A-Fem Medical Corp. Announces Second Major Application for PadKit Technology.

Business Editors/Health & Medical Writers

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 10, 2000

A-Fem Medical (OTCBB:AFEM), announced today it has recently completed a feasibility study to evaluate the utility of the PadKit(R) Sample Collection System sample to screen for Human Papalloma Virus (HPV).

This retrospective study evaluated PadKit samples using the Digene Hybrid Capture(R) HPV DNA test. The HPV virus was found in samples from subjects known to be positive for HPV.

"Women who are positive for certain high risk types of the HPV virus are at significant risk to develop cervical cancer," stated William Fleming, vice chairman for A-Fem. "We believe that the ability for the PadKit(R) to passively provide a single sample that allows the laboratory to test for HPV, as well as cervical cancer, is an important second step in the development of our planned panel of available tests."

This study complements the clinical work currently underway to determine the use of the PadKit as an alternative sample to the conventional method of Pap test sample collection. The Company expects the PadKit(R) to be a cost effective alternative for diagnosing a woman's health with a non-invasive self-collected sample obtained in the privacy of her own home, then mailed to the lab for analysis, with results provided to the physician prior to the patient's visit. This would allow appropriate follow-up procedures, if necessary, to be scheduled during the actual visit.

The Company began work on the PadKit(R) Sample Collection System in early 1994, recognizing the need for a better method of sample collection for diagnosing women's health issues, and filed its initial patent application to protect the concept of passive self collection of a sample from the female genital tract, and its transport for diagnostic purposes. Broad patents covering this concept in the US issued in 1998 and 1999, and initial foreign patents were granted in 1998, additional US and foreign patents are pending.

A-Fem Medical Corporation is a medical technology company with multiple product platforms targeting unmet women's health needs. A-Fem has developed three proprietary business lines: the inSync(R) miniform interlabial pad for light flow menstrual protection, Rapid-Sense(R) diagnostic products and the PadKit(R) Sample Collection System. A-Fem currently markets the inSync(R) miniform as an alternative to tampons, pads and liners for light flow protection. The Company is developing diagnostic products using its proprietary RapidoSense(R) technology. The PadKit(R), currently in clinical trials, utilizes an ILP as a non-invasive sample collection method for use in screening for certain cancers and diseases. PadKit, RapidoSense, and inSync are registered trademarks of A-Fem Medical Corporation. For more information, visit A-Fem's website at www.afem.com.

This document contains forward-looking statements (as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward looking statements as a results of a number of factors, including those disclosed in the company's reports filed with the Securities Exchange Commission including the Annual Report on form 10K for the year ended 12/31/98.