MedMira files patent for OTC testing system

Mar 23 2006

MedMira has announced today that it has filed a provisional patent application for a system which enables over-the-counter (OTC) home testing and diagnosis of infectious diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis C, and other medical conditions.

MedMira's comprehensive OTC system is all-inclusive, containing everything necessary to obtain definitive test results and support the consumer, with confidential counselling and medical referrals.

"MedMira's OTC system will enable individuals to safely and accurately test themselves and obtain a diagnosis of diseases and medical conditions how and when they choose," said Hermes Chan, president and COO, MedMira. "Our system will promote public safety and customer value, and was developed based on our first-hand OTC experience. This patent will ensure that our intellectual property is protected as we move forward into new OTC markets, including the United States."

MedMira was the first company in the world to introduce an OTC rapid HIV test, in Hong Kong and Macao in 2005, and has used this experience to develop an advanced all-inclusive, consumer-focused home diagnostic system. Advancements in healthcare practices, particularly in the diagnostics field, are making it possible for consumers to implement self-care solutions in the privacy of their own home, to improve, monitor and maintain their health. Home-use tests for infectious diseases are the next step in this self-care evolution, and MedMira will be a global leader.

MedMira plans on introducing its home-use HIV diagnostic system in global markets, including the United States (US), where there is increasing demand for a home HIV testing solution. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently developing requirements to support the approval of OTC home-use HIV tests, which will allow manufacturers to bring such tests to the US market.

Home HIV testing will be key to the control and prevention of the spread of HIV, enabling more people to test themselves and seek treatment when necessary. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that of the 1 million people infected with HIV in the US, approximately 25% are unaware of their HIV status.