Calypte Unveils Aware Messenger(TM), an Oral Specimen Collection Device Developed Especially for High-Throughput Testing Laboratories.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Calypte Biomedical Corporation (OTCBB: CBMC), a developer, manufacturer and marketer of HIV diagnostic tests, today launched its latest new product, Aware Messenger[TM], an oral fluid sample collection device for collecting high-quality oral fluid specimens for high-throughput laboratory testing.

"We developed the Aware Messenger[TM] device in response to inquiries from several of our U.S. and international customers who requested a safe, simple and cost-effective alternative to currently marketed sampling devices. In addition, the device will meet the sample collection needs of potential customers who are seeking an alternative to blood testing but still prefer the advantages of high volume batch testing provided by traditional diagnostic methods such as EIA," stated Roger I. Gale, Calypte's President and CEO. "Aware Messenger[TM] is consistent with our growing product line which is aimed at improving the ease with which sample collection and testing can occur." Calypte Biomedical currently markets several diagnostic tests for HIV under the Aware[TM] brand outside the U.S. including its Aware[TM] HIV-1/2 OMT rapid oral fluid test.

According to Dr. Ronald W. Mink, Calypte's Chief Science Officer, "This product provides an exciting new opportunity for Calypte in the laboratory based diagnostics business. The Aware Messenger[TM] sample buffer is specifically formulated to promote sample stability and compatibility with the widest range of clinical laboratory tests. We believe that our tasteless swab, pre-designed for compatibility with conventional clinical assays, and providing a speedy collection without the need for additional processing at the laboratory, constitutes a significant competitive advantage in the oral specimen collector market. Further, we anticipate that users will find Aware Messenger[TM] to be ideally suited for the collection of oral fluid specimens containing antibodies and analytes of interest and will find that it provides excellent specimen stability, even at non-refrigerated temperatures. The design of the Aware Messenger[TM] product provides great potential for current and future expansion into diagnostic product opportunities in the U.S. and international markets."

The Aware Messenger[TM] oral fluid sample collection device uses an untreated, soft, tasteless swab and takes only 15-20 seconds to collect a sample rich in oral mucosal transudate. The device yields a large quantity of sample that is ready for testing without additional processing by the testing laboratory either immediately upon receipt or at a later time at a remote testing laboratory.

Collecting a sample with the Aware Messenger[TM] device involves a simple back and forth wipe of the upper and lower gum line with a swab, which is then placed into a buffer tube. The swab is expressed into the tube and discarded immediately after use. The tube containing the sample can then be delivered to the laboratory where the sample can be immediately and directly used in a suitably validated assay without processing, or stored for batch testing at a later time.

The current device is generic and will require validation by the user for each individual application for diagnostic use by the laboratory. A constantly growing body of literature supports the use of oral fluid specimens as an accurate alternative to blood for the testing for antibodies, antigens, drugs, and genetic testing. Aware Messenger[TM] will be available for shipment in February 2008 in boxes of 50 devices. Additional information about Aware Messenger[TM] can be found on Calypte's website (http://www.calypte.com).

About Calypte Biomedical:

Calypte Biomedical Corporation (www.calypte.com) is a U.S.-based healthcare company focused on the development and commercialization of rapid testing products for sexually transmitted diseases such as the Aware[TM] HIV-1/2 OMT test that are suitable for use at the point of care and at home. Calypte believes there is a significant need for rapid detection of such diseases globally to control their proliferation, particularly in developing countries, which lack the medical infrastructure to support laboratory-based testing. Calypte believes that testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infectious diseases may make important contributions to public health, and could increase the likelihood of treating those with undetected HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

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, the Company's ability to obtain additional financing, if and as needed, and access funds from its existing financing arrangements that will allow it to continue its current and future operations and whether demand for its test products in domestic and international markets will generate sufficient revenues to achieve positive cash flow and profitability. 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-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2006 and its subsequent filings with the SEC.