Meridian Diagnostics Inc. Receives Patent for Helicobacter Pylori Antigen Immunoassay.CINCINNATI--(BW HealthWire)--Feb. 12, 1998--Meridian Diagnostics, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio today announced that a U.S. Patent has been issued entitled "Immunoassay Immunoassay An assay that quantifies antigen or antibody by immunochemical means. The antigen can be a relatively simple substance such as a drug, or a complex one such as a protein or a virus. for H. pylori in Fecal Specimens". This technology is the basis for Meridian's new Premier Platinum HpSA(TM) Test, which detects the presence of specific antigens of the ulcer-causing H. pylori bacteria, directly from stool specimens. Premier Platinum HpSA(TM), launched to international markets during late-1997, is currently awaiting FDA FDA abbr. Food and Drug Administration FDA, n.pr See Food and Drug Administration. FDA, n.pr the abbreviation for the Food and Drug Administration. 510(k) marketing clearance. The Company believes the Premier Platinum HpSA(TM) test is useful in helping to diagnose and follow-up H. pylori disease accurately and cost-efficiently. The H. pylori bacteria infects approximately 50% of the world's population and 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. . Recently, the bacteria has been classified as a 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. and linked to diseases such as gastric adenocarcinoma and gastric lymphoma. In the U.S., the annual cost of peptic ulcer disease approaches $6 billion. 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, "The ever-broadening relationship between H. pylori and gastrointestinal disease presents significant challenges to healthcare systems around the world. Meridian's new patented technology for detecting H. pylori antigens in stool specimens can improve patient well-being while dramatically lowering healthcare costs. Premier Platinum HpSA(TM) is a unique diagnostic test that, when combined with new therapeutics, can provide healthcare professionals with effective tools for managing H. pylori disease." Meridian Diagnostics, Inc. is a fully integrated medical diagnostic company that develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of innovative diagnostic test kits, purified reagents and related products. Utilizing a variety of technologies, these products provide accuracy, simplicity and speed and enable early diagnosis and treatment of common medical conditions such as gastrointestinal, urinary tract and respiratory infections. All of the Company's products are designed to enhance patient well-being while reducing total outcome costs of healthcare. Meridian has strong market positions in the areas of fungal disease diagnosis, parasitology Parasitology The scientific study of parasites and of parasitism. Parasitism is a subdivision of symbiosis and is defined as an intimate association between an organism (parasite) and another, larger species of organism (host) upon which the parasite is , gastrointestinal infections, and upper respiratory conditions. All Meridian products are used outside of the human body and require little or no special equipment. The Company markets its products to hospitals, reference laboratories and physician offices in more than sixty countries around the world. The Company's shares are traded through NASDAQ NASDAQ in full National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations U.S. market for over-the-counter securities. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), NASDAQ is an automated quotation system that reports on National Market, symbol KITS. CONTACT: Meridian Diagnostics, Inc., Cincinnati Gerard Blain blain n. A skin swelling or sore; a blister; a blotch. , 513/271-3700 |
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