OraSure Technologies Announces First Preview of Uplink Technology at 2001 American Society of Microbiology Meeting
The results were previewed in a poster session at the 2001 American Society for Microbiology Conference, held in Orlando, Fla.
The initial product concept, UPlink Clostridium difficile Toxin A&B test, is designed to aid in the diagnosis of C. difficile associated disease. C. difficile is the most common infectious cause of hospital acquired diarrhea where the incidence of disease ranges from 20-60 cases per 100,000 patient days. Clostridium difficile associated with human disease usually produce two toxins called Toxin A and Toxin B. Therefore, a test that detects both Toxin A and Toxin B has great clinical value.
The UPlink Clostridium difficile Toxin A&B test yielded results that demonstrated, on average, a 50 fold increase in sensitivity when compared to eight commercially available diagnostic products. The UPlink technology's ability to simultaneously detect multiple infectious disease antigens (multiplex) was also demonstrated by detecting Toxin A from Toxin B in a single assay. In addition, the assay is rapid, producing results in approximately 20 minutes. This is several days faster than the current gold standard, cytotoxin testing.
Dr. Sam Niedbala, chief science officer for OraSure Technologies, Inc. said, "The demonstrated performance of the UPlink platform for C. difficile shows the flexibility and superior performance potential of our new core technology. We expect high sensitivity coupled with multiplexing capability, to redefine point-of-care testing across a broad menu of tests in the future."
Jack Kraeutler, president of Meridian Bioscience, Inc. said, "We are very pleased with the results from this preliminary study. It was our goal to demonstrate the high sensitivity and multiplexing capabilities of the UPlink technology. We believe we have done that. The superior sensitivity of UPlink will enable even earlier diagnosis of disease. In addition, the detection of multiple antigens from the same patient specimen will allow rapid differentiation of disease-causing agents. We expect to initiate clinical evaluations of the first UPlink products later this year and we look forward to our continuing successful relationship with OraSure."
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 go to www.orasure.com.
About Meridian
Meridian Bioscience, Inc. is a fully integrated life sciences company that manufactures, markets and distributes a broad range of innovative diagnostic test kits, purified reagents and related products and offers biopharmaceutical enabling technologies. Utilizing a variety of methods, these products provide accuracy, simplicity and speed in the early diagnosis and treatment of common medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal, viral, urinary and respiratory infections. All Meridian products are used outside of the human body and require little or no special equipment. The Company's products are designed to enhance patient well-being while reducing the total outcome costs of healthcare. Meridian has strong market positions in the areas of gastrointestinal and upper respiratory infections, serology, parasitology and fungal disease diagnosis. In addition, Meridian is a supplier of rare reagents and specialty biologicals. The Company markets its products to hospitals, reference laboratories, research centers, veterinary testing centers and physician offices in more than 60 countries around the world. The Company's shares are traded through Nasdaq's National Market, symbol VIVO. Meridian's website address is www.meridianbioscience.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements including with respect to revenues, product availability 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; failure to comply with regulations of the FDA or other regulatory agencies; loss or impairment of sources of capital; ability to develop product distribution channels; ability to develop new products; market acceptance of oral fluid testing products; changes in international, federal or state laws or regulations; exposure to product liability or other types of litigation; changes in relationships with strategic partners and reliance on strategic partners for the performance of critical activities under collaborative arrangements; equipment failures and ability to obtain needed raw materials and other components; and general business and economic conditions. These factors are discussed more fully in the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings of OraSure Technologies, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2000. 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 those statements.
CONTACT: Orasure Technologies
Michelle Sells, 503/641-6115
Investorinfo@orasure.com
www.orasure.com
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Rich Hooper, 610/882-1820
