Business Wire - September 13, 1999
OraSure is the only oral specimen collection device approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for screening and confirmatory testing of HIV-1, the virus that causes AIDS. The Harlem Health Expo features mobile testing units that will provide an opportunity for attendees to get free and confidential HIV testing and counseling, as well as information about diabetes and hypertension.
"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that the bulk of new HIV infection is expected to occur in African-Americans, and we are proud to donate OraSure devices to this vital endeavor of AIDS awareness and treatment," said John Morgan, Epitope's chief executive officer. "Oral fluid testing for HIV has been shown to foster much greater participation than blood testing because it largely resolves problems associated with the fear of needles among patients and the dangers of needle-stick injuries among healthcare workers. OraSure is a very accurate alternative to blood testing."
HIV/AIDS is growing rapidly within the African-American population. Although accounting for only 13% of the total U.S. population, African-Americans account for 40% of the nation's AIDS cases. Moreover, African-Americans are more than eight times as likely as whites to become infected with HIV, and are less likely to receive the standard of care therapy.
"The ease of use and non-invasive nature of OraSure make it the ideal choice for testing in this type of venue," said Michael J. Brown, Director Immunology, Bristol-Myers Squibb. "Using OraSure, we can test large numbers of people quickly and painlessly, and get them directed to the health resources necessary to treat this disease and prevent its transmission."
The Harlem Health Expo is being held in conjunction with the New York Regional Update Conference on African-Americans and AIDS, taking place on Tuesday, September 14th at New York's Marriott Marquis Hotel. The goal of the program is to destigmatize HIV/AIDS by presenting the reality of the disease, while simultaneously creating opportunities for African-Americans who may be at risk, to access counseling, testing and care. Epitope is participating in both the Harlem Health Expo and the Update Conference.
Epitope, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets medical devices and diagnostic products utilizing its proprietary oral fluid technologies for sale to public- and private-sector clients worldwide. The company's primary focus is on the detection of HIV antibodies, with emphasis in the U.S. life insurance and global public health markets, and on the use of oral fluid testing for the detection of drugs of abuse and other analytes.
--30--flb/ny*
CONTACT: Epitope, Inc., Beaverton Charles E. Bergeron Chief Financial Officer 503/641-6115 Investorinfo@epitopeinc.com or Investor Relations Contacts: Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates, New York Bruce Voss, 310/575-4848 Bruce@lhai.com Kim Sutton Golodetz, 212/838-3777 Kim@lhai.com Keith Lippert, 212/838-3777 Keith@lhai.com
http://www.lhai.com
990913
BW990902
Copyright © 1999 - Business Wire. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Business Wire, Permissions Desk, Business Wire, 1185 Avenue of the Americas, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036; Tel: (212) 575-8822; FAX: (212) 575-1854. http://www.businesswire.com.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1999. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 1999. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .