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.
