Calypte Biomedical Corp. (ticker: CALY, exchange: NASDAQ) News Release - 19-Feb-2003
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PathNet Laboratory to Offer Calypte Urine HIV Testing; Expands Urine Testing Access to Women's Health
ALAMEDA, Calif., Feb 19, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Calypte Biomedical Corporation (OTCBB:CALY), the developer and marketer of the only two FDA-approved HIV-1 antibody tests that can be used on urine samples, as well as an FDA-approved serum HIV-1 antibody Western Blot supplemental test, today announced that PathNet Esoteric Laboratory Institute has successfully completed the California licensing requirements to begin offering Calypte's non-invasive HIV-1 urine antibody test to clients.
PathNet specializes in pathology, cytopathology and amplified esoteric sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing for a number of providers of women's healthcare, such as family planning clinics, private practice ob/gyn's and gynecologic oncologists. PathNet will market Calypte's urine HIV-1 antibody test to PathNet's clients as an alternative test for HIV.
The latest CDC reports indicate that there are roughly 49,000 women living with HIV in the US at the end of 2001 and almost 77,000 living with AIDS. Women account for a growing proportion of new AIDS cases in the United States, rising from 7% in 1986 to 25% in 2000.
"PathNet has an excellent reputation for providing for women's health, and its marketing efforts will be a great asset as Calypte expands into the growing woman's HIV health arena," said Nancy Katz, president and CEO of Calypte. "Through sales and marketing programs, Calypte has generated interest in urine HIV testing among various community-based organizations and family planning clinics. With the addition of our HIV-1 urine test being offered by PathNet, many more organizations will be able to offer Calypte's urine HIV screening to their clients. In addition, Calypte and PathNet will work together to develop and implement outreach programs to notify PathNet's clients and other healthcare providers about the availability of Calypte's HIV-1 urine antibody testing through PathNet."
"PathNet is pleased to provide Calypte's urine HIV-1 test to our clients," said Alan Kaye, PathNet's president and CEO. "Urine is an excellent alternative for HIV testing that will further the ability to screen patients at risk for HIV. Calypte's FDA approved urine HIV-1 test has demonstrated in studies that more clients will voluntarily agree to be tested for HIV when urine is an option for testing."
About PathNet
PathNet Esoteric Laboratory Institute, a privately held Pathology and Esoteric specialty lab, is based in Van Nuys, Calif. PathNet provides pathology, cytopathology and sexually transmitted disease testing to women's clinics, family planning agencies, ob/gyn's and gynecologic oncologists nationwide.
About Calypte Biomedical
Calypte Biomedical Corporation, headquartered in Alameda, Calif., 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, as well as an FDA-approved serum HIV-1 antibody Western Blot 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. Current product labeling including specific product performance claims can be found at www.calypte.com.
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 and 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/A (No.1) for the year ended December 31, 2001 and its subsequent filings with the SEC.
CONTACT: Calypte Biomedical Corporation
Pam South, 510/749-5100
psouth@calypte.com
or
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
Investor Relations:
Brendan Lahiff/Kirsten Chapman, 415/433-3777
brendan@lhai-sf.com
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