OraSure Technologies Supports Global and Domestic Rapid HIV Testing Initiatives for World AIDS Day
BETHLEHEM, Pa., Dec 01, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- OraSure Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:OSUR), the market leader in oral fluid diagnostics, today announced its support of rapid HIV testing initiatives taking place in more than 20 states in the U.S. and several countries globally, in recognition of World AIDS Day, commemorated annually on December 1st. OraSure's support of these initiatives includes the production of HIV testing promotional materials, complimentary OraQuick ADVANCE(R) Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody test kits to be used in conjunction with World AIDS Day, and any necessary product training for newly launched sites.
In conjunction with World AIDS Day, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is launching a program to test 1 million people around the world in the week leading up to World AIDS Day (www.onemilliontests.org). In support of this program, OraSure has provided a quantity of rapid oral fluid tests in countries where such testing does not currently exist.
Now in its 20th year, World AIDS Day is an international day of observance to honor those who have died from AIDS, as well as increase awareness of the disease in hopes of fighting the spread of HIV.
"We are pleased to be part of such an important day that brings together people all over the world in the fight against HIV/AIDS," said Douglas Michels, President and CEO of OraSure Technologies. "OraSure is actively encouraging individuals to learn their HIV status through routine HIV testing - a critical step that enables those who are infected with the virus to receive immediate care and reduce the spread of this disease."
Committed to working in partnership with local, national and international agencies to fight against HIV/AIDS, OraSure is actively supporting testing and education campaigns both domestically and abroad that urge people to learn their HIV status. In the U.S., OraSure is supporting testing events in 20 states and several major cities including Chicago, Philadelphia, and Miami, where clinics and public health sites are implementing rapid oral fluid HIV testing programs with OraQuick ADVANCE(R). According to UNAIDS, 33 million people worldwide were living with HIV in 2007. Worldwide, most people living with HIV are unaware that they are infected.
The OraQuick ADVANCE(R) Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test, manufactured and sold by OraSure Technologies, is the first and only U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") approved and CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments Act of 1988) waived rapid point-of-care test that can detect antibodies to both HIV-1 and HIV-2 in 20 minutes, using oral fluid, finger-stick or venipuncture whole blood and plasma specimens.
About OraSure Technologies
OraSure Technologies develops, manufactures and markets oral fluid specimen collection devices using proprietary oral fluid technologies, diagnostic products including immunoassays and other in vitro diagnostic tests, and other medical devices. These products are sold in the United States as well as internationally to various clinical laboratories, hospitals, clinics, community-based organizations and other public health organizations, distributors, government agencies, physicians' offices, and commercial and industrial entities.
OraSure Technologies is the leading supplier of oral-fluid collection devices and assays to the life insurance industry and public health markets for the detection of antibodies to HIV. In addition, the Company supplies oral-fluid testing solutions for drugs of abuse testing. For more information on the Company, please go to www.orasure.com.
SOURCE: OraSure Technologies, Inc.
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