HALIFAX,
Nov. 12, 2013 /CNW/ - MedMira Inc.,
(MedMira) (TSXV: MIR), a developer of rapid diagnostic technology
and solutions, today announced a collaborative research agreement
with the National Research Council of
Canada (NRC). MedMira is aiming to
advance its rapid diagnostic technology through the creation of a
next generation rapid diagnostics platform, specifically for
diseases and conditions which today can only be diagnosed using
traditional laboratory based tests, processes, and equipment.
MedMira will receive funding support towards
this research from the National Research
Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program
(NRC IRAP). MedMira and NRC will work together over a 10
month period on two key areas that will expand the capabilities of
MedMira's rapid diagnostic technology platform. The first will
develop new nanoparticles that are more visible than traditional
particles, allowing earlier diagnosis of diseases. In addition to
making the detection more sensitive it also broadens the scope of
applications that can be built on the rapid flow-through technology
platform. With these advancements, certain diseases and medical
conditions, which today may be below the detection limits for all
rapid assays, could soon be detected in minutes, at the
point-of-care, using a MedMira rapid test.
"This is a valuable opportunity to bring
together research and development efforts from both MedMira and the
National Research Council to deliver
superior healthcare tools more rapidly than we could alone," said
Dr. Neeraj Vats, Director of
Technology and Business Affairs, MedMira Inc.
The second advancement will involve NRC and
MedMira conducting research and development activities leading to
the addition of non-visual detection in the rapid diagnostic
platform. Automating the reading and recording of test results
brings significant operational efficiencies to healthcare
providers, faster treatment for patients, and better surveillance
data in large scale screening programs run by health departments
and aid organizations.
Dr. Vats added "In addition to broadening the
scope of applications that can be created on rapid tests, we are
also working to enhance the user experience. The development of
simple instrumentation that can interpret, record and transmit
results in real-time to specialists that can determine treatment
options will be very powerful, and mean that specialists no longer
have to be in the same room or the same country as their patient,
which will enable better care."
About MedMira
MedMira is a leading developer and manufacturer
of flow-through rapid diagnostics. The Company's tests 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's rapid flow-through
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's website at www.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.