Chembio Files Rapid Test Patent Application; HIV Prevention Conference Highlights Need for Rapid Testing; New Technology Demonstrates Substantially Improved Performance in Preliminary Studies

Chembio Files Rapid Test Patent Application; HIV Prevention Conference Highlights Need for Rapid Testing; New Technology Demonstrates Substantially Improved Performance in Preliminary Studies

Business Wire - June 16, 2005

MEDFORD, N.Y. -- Chembio Diagnostics, Inc. (OTCBB: CEMI) announced today that it has filed a second new patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for a novel method and device for rapid testing incorporating a form of lateral flow technology. The Company believes that this patent application is a significant departure from conventional lateral flow product designs and that it has shown substantially improved performance compared to such conventional products based upon preliminary studies that the Company has conducted.

The Company believes that this new patent application substantially improves its intellectual property portfolio by providing it with a broad proprietary platform upon which to develop future HIV, TB and other STD products that will serve the needs of prevention efforts globally. The Company believes this new innovative lateral flow test may improve sensitivity of TB serology specially in HIV infected patients. There is an urgent need for an innovative diagnostic method for HIV/TB ( http://www.stoptb.org/events/world_tb_day/2005/PDF/1GB.pdf).

The Company participated in the 2005 National HIV Prevention Conference in Atlanta ( http://www.2005hivprevconf.org/index.asp) this week where statistics were released that estimate that there are now more than one million people living with HIV in the United States, even though many of those are not aware of their HIV-positive status.

"We are committed to the continued development of rapid diagnostic test solutions that must be an integral component of successful prevention efforts," said Lawrence A. Siebert, President of Chembio. "The innovative platform development, led by our Director of Research & Development, Javan Esfandiari, provides us with a unique platform for future products and significantly complements our current products used internationally in HIV prevention programs and that have been submitted to the FDA for approval."

ABOUT CHEMBIO

Chembio Diagnostics, Inc. (Chembio) possesses expertise in the development and manufacturing of rapid test products for various infectious diseases, including HIV, Tuberculosis and Chagas Disease. References to Chembio Diagnostics, Inc. may actually refer to Chembio Diagnostic Systems, Inc., the 100%-owned subsidiary of Chembio Diagnostics, Inc. Chembio is located at 3661 Horseblock Road, Medford, NY 11763. Chembio's telephone number is 631-924-1135. Email can be directed to info@chembio.com. Additional information can be found at www.chembio.com .

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements contained herein 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, the Company's ability to obtain additional financing and the demand for the Company's products. 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.

CONTACT: CEOcast, Inc. for Chembio Diagnostics

Ed Lewis, 212-732-4300, ext. 225

SOURCE: Chembio Diagnostics, Inc.

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