Meridian Diagnostics Announces the International Launch of H. pylori - Stomach Ulcers- Direct Antigen Test.CINCINNATI--(BW HealthWire)--Sept. 22, 1997--Meridian Diagnostics, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio, today announced the international launch of Premier Platinum HpSA (H. pylori Specific Antigens), a unique non-invasive test for the detection of Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter pylori A gramnegative rod-shaped bacterium that lives in the tissues of the stomach and causes inflammation of the stomach lining. Mentioned in: Indigestion, Ulcers Helicobacter pylori antigen directly from stool specimens. The Company anticipates filing for U.S. regulatory clearance later this year with a projected U.S. launch date in early 1998. H. pylori bacterial infection is recognized as the leading cause of peptic ulcer disease Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) A stomach disorder marked by corrosion of the stomach lining due to the acid in the digestive juices. Mentioned in: Indigestion peptic ulcer disease See Duodenal ulcer, Gastric ulcer, GERD. , infecting over one-half the world's population. In addition, H. pylori is classified as a definite carcinogen carcinogen: see cancer. carcinogen Agent that can cause cancer. Exposure to one or more carcinogens, including certain chemicals, radiation, and certain viruses, can initiate cancer under conditions not completely understood. , having been linked to diseases such as gastric adenocarcinoma adenocarcinoma: see neoplasm. and gastric lymphoma gastric lymphoma Oncology A diffuse lymphoma composed of monotonous mature or atypical lymphocytes, or of large lymphocytes Etiology GL, especially MALT lymphoma, is linked to H pylori . Unlike presently available antibody tests, the Premier Platinum HpSA test detects active infection by identifying the presence of H. pylori antigen in a human stool specimen. The test takes just 90 minutes to perform and produces a distinct color-change that can be read visually or via simple instrumentation. Premier Platinum HpSA is non-invasive and therefore offers significant economic benefits as well as important conveniences to the patient. John A. Kraeutler, President and Chief Operating Officer Chief Operating Officer (COO) The officer of a firm responsible for day-to-day management, usually the president or an executive vice-president. , said "Since Dr. Barry Marshall's dramatic discovery in 1983 that linked H. pylori with peptic ulcer disease, the medical industry has endeavored to develop superior diagnostic methods and new drug combinations to eradicate H. pylori infection. Premier Platinum HpSA is based on a unique, patent pending technology, that can have broad application in the diagnosis and management of H. pylori associated disease." Meridian Diagnostics, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets a variety of immunodiagnostic immunodiagnostic pertaining to diagnosis by immune reactions. test kits, purified reagents such as antigens and monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, and related diagnostic products. The Company is a leader in the area of rapid diagnosis of infectious human diseases. All Meridian products are used outside the human body and require little or no special instrumentation or equipment. Domestic and international market segments consist of hospital, commercial and reference laboratories, and physicians' offices. The Company has a leading market position in fungal serology Serology The division of biological science concerned with antigen-antibody reactions in serum. It properly encompasses any of these reactions, but is often used in a limited sense to denote laboratory diagnostic tests, especially for syphilis. , and is the leader in parasite and bacterial collection, preservation and transportation systems. The Company's shares are traded through Nasdaq National Market, symbol KITS. CONTACT: Meridian Diagnostics, Inc. John A. Kraeutler, 513/271-3700 |
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