Solution Brings Real-time Results and Point-of-Sampling Mobility to
Research, Academic Markets
HALIFAX, March 10, 2014 /CNW/ - MedMira, Inc. (MedMira) (TSXV: MIR), a
developer of rapid diagnostic technology and solutions, today launches
the Miriad RVF Toolkit for speeding the path to accurate test results
for the research, academic and test developer markets. The new toolkit
not only accelerates the test development process, but also empowers
researchers to obtain results quickly and easily in a mobile, real-time
setting.
The Miriad RVF Toolkit is a fast and cost-effective alternative to
traditional laboratory-based testing methods, which often require
expensive equipment from multiple vendors and restrict testing to
central laboratories vs. the flexibility of the field. In addition to
simplifying and speeding the road to test results, the toolkit enables
researchers to transfer their science to a proven test platform, which
can propel rapid commercialization.
The debut of the Miriad RVF Toolkit, part of the Miriad research products portfolio, marks a strategic expansion for MedMira into the U.S. research and
academic markets and augments the company's strength in the clinical
healthcare sector. The technology in Miriad, MedMira Rapid Vertical
Flow Technology™, also is used in the company's rapid tests for the
clinical healthcare market. These commercialized tests are approved by
many global regulatory bodies. The exclusive distributor of the Miriad
RVF Toolkit in the United States is VWR International, LLC, a global solutions provider of laboratory supplies and services with
worldwide sales in excess of $4.1 billion in 2012.
Veterinary medicine researcher Dr. Joaquín Patarroyo is among early
adopters of the technology. A professor at Brazil's Universidade
Federal de Viçosa and product development and intellectual property
advisor for Patsos Biotecnologia, Dr. Patarroyo sought a way to
transition his successful laboratory work into a real-time, mobile
testing environment. "Using MedMira's toolkit, my lab was able to
develop rapid tests as effective as our laboratory-based assays. We
created the tests within a much shorter turnaround time and did not
need to procure components from multiple sources," said Dr. Patarroyo.
The toolkit also provides a simple migration route for conventional
tests such as ELISA* and Western blots* to evolve into rapid tests.
"MedMira is expanding its foot print in the research and academic
markets with the Miriad RVF Toolkit based on the growing demand for
simpler and faster screening tools and lab processes," said Kevin
Jones, Ph.D., senior director, global sales and marketing, MedMira.
"Researchers want greater freedom from the lab bench. They want
alternatives to time-consuming lab-based assays. They demand an
accurate testing solution usable anywhere, from the lab to the field.
These researchers and educators now have access to a powerful product
from our company to facilitate the advancement of new rapid tests."
The Miriad RVF Toolkit is for research use only. For more information,
visit www.medmira.com or contact a VWR sales representative.
*ELISA refers to the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, a prevalent type
of laboratory test for the detection of antigens and/or antibodies.
Western blot refers to a dot blot technique used to confirm the initial
reactive results obtained from ELISA. These tests typically are
performed in a laboratory setting and do not lend themselves to mobile
testing at the point of sample collection.
About MedMira
MedMira is the leading developer and manufacturer of vertical flow rapid
diagnostics and technologies. MedMira is the only Canadian company to
be awarded US Army contracts for the development of rapid tests for HIV
and Hepatitis viruses. The Company's testing solutions provide
hospitals, labs, clinics and individuals with reliable, rapid diagnosis
for diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C in just three minutes. The
Company's tests are sold under the Reveal®, Multiplo™ and Miriad™
brands in global markets. MedMira is located in Halifax, Nova Scotia,
Canada. www.medmira.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements, including
statements relating to growth in the Company's business, earnings and
profitability, and trends in demand for the Company's products, which
involve risk and uncertainties and reflect the Company's current
expectation regarding future events including statements regarding
possible 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.
