OraSure Technologies UPT Technology Published in March Issue of Nature Biotechnology
BETHLEHEM, Pa.--(BW HealthWire)--March 12, 2001--OraSure Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:OSUR), announced that an article was published in the March edition of Nature Biotechnology, which describes the use of the Company's proprietary Up-Converting Phosphor Technology (UPT(TM)) particles to detect DNA in microchips.
UPT particles are used to amplify and make easier the detection of biological materials such as DNA, infectious disease markers and drugs of abuse. In this article and other publications, UPT particles when compared to current fluorescent technologies have been shown to be 1000 times more sensitive. In addition to UPT's greater sensitivity, particles which produce different colors are available for use. These various colors enable simultaneous identification of a greater number of biological targets of interest.
Dr. R. Sam Niedbala, Chief Science Officer of OraSure stated, "The publication of the UPT article and our ongoing successful development of rapid tests using UPT, continue to demonstrate the long-term potential of this technology to enhance biological test systems in a broad range of applications. We believe UPT has potential in a broad array of DNA testing applications including drug discovery, SNP analysis, and infectious disease testing."
"The publication of this article is early confirmation of UPT's potential and supports new directions for the company's future research," said Robert D. Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of OraSure Technologies. "UPT's sensitivity and multiplexing capabilities provide OraSure Technologies with a fantastic opportunity in a broad range of applications, including the dynamic fields of DNA testing and proteomics. I believe the future of diagnostic testing will require technologies that can detect numerous biological targets simultaneously at very sensitive levels. OraSure is strategically positioned for these changes, using UPT as the power inside our future testing platforms."
Conference Call and Internet Audio Broadcast
The Company will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the article. To participate in the call, five minutes prior to 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Monday, March 12, please dial 800/406-5345. Please use the conference code 413577.
To listen to the Webcast and to view a related PowerPoint presentation, visit OraSure Technologies' web site at www.orasure.com ten minutes prior to the start of the call. This press release, Webcast and PowerPoint presentation will also be archived on the OraSure Web site for a period of 30 days following the call.
About OraSure
OraSure Technologies, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets medical devices and diagnostic products for use by public- and private-sector clients, clinical laboratories, physicians' offices and workplace testing. 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 visit www.orasure.com.
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including with respect to product development, performance, benefits and markets. Actual results could be significantly different. Factors that could affect results include ability to market products; impact of competitors, competing products and technology changes; ability to develop, commercialize and market new products; market acceptance of oral fluid testing products and up-converting phosphor technology products; ability to fund research and development and other projects and operations; ability to obtain and the timing of obtaining necessary regulatory approvals; ability to develop product distribution channels; uncertainty relating to patent protection and potential patent infringement claims; ability to enter into international manufacturing agreements; obstacles to international marketing and manufacturing of products; loss or impairment of sources of capital; exposure to product liability and other types of litigation; changes in international, federal or state laws and regulations; changes in relationships with strategic partners and reliance on strategic partners for the performance of critical activities under collaborate arrangements; changes in accounting practices or interpretation of accounting requirements; equipment failures and ability to obtain needed raw materials and components; and general business and economic conditions. These and other factors are discussed more fully in the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings of OraSure Technologies, including the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC on August 31, 2000 and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000, and in the Epitope, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for 1999. Although forward-looking statements help to provide complete 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:
OraSure Technologies, Inc.
Michelle Sells, 503/641-6115 (investor relations)
Investorinfo@orasure.com
www.orasure.com
or
Rich Hooper, 610/882-1820 (CFO)
