Business Wire - July 11, 2002

In 1983, as head of the Viral Oncology Unit at the Pasteur Institute in Paris, Dr. Montagnier and his colleagues discovered the human retrovirus later to be known as HIV-1, the etiologic agent of AIDS. In 1985, his team isolated the second human AIDS virus, HIV-2, from West African patients. Since 1986, he has coordinated the work of a distinguished group of collaborators on the mechanisms of AIDS pathogenesis on new treatments and vaccines.

"Dr. Montagnier has agreed to take an active role in supporting our efforts to increase the awareness of our urine-based screening test worldwide, as well as to help us continue to obtain approvals so that we can accelerate the availability of our urine screening test," stated Nancy Katz, Calypte's President and Chief Executive Officer. "He will be traveling to China on the company's behalf to share his expertise on HIV management."

Anthony Cataldo, Calypte's Executive Chairman, added, "Dr. Montagnier's participation will enhance Calypte's profile and presence around the world and will help to introduce the economics and safety features of our proprietary test."

Dr. Montagnier stated, "I found from my own experience that the Calypte test is both accurate and sensitive. Trials of the company's urine HIV algorithm performed around the world have demonstrated that the urine tests perform with similar reliability to serum tests, and urine sampling is safer than blood testing for all parties involved. Most importantly, the painless and non-invasive nature of urine testing has been documented to encourage voluntary HIV testing and counseling, which is the cornerstone of all successful HIV prevention programs. These are the key message points that I intend to deliver to the Chinese government officials when I meet with them at the end of August, and it is my sincere hope that the Chinese government will act promptly to expand the approval of Calypte's uniquely useful tool in the fight against HIV/AIDS that all Asian countries face today."

About Calypte Biomedical

Calypte Biomedical Corporation, headquartered in Alameda, California, is a public healthcare company dedicated to the development and commercialization of urine-based diagnostic products and services for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1), sexually transmitted diseases and other infectious diseases. Calypte's tests include the screening EIA and supplemental Western Blot tests, the only two FDA-approved HIV-1 antibody tests that can be used on urine samples. When compared with existing blood-based tests, our testing algorithms are non-invasive, easier to use, less expensive and have significantly less risk than blood-based testing, and they have 99.7% sensitivity in subjects previously identified as HIV-1 infected and 100% specificity in subjects at low risk when combined with the urine-based Western Blot supplemental test. The company believes that accurate, non-invasive urine-based testing methods for HIV and other infectious diseases may make important contributions to public health by helping to foster an environment in which testing may be done safely, economically, and painlessly. Calypte markets its products in countries worldwide through international distributors and strategic partners.

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and its management. Such statements reflect management's current views, are based on certain assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results, events, or performance may differ materially from the above forward-looking statements due to a number of important factors, and will be dependent upon a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, our ability to obtain additional financing and access funds from our existing financing arrangements that will allow us to continue our current and future operations and whether demand for our product and testing service in domestic and international markets will continue to expand. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof or to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with regard to these forward-looking statements or the occurrence of unanticipated events. Factors that may impact the Company's success are more fully disclosed in the Company's most recent public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 and its subsequent filings with the SEC.

CONTACT: Sitrick And Company Joe Bunning, 310/788-2850

SOURCE: Calypte Biomedical Corporation

020711
BW020714

Copyright © 2002 - 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 2002. 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, 2002. 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. .