LA JOLLA, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Feb. 2, 1999--La Jolla Diagnostics Inc. (OTCBB:LAJD) announced today the acquisition, through its subsidiary DiagnosTech Inc., of international marketing rights for a test for Hepatitis C.
The test will be marketed under the DiagnosTech and other brand names internationally.
"There is a real interest in this test," said Bruce Whitfield, vice president of marketing for DiagnosTech. "We have been adding tests to our catalog to service our international distributors who initially came on board to represent our proprietary TB and HIV tests, and Hepatitis C type was near the top of the list of tests requested, especially in third world countries."
Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus which causes a chronic liver infection. Usually it remains dormant for a number of years before causing symptoms. Sometimes it progresses to the point of causing liver failure and death.
Domestically the main modes of infection are unscreened blood transfusions (blood has been tested in the U.S. since 1992), needles related to illegal drugs, and unsafe sexual activities. However, in third world countries the disease may also be spread by such things as contaminated surgical and dental equipment, and even manicurists' and barbers' tools due to improperly sterilized equipment.
La Jolla Diagnostics is an emerging company engaged in the development and marketing of state-of-the-art diagnostic tests (including a proprietary test for active tuberculosis), health care products and nutraceuticals. The healthcare and nutraceutical products, including a treatment for migraine headaches, are formulated using a patented technology.
CONTACT:
La Jolla Diagnostics Inc.
Don Brucker, 800/454-6790
lajd.com
lajd96@aol.com
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