MIR MedMira Inc

HALIFAX, Nov. 20, 2012 /CNW/ - MedMira Inc., (MedMira) (TSXV: MIR), a developer of rapid diagnostic technology and solutions, provided an update on its work with the US Army, which now includes the development and commercialization of two rapid tests for transfusion transmitted diseases under a consolidated contract.

MedMira was awarded a United States Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA) contract in July 2011 and a second contract in July 2012.  To create greater operational efficiencies as the projects move forward in parallel, the work is now combined under a single concerted effort which involves the development and commercialization of two rapid tests - Multiplo Rapid HBc/HIV/HCV Antibody Test (Multiplo HBc/HIV/HCV) and the recently added Reveal Rapid Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test (Reveal HBsAg).

"Diagnostic tools for transfusion transmitted diseases, critical in the treatment of wounded service members on the battlefield, are among the highest priorities of the Defense Medical Research and Development Program (DMRDP). With the addition of Reveal HBsAg to the contract, MedMira will provide a comprehensive infectious disease screening package for HIV and hepatitis B and C," said Major Charles DiTusa, Product Manager, Rapid Transfusion Transmitted Disease Detection Device, Pharmaceutical System Project Management Office, US Army Medical Materiel Development Activity.

"This latest advancement clearly demonstrates our performance and focus on working with customers and partners to provide comprehensive diagnostic solutions. This suite of tests identifies three viral infections that most often threaten blood supplies," said Hermes Chan, CEO, MedMira. "Project milestones are being met on time and on budget and our team is working closely with US Army personnel to ensure the products meet and exceed their operational needs."

The US Army will employ MedMira diagnostics on the frontlines of military healthcare for use in emergency medical situations and for screening transfusion transmitted diseases where no FDA approved tests are available. MedMira's patented rapid flow-through technology, which enables the simultaneous detection of disease markers, meets US Army technology readiness level requirements and surpasses the capabilities of other rapid diagnostics on the market today.

"Once fully integrated into the healthcare system, the US Army will gain efficiencies through a streamlined supply chain from a single solutions provider and the implementation of a diagnostics platform with a standardized procedure will result in reduced training time and costs," added Chan. "Beyond the military, we see significant applications for these products in the public healthcare market in the US, and globally, as HIV and Hepatitis infections continue to rise."

Providing reliable and instant point-of-care diagnostics solutions has significant impact on public health initiatives such as the CDC's education campaign "Know More Hepatitis" aimed at the three million Americans infected with Hepatitis C and 1.4 million infected with Hepatitis B. According to the WHO approximately one in 12 people worldwide is chronically infected with either Hepatitis B or C. MedMira's Multiplo HBc/HIV/HCV and Reveal HBsAg will be the first FDA-approved rapid tests for Hepatitis B and all three diseases in combination. Known as the "silent killer", many of the millions of people infected with Hepatitis are unaware of their status. Rapid tests enable a greater number of people to be tested, learn their status, access treatment and prevent the further spread of these diseases.

About MedMira

MedMira is a leading developer and manufacturer of flow-through 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.

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SOURCE MEDMIRA INC.