MedMira’s website at www.medmira.com.
MedMira Inc.
CONTACT: Dr. James Smith, Investor Relations, Tel: (902) 450-1588, E-mail:ir@medmira.com; Andrea Young, Corporate Communications, Tel. (902)450-1588, Email: ayoung@medmira.com