Receives approval to market and sell Reveal HIV through Mexican
distributor Diagno Medical
HALIFAX, March 19, 2014 /CNW/ - MedMira Inc.(TSXV: MIR) has received approval from the Federal Commission for the Protection
against Sanitary Risk (COFEPRIS) to market and sell its Reveal® Rapid HIV Antibody Test (Reveal HIV) in Mexico. Reveal HIV is the first rapid HIV test to be
approved and sold in Mexico that is available in an all-inclusive
point-of-care format. This comprehensive kit for point-of-care testing
includes everything necessary to conduct the test anywhere, anytime and
delivers more operational and cost efficiencies to care providers and
their patients than any other test on the market.
In addition to the point-of-care format, MedMira's distribution partner
in Mexico, Diagno Medical, will also sell Reveal HIV in two laboratory
formats to optimize user needs in all testing environments, from the
laboratory to the point-of-care. Built on MedMira's patented Rapid Vertical Flow Technology™, Reveal HIV delivers result instantly with a simple three step
procedure, making it the fastest available test on the market. Other
rapid tests on the market take anywhere from 15 to 40 minutes to
deliver a result, while Reveal HIV takes less than two minutes from go
to know. The Reveal HIV test is an easy-to-use, first line of defense
tool to prevent the spread of HIV infection.
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) indicates that the country's
infection rate has remained about the same in the past decade with
220,000 people currently living with HIV in Mexico. More than 30
percent of the 110 million people living in Mexico are located in
suburban areas where HIV testing and treatment is not easily accessible
forcing people to travel to urban areas if they wish to be tested.
"The availability of the Reveal HIV provides patients with more options
for screening, particularly those in suburban areas," said Roger
Cornejo, CEO of Diagno Medical. "The absence of quality point-of-care
HIV testing and care across the country has contributed to the lack of
success in decreasing infection rates. Now we can make screening safer,
faster and more accessible with Reveal HIV, and offer the right tool to
aid in the fight against the spread of HIV infection across Mexico."
The Reveal HIV test provides patients with more options for screening
including doctor's office and small remote clinics outside of urban
areas. The compact, lightweight package provides all of the components
needed for whole blood testing at the point-of-care, including lancet,
alcohol swab, and a leak-proof test cartridge. With everything included
in a single package, care providers do not need to order, stock and
manage inventory of various accessories to perform point-of-care whole
blood testing.
The approval of Reveal HIV in Mexico is one of several that MedMira has
recently achieved in Latin America. The Company is also pursuing
product approvals for the Reveal and Multiplo ranges in Panama,
Ecuador, Brazil and Argentina as part of its ongoing expansion in the
region.
About MedMira
MedMira is a leading developer and manufacturer of vertical flow rapid
diagnostics. The Company's tests provide hospitals, labs, clinics and
individuals with instant diagnosis for diseases such as HIV and
hepatitis C in just three easy steps. The Company's tests are sold
under the Reveal, Multiplo™ and Miriad™ brands in global markets. Based
on its patented Rapid Vertical Flow Technology, MedMira's rapid HIV
test is the only one in the world to achieve regulatory approvals in
Canada, the United States, China and the European Union. MedMira's
corporate offices and manufacturing facilities are located in Halifax,
Nova Scotia, Canada. For more information visit medmira.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements, which involve
risk and uncertainties and reflect the Company's current expectation
regarding future events including statements regarding possible
approval and launch of new products, future growth, and new business
opportunities. 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.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as
that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange)
accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
SOURCE MedMira Inc.
<p> </p> <p> MedMira Contact:<br/> Andrea Young, Corporate Communications<br/> T. 902-450-1588<br/> E. <a href="mailto:ayoung@medmira.com">ayoung@medmira.com</a> </p> <p> Chempetitive Group for MedMira: <br/> Rachel Lear<br/> T. 781-775-3640<br/> E. <a href="mailto:MedMira@Chempetitive.com">MedMira@Chempetitive.com</a> </p>