Calypte Biomedical Corp. (ticker: CALY, exchange: NASDAQ) News Release - 3-Sep-2002
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HIV Pioneer Encourages Chinese Health Authorities to Take 'Full Advantage' Of Calypte's HIV-1 Urine Screening Test
ALAMEDA, Calif., Sep 3, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Calypte Biomedical Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: CALY), the developer and marketer of the only two FDA-approved HIV-1 antibody tests that can be used on urine samples, announced today that HIV pioneer Professor Luc Montagnier, co-discoverer of HIV-1 and discoverer of HIV-2, has suggested that Chinese health authorities take full advantage of Calypte's FDA-approved urine screening test for HIV-1 antibodies. He made these recommendations during a Calypte-sponsored, four-day speaking tour of People's Republic of China in which he spoke with a number of government agencies, including the Chinese Center for Disease Control, the National Center for AIDS Prevention and Research, and the State Drug Administration. He was also an invited plenary speaker at the first national meeting of the Chinese Association of Preventive Medicine held in JiNan, and gave a second talk at the Association's Epidemiology Section.
At each stop along the way Professor Montagnier discussed a range of HIV-related topics, but focused primarily on advances in diagnostics, therapy, and the vaccines. At each venue, Dr. Montagnier spoke at some length about the importance of testing and counseling in general, as well as the specific advantages of Calypte's novel urine-based tests for exposure to HIV-1.
"Clearly, testing and counseling form the first steps of the HIV control process. I believe that the advantages of urine testing with respect to safety, logistics, and patient appeal can be of great benefit in many settings in China, and I have encouraged the Chinese authorities to take full advantage of Calypte's novel technology. I have also indicated that my personal experience with the urine test demonstrated equivalent results to serum testing," Dr. Montagnier stated.
"At this point in time, we do not know enough about the nature of the Chinese HIV/AIDS problem, and if the spread of the disease will follow the 'northern model' seen in North America and Western Europe, or the more troubling 'southern model' we see in Africa and Southern Asia for example. As such it would be prudent for the Chinese authorities to plan for the worst and hope for the best. I urge the authorities at the highest levels to declare HIV/AIDS management a national priority, and to apply the resources necessary to tangibly impact the problem," said Dr. Montagnier.
Dr. Montagnier further stated, "Education, testing and counseling, coupled with contemporary anti-retroviral HAART, (Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy) therapy are critical components of HIV control. Although the cost of HIV therapy has historically been high, I believe that between the reduced drug prices offered by pharmaceutical companies, and the future possibility of significantly shortened courses of HAART, it is appropriate to make these therapies available immediately. The availability of therapies not only reduces the spread of the disease, but also encourages more people to be tested."
Professor Montagnier's speaking tour was widely covered by the Chinese national and regional press. He discussed his views on the HIV/AIDS problem and the use of the urine tests in at least six television and newspaper interviews. Many newspaper articles covering Dr. Montagnier's visit have already been printed at this time, and additional coverage in local and regional papers is anticipated. Included in future publications will be an interview with Professor Montagnier conducted by the official newspaper of the Chinese Ministry of Health, with a circulation of 300,000.
"We are fortunate to have Dr. Montagnier as a member of our Scientific Advisory Board and, since June of this year, as a consultant to the company," stated Anthony Cataldo, Calypte's Chairman. "To have the personal support of such an eminent leader in the HIV field, and to be able to sponsor trips such as this one, not only help us to publicize the unique advantages of urine testing, but also, to provide a rare and valuable service to HIV professionals around the world," Mr. Cataldo added.
Calypte Biomedical Corporation, headquartered in Alameda, California, is a public healthcare company dedicated to the development and commercialization of urine-based diagnostic products and services for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1), sexually transmitted diseases and other infectious diseases. Calypte's tests include the screening EIA and supplemental Western Blot tests, the only two FDA-approved HIV-1 antibody tests that can be used on urine samples. The company believes that accurate, non-invasive urine-based testing methods for HIV and other infectious diseases may make important contributions to public health by helping to foster an environment in which testing may be done safely, economically, and painlessly. Calypte markets its products in countries worldwide through international distributors and strategic partners. Current product labeling including specific product performance claims can be found on our website at www.calypte.com .
Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding future revenues and sales projections, plans for future financing, the ability to meet operational milestones, marketing arrangements and plans, and shipments to and regulatory approvals in international markets. Such statements reflect management's current views, are based on certain assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results, events, or performance may differ materially from the above forward-looking statements due to a number of important factors, and will be dependent upon a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, our ability to obtain additional financing that will allow us to continue our current and future operations and whether demand for our product and testing service in domestic and international markets will continue to expand. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof or to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with regard to these forward-looking statements or the occurrence of unanticipated events. Factors that may impact the Company's success are more fully disclosed in the Company's most recent public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 and its subsequent filings with the SEC.
For further information, please contact Joe Bunning of Sitrick and Company, +1-310-788-2850, for Calypte Biomedical Corporation.
SOURCE Calypte Biomedical Corporation
CONTACT: Joe Bunning of Sitrick and Company, +1-310-788-2850, for Calypte Biomedical Corporation
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