BIOLYTICAL COMMENDS MANITOBA'S INVESTMENT IN HIV TESTING AND PROMOTION OF IMPROVED SEXUAL HEALTH
VANCOUVER, BC, September 20, 2007 - British Columbia-based bioLytical Laboratories (bioLytical), the manufacturer's of the only Health Canada approved rapid HIV test for point-of-care testing, issued a statement today in support of the Manitoba government announcing more than $1.3 million in new spending on anonymous testing, prevention and treatment initiatives for HIV and STIs (sexually transmitted infections).
In a move welcomed by Manitoba's medical personnel, some of the funds will be allocated to removing some of the barriers to getting tested for HIV and other STIs. The investment will result in expanded access to STI testing services by increasing operating hours, expanding service locations in high-demand areas and introducing new testing options such as anonymous and rapid testing for HIV.
Manitoba is the second Canadian province to make rapid HIV testing more accessible to its residents. In August, the province of Ontario signed an agreement with bioLytical to supply rapid HIV tests for that province's anonymous and sexual health clinics. INSTIT is the only Health Canada approved rapid HIV test for point-of-care testing and provides accurate results in only 60 seconds. Great pressure is being felt by the remaining provinces to follow the progressive lead in rapid HIV testing set forth by Ontario and now Manitoba.
"We applaud Manitoba's commitment to improving the sexual health of its population and reducing HIV and STI infection. By providing critical funding for this directive, they are demonstrating to Canada the importance of user-friendly healthcare," comments Carl Roy, CEO, bioLytical. He adds, "the government of Manitoba is demonstrating great stewardship in this area and it is hoped other provinces will recognize the importance of expanding such programs nationwide. Simple, unobstructed access to rapid HIV testing is necessary if we are to stop the spread of this disease."
Prior to this announcement, residents of Manitoba wanting to be tested for HIV or STIs, such as syphilis, chlamydia or gonorrhea, were required to give their name, which was a deterrent to many. This effort to remove barriers to testing is expected to increase the numbers of people being tested. Once their health status is known, individuals can connect with the necessary healthcare and treatment, thereby halting the spread of HIV and STIs further.
According to a recent Manitoba Health report, the incidence of HIV infection in Manitoba rose 63% between 1999 and 2005 while HIV infection rates in other provinces remained the same or fell. Between January 1 and December 31, 2005, 116 newly diagnosed cases of HIV were reported in Manitoba; 73 males and 43 females, bringing the total number of cases to 1313 since 1985. Approximately 4,000 Canadians are infected with HIV each year. Research indicates that 15,000 Canadians are currently living with HIV and are unaware they are infected.
ABOUT INSTI HIV-1 RAPID ANTIBODY TEST
The INSTI HIV-1 Rapid Antibody Test is a rapid, in-vitro, qualitative test for the detection of antibodies to Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 in human whole blood, serum or plasma. The test is capable of providing results in 60-seconds and is intended for use as a screening assay by trained personnel in medical facilities, clinical laboratories, emergency care situations, and physicians' offices.
ABOUT BIOLYTICAL LABORATORIES
bioLytical Laboratories (Inc.) is a leading developer and manufacturer of diagnostic tests for global health care markets. bioLytical is a privately owned company with headquarters and a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Richmond, British Columbia, with offices in United Kingdom and Uganda, Africa. For more information about bioLytical and INSTI, please visit biolytical.com.
This news release is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, an
advertisement, solicitation or offering of securities of bioLytical Laboratories. The
statements made in this news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ from the Company's expectations.
END
Media Contact for bioLytical Laboratories:
Amanda Smith, BSc.
Smith Biotech
Phone: (778) 846-4116
amanda@smithbiotech.com
"Reproduced with permission - bioLytical Laboratories"
bioLytical Laboratories
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