Calypte Unveils Aware Messenger(TM), an Oral Specimen Collection Device Developed Especially for High-Throughput Testing Laboratories
PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 30, 2008--Calypte Biomedical Corporation (OTCBB: CBMC), a developer, manufacturer and marketer of HIV diagnostic tests, today launched its latest new product, Aware Messenger(TM), an oral fluid sample collection device for collecting high-quality oral fluid specimens for high-throughput laboratory testing.
"We developed the Aware Messenger(TM) device in response to inquiries from several of our U.S. and international customers who requested a safe, simple and cost-effective alternative to currently marketed sampling devices. In addition, the device will meet the sample collection needs of potential customers who are seeking an alternative to blood testing but still prefer the advantages of high volume batch testing provided by traditional diagnostic methods such as EIA," stated Roger I. Gale, Calypte's President and CEO. "Aware Messenger(TM) is consistent with our growing product line which is aimed at improving the ease with which sample collection and testing can occur." Calypte Biomedical currently markets several diagnostic tests for HIV under the Aware(TM) brand outside the U.S. including its Aware(TM) HIV-1/2 OMT rapid oral fluid test.
According to Dr. Ronald W. Mink, Calypte's Chief Science Officer, "This product provides an exciting new opportunity for Calypte in the laboratory based diagnostics business. The Aware Messenger(TM) sample buffer is specifically formulated to promote sample stability and compatibility with the widest range of clinical laboratory tests. We believe that our tasteless swab, pre-designed for compatibility with conventional clinical assays, and providing a speedy collection without the need for additional processing at the laboratory, constitutes a significant competitive advantage in the oral specimen collector market. Further, we anticipate that users will find Aware Messenger(TM) to be ideally suited for the collection of oral fluid specimens containing antibodies and analytes of interest and will find that it provides excellent specimen stability, even at non-refrigerated temperatures. The design of the Aware Messenger(TM) product provides great potential for current and future expansion into diagnostic product opportunities in the U.S. and international markets."
The Aware Messenger(TM) oral fluid sample collection device uses an untreated, soft, tasteless swab and takes only 15-20 seconds to collect a sample rich in oral mucosal transudate. The device yields a large quantity of sample that is ready for testing without additional processing by the testing laboratory either immediately upon receipt or at a later time at a remote testing laboratory.
Collecting a sample with the Aware Messenger(TM) device involves a simple back and forth wipe of the upper and lower gum line with a swab, which is then placed into a buffer tube. The swab is expressed into the tube and discarded immediately after use. The tube containing the sample can then be delivered to the laboratory where the sample can be immediately and directly used in a suitably validated assay without processing, or stored for batch testing at a later time.
The current device is generic and will require validation by the user for each individual application for diagnostic use by the laboratory. A constantly growing body of literature supports the use of oral fluid specimens as an accurate alternative to blood for the testing for antibodies, antigens, drugs, and genetic testing. Aware Messenger(TM) will be available for shipment in February 2008 in boxes of 50 devices. Additional information about Aware Messenger(TM) can be found on Calypte's website (http://www.calypte.com).
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