29 Sep 2009 07:00
Embargoed: 0700hrs, 29 September 2009
Akers Biosciences, Inc.
("ABI" or the "Company")
ABI Signs New Distribution Agreement to Gain Access to
African Infectious Disease Testing Market
ABI, a leading designer and manufacturer of rapid diagnostic screening and testing products, today announces that it has signed an agreement with AFRICA Continental Holdings, LLC ("ACH") to supply rapid malaria tests for use initially in Ghana. ACH serves as a link between U.S. businesses and commercial entities operating in Africa. Through this partnership, ABI will have access to various distributors with direct access to government channels.
According to the World Health Organization, globally there are about 300 - 500 million episodes of malaria each year, resulting in over a million deaths. Statistics supplied by the Government of Ghana reveal that within its population of 20 million, malaria is the leading cause of death in children under age five and that 45 per cent. of all outpatient hospital visits are malaria-related. In addition, among pregnant women, malaria accounts for 14 per cent. of outpatient hospital visits, 11 per cent. of hospital admissions and 9 per cent. of deaths.
If not treated, malaria quickly becomes life-threatening by disrupting the blood supply to vital organs. It is therefore imperative that diagnosis take place, and initial pharmaceutical treatment be initiated, within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms. ABI's patented Particle Immunofiltration Assay ("PIFA®") technology provides a quick, accurate, and highly portable testing solution that can screen potential sufferers for malaria whenever and wherever it is needed. These product features will be of particular benefit to healthcare workers in remote, rural areas, as those environments are responsible for the most serious malaria situations.
Thomas A. Nicolette, President and Chief Executive Officer of ABI commented,
"It is exciting to further apply our PIFA® technology in the infectious disease market, especially given the tremendous unmet needs within the global marketplace for effective and efficient malaria testing solutions. We look forward to working with ACH in Ghana and throughout the sub-Saharan region as 90 per cent. of all malaria deaths occur in this expansive section of the African continent. We are hopeful that the PIFA® Malaria Rapid Assay can play a significant role in disease management."
Enquiries:
Thomas A. Nicolette
President and CEO
Tel. +1 856 848 8698
Ben Simons
M: Communications
Tel. +44 (0)20 7920 2340
Alasdair Younie / Ben Wells
Arbuthnot Securities Limited
Tel. +44 (0)20 7012 2000