LAKE OSWEGO, Ore., Jan. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Calypte Biomedical Corporation (Amex: HIV) today announced the introduction of an over-the- counter (OTC) version of the Aware(TM) Oral Fluid HIV-1/2 Rapid Diagnostic Test. Calypte expects to initially launch the sale of this product in over-the-counter markets in the United Arab Emirates, where the product has been registered, and then plans to distribute it throughout the entire Middle East as additional registrations and/or approvals are obtained. The OTC Aware Oral Fluid HIV-1/2 Rapid Diagnostic Test will be distributed by Joseph and Gionis, Calypte's exclusive distributor for 22 Middle Eastern countries with a population of approximately 465 million people. According to the December 2004 UNAIDS report, there are between 230,000 and 1.5 million adults and children living with HIV within this region, of which nearly half are women. Mr. Roger Gale, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Calypte stated, "We are extremely pleased to launch our newest product, an Aware Oral Fluid HIV-1/2 Rapid Diagnostic Test designed for use in an over-the-counter setting. We believe that this product will add another tool to increase detection and combat the spread of HIV virus and that the combination of an over-the-counter product with safe, oral fluid detection is well suited to reach the greatest number of individuals within the Middle Eastern countries. We look forward to a productive relationship with our newest distributor, Joseph and Gionis, as it continues to utilize its expertise in regulatory pharmaceutical and governmental affairs to facilitate the regulatory process in additional countries within its territory." Mr. Gale, concluded, "Our launch of this over-the-counter product coincides with Arab Health, the largest Healthcare Exhibition in the Middle East, being held in Dubai, January 22-25th. We have already shipped the initial order to Joseph and Gionis in conjunction with this Exhibition and we believe we have sufficient inventory in stock to satisfy anticipated initial sales of this innovative product." 
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