Meridian Bioscience Launches Two New TRU(TM) Brand Rapid Tests For The Detection Of Epstein-Barr Virus

Main Category: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Also Included In: Lymphoma / Leukemia
Article Date: 11 Apr 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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Meridian Bioscience, Inc. (NASDAQ: VIVO) announced that it has launched two new rapid tests for Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV): TRU EBV-M™ and TRU EBV-G™. The TRU EBV tests are the first rapid tests on the market which employ recombinant antigen technology to detect IgM and IgG antibodies specific to EBV.

EBV is the primary cause of infectious mononucleosis and has been implicated in a number of benign and malignant disorders, including Hodgkin's disease and certain lymphomas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 95% of adults ages 35-40 have been infected with EBV. The current rapid methods for the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis rely primarily on the patient's symptoms and non-specific heterophile antibody testing. The TRU EBV tests, however, are highly sensitive for specific antibodies that can classify acute and chronic stages of the disease. The TRU EBV test system is a simple, sensitive and rapid approach that allows healthcare providers to more precisely diagnose EBV infections.

Jack Kraeutler, Chief Executive Officer, said, "Epstein-Barr viral infections are very common and can cause a variety of mild to severe disease outcomes including infectious mononucleosis and certain lymphomas. These new EBV tests will be important tools that enable labs to accurately detect both acute as well as chronic Epstein-Barr infections. TRU EBV-M and TRU EBV-G are based upon our newest test platform which offers rapid, accurate results in a contained system. TRU EBV-M and TRU EBV-G will be distributed by Meridian Bioscience Europe for the Company's European markets."

Forward Looking Statements

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor from civil litigation for forward-looking statements accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements. Except for historical information, this report contains forward-looking statements which may be identified by words such as "estimates", "anticipates", "projects", "plans", "seeks", "may", "will", "expects", "intends", "believes", "should" and similar expressions or the negative versions thereof and which also may be identified by their context. Such statements, whether expressed or implied, are based upon current expectations of the Company and speak only as of the date made. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including, without limitation, the following: Meridian's continued growth depends, in part, on its ability to introduce into the marketplace enhancements of existing products or new products that incorporate technological advances, meet customer requirements and respond to products developed by Meridian's competition. While Meridian has introduced a number of internally developed products, there can be no assurance that it will be successful in the future in introducing such products on a timely basis. Ongoing consolidations of reference laboratories and formation of multi-hospital alliances may cause adverse changes to pricing and distribution. Costs and difficulties in complying with laws and regulations administered by the United States Food and Drug Administration can result in unanticipated expenses and delays and interruptions to the sale of new and existing products. Changes in the relative strength or weakness of the U.S. dollar can change expected results. One of Meridian's main growth strategies is the acquisition of companies and product lines. There can be no assurance that additional acquisitions will be consummated or that, if consummated, will be successful and the acquired businesses successfully integrated into Meridian's operations. In addition to the factors described in this paragraph, Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors of our Form 10-K contains a list of uncertainties and risks that may affect the financial performance of the Company.

Meridian is a fully integrated life science company that manufactures, markets and distributes a broad range of innovative diagnostic test kits, purified reagents and related products and offers biopharmaceutical enabling technologies. Utilizing a variety of methods, these products and diagnostic tests provide accuracy, simplicity and speed in the early diagnosis and treatment of common medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal, viral and respiratory infections. Meridian's diagnostic products are used outside of the human body and require little or no special equipment. The Company's products are designed to enhance patient well-being while reducing the total outcome costs of healthcare. Meridian has strong market positions in the areas of gastrointestinal and upper respiratory infections, serology, parasitology and fungal disease diagnosis. In addition, Meridian is a supplier of rare reagents, specialty biologicals and related technologies used by biopharmaceutical companies engaged in research for new drugs and vaccines. The Company markets its products and technologies to hospitals, reference laboratories, research centers, veterinary testing centers, physician offices, diagnostics manufacturers and biotech companies in more than 60 countries around the world. The Company's shares are traded through NASDAQ's Global Select Market, symbol VIVO.

Meridian Bioscience Europe