MedMira Builds European Sales Infrastructure
23 Novembro 2005 - 1:03PM
PR Newswire (US)
Retains Partner International to Further Develop Distribution
Network for MiraCare(TM) Rapid HIV Test HALIFAX, Nov. 23
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- MedMira Inc., ("MedMira") (TSX Venture:
MIR, NASDAQ: MMIRF) the global market leader in flow-through rapid
diagnostic tests, announced today that it has engaged Swiss-based
Partner International to assist in strengthening its European Union
(EU) distribution network in anticipation of CE Mark approval. With
the CE approval process advancing according to schedule, MedMira is
increasing its efforts in building a solid distribution network to
realize sales immediately following CE approval for its
MiraCare(TM) Rapid HIV Test (MiraCare(TM) HIV). "We were looking
for a partner that could act as an extension of our Sales &
Marketing team to help us realize immediate product sales in the
EU. Partner International's in-depth industry experience coupled
with their strong European and global business connections make
them an ideal partner in this market," said Giles Crouch, vice
president of sales and marketing for MedMira. Crouch continued,
"The flexibility of MiraCare(TM) HIV, for use with both whole blood
and serum/plasma specimens, enables us to target all types of
testing settings including hospitals, laboratories, pharmacies,
voluntary clinics, and possibly the future over-the-counter (OTC)
market in Europe. MiraCare(TM)'s adaptability will be a key
differentiator for us in the critical EU market, which until now,
has had limited choice in rapid HIV tests." MedMira will soon stand
alone as the only rapid diagnostics manufacturer in the world to
obtain all key international regulatory approvals for its rapid HIV
tests; from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA),
Health Canada, China State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) and
soon, the European Union CE Mark. These approvals coupled with
exceptional performance in independent clinical studies, make
MedMira a clear global leader for quality rapid HIV tests. "Our
extensive market knowledge leads us to believe that MedMira's rapid
HIV test will be the strongest product offering in Europe," said
Joanne Ball, CEO of Partner International. "Our team is excited to
collaborate with such a dynamic company who is leading the global
market with the fastest rapid HIV test, and impressed by their
outstanding quality and accurate results." According to EuroHIV,
the European HIV/AIDS surveillance network, in a report released in
November of 2004, newly diagnosed HIV infections increased by 26%
in 2002 and 9% in 2003, and the number of women infected increased
by 37% in 2003 compared to 33% in 2002. The fastest growing mode of
HIV transmission was through heterosexual contact and is having an
impact across all parts of Europe, with the highest rates being
seen in Eastern Europe. It is estimated that over 2 million people
in Europe are living with HIV. About Partner International Partner
International GmbH is a business development company providing
services to life sciences clients worldwide. With offices in
Europe, North America, and associates located globally, Partner
International is uniquely positioned to expedite the development of
international strategic alliances. For more information visit
http://www.partner-intl.com/. About MedMira MedMira is the leading
global manufacturer and marketer of in vitro flow- through rapid
diagnostic tests. MedMira's tests provide reliable, rapid diagnosis
in just 3 minutes for the detection of human antibodies in human
serum, plasma or whole blood for diseases such as HIV and hepatitis
C. The United States FDA and the SFDA in the People's Republic of
China have approved MedMira's Reveal(TM) G2 and MiraWell(R) rapid
HIV tests, respectively. MedMira's Reveal(R) G2 and MiraWell(R)
rapid HIV tests are currently used in clinical laboratories,
hospitals, and clinics where professional counselling and patient
treatment are immediately available. The MiraCare(TM) Rapid HIV
Antibody Test, MedMira's over-the-counter (OTC) product, is
available in pharmacies throughout Hong Kong and Macao Special
Administrative Regions, in the People's Republic of China. MedMira
delivers rapid diagnostic solutions to healthcare communities
around the globe. Its corporate offices and manufacturing
facilities are located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada with a
representative office in Guilin, China. This news release contains
forward-looking statements, which involve risk and uncertainties
and reflect the company's current expectation regarding future
events. 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. The
TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept
responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this statement. For
more information visit MedMira's website at
http://www.medmira.com/. DATASOURCE: MedMira Inc. CONTACT: Dr.
James Smith, Investor Relations, Tel: (902) 450-1588, E-mail: ;
Andrea Young, Corporate Communications, Tel. (902) 450-1588, Email:
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