Saliva Diagnostic Systems Authorized to Sell Rapid HIV Test in India
VANCOUVER, Wash., May 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Saliva Diagnostic Systems, Inc.
(Nasdaq: SALV) announced today it has received permission to market and
distribute its rapid HIV testing product Sero*Strip HIV(R) in India. SDS expects
that in its first year of distribution in India, more than
350,000 Sero*Strip HIV tests will be used.
The Sero*Strip HIV rapid HIV test uses a very small of amount of serum or plasma
to detect HIV antibodies. The test takes less than a minute to conduct
and produces results in 5 to 15 minutes. Sero*Strip is ideally suited for use in the
field as it does not need automated equipment or refrigerated storage. The test's
sensitivity and specificity (the ability to avoid false positives)
is comparable to most licensed HIV laboratory tests.
"We are excited about this important agreement that enables us to
distribute products in one of the world's most populous countries," said SDS
President Kenneth McLachlan. The World Health Organization (WHO) has
estimated that by the year 2000, approximately 5 million people in India could
be infected by the HIV virus. "By proving the quality and efficacy of our
rapid tests we hope to increase our penetration of worldwide markets with our
family of diagnostic testing products, including those that identify the HIV
virus," said McLachlan.
Initial production of Sero*Strip HIV, targeted for the Indian market will
take place in SDS' facility in Singapore with manufacturing expected to move
into India to reduce operating costs. The products will be distributed by SDS
strategic partners Fremont Novo Sciences, based in Chicago and Merind Limited,
a subsidiary of the Tata Group of companies, India's largest corporation.
SDS is a developer and manufacturer of rapid diagnostic tests for
infectious diseases and other conditions. The company is based in Vancouver,
Washington with operations in Singapore and London. SDS has developed
easy-to-use, rapid tests that detect HIV antibodies in serum, blood and
saliva, and a rapid blood test for Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria linked to peptic
ulcers and gastric cancer. Research is underway to develop similar
rapid tests for hepatitis and tuberculosis. SDS also makes medical specimen
collectors and other diagnostic devices. The company has announced plans to
apply for Food and Drug Administration approval this year to market its tests
in the United States, though several of its products are approved for use in
other markets worldwide.
Statements in this press release may contain forward-looking material.
Actual results may vary due to a number of risks and uncertainties including, but
not limited to, regulatory approvals, competitor's entry into similar markets, the
acceptance and usage of Sero*Strip HIV in India, and the ability
increase its manufacturing capacity. Other risks and factors are detailed in
the company's annual report on Form 10-KSB on March 31, 1997.
NOTE: For more information on Saliva Diagnostic Systems at no cost call
800-PRO-INFO, ticker symbol SALV.
SOURCE Saliva Diagnostic Systems Inc.
CONTACT: Joni O'Donahue, Investor Relations, of Saliva Diagnostic
Systems, Inc., 360-696-4800; or Dick Strasbaugh, or analysts,
Lynn Chaffier, of The Financial Relations Board, 415-986-1591,
for Saliva Diagnostic Systems, Inc.
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