9 Jun 2010 07:00
Embargoed: 0700hrs, 9 June 2010
Akers Biosciences, Inc.
("ABI" or the "Company")
ABI Releases BreathScan PRO to Merge Disposable Convenience and Quantitative Precision
Akers Biosciences, Inc (AIM:AKR), a leading designer and manufacturer of rapid diagnostic screening and testing products, today announces the initiation of production of a BreathScan alcohol detection product line extension designed for forensic use by trained professionals in law enforcement and other applicable markets, merging the convenience of the Company's proprietary breath alcohol detection technology with the quantitative precision of an electronic analyzer. The System will be branded under the trade name BreathScan PRO and will allow users to determine a subject's breath alcohol level within the range of 0.00% to 0.15%. A test result that is calculated above that range will display on the analyzer's digital read-out as ">0.15%".
The BreathScan PRO system will utilize a specially formulated disposable alcohol detector to collect a breath sample from each test subject. The used detector is then inserted into the BreathScan PRO digital analyzer to obtain a quantitative breath alcohol level for each individual.
Initially, the system will be marketed worldwide for forensic use by trained professionals, including those in civil and military law enforcement, human resources, educational supervision and other safety-related occupations. Some of the scenarios for product use within the "forensic" marketplace will include the following:
·; breath alcohol screenings that seek to quickly and safely establish probable cause for further sobriety or evidential testing by police officers;
·; the assessment of compliance with alcohol safety initiatives related to correctional facilities, work-release programs, employee testing, and school-related events.
User studies are underway to support the Company's application for 510(k) clearance by the US Food and Drug Administration. ABI will seek an Over-the-Counter designation which would further expand the user base of the product in the United States.
ABI will be opening pre-sale of the BreathScan PRO system to its existing distribution network immediately and anticipate that the delivery of the product will commence in September 2010. Product launch to new distributors worldwide will begin early Q4 2010.
Some of the functional highlights of the BreathScan PRO system include the following:
·; The one-to-one ratio between breath alcohol detector and breath sample translates into a number of advantages. For one, using the portable BreathScan PRO detectors, several professionals can obtain breath alcohol samples from many test subjects at multiple points of entry/exit. The detectors can then be interpreted by the digital analyzer from within 2 minutes to as long as one hour after the breath sample is obtained. In addition, there is no threat of cross contamination that may exist with other electronic screening devices; those units require numerous persons to provide a breath sample directly into one electronic analyzer.
·; The BreathScan PRO digital analyzer is factory calibrated and never requires recalibration unlike existing screening devices. As a result, organizations that adopt the BreathScan PRO system do not have to factor in system down-time or added expenses related to recalibration activities.
·; Unlike most screening devices, BreathScan PRO can be stored and operated at a wide range of temperature conditions(-15C to 50C).
Thomas A. Nicolette, President and Chief Executive of ABI, commented,
"BreathScan PRO uniquely combines the advantages of one-time use technology with digital sample analysis. The integration of an enduring, electronic reader with custom-calibrated, BreathScan PRO disposable detectors continues our business model focused on recurring revenues. From a competitive standpoint, we are confident that the many advantages of this line extension will be attractive to the global marketplace."
Enquiries:
Thomas A. Nicolette
President and CEO
Tel. +1 856 848 8698
Ben Simons
M: Communications
Tel. +44 (0)20 7920 2340
Simon Leathers
Daniel Stewart
Tel. +44 (0)20 7776 6550
About Akers Biosciences, Inc.
Akers Biosciences develops, manufactures, and supplies rapid, point of care screening and testing products designed to bring healthcare information both rapidly and directly to the consumer or healthcare provider. The Company has advanced the science of diagnostics while responding to major shifts in healthcare through the development of several proprietary platform technologies. The company's state-of-the-art rapid diagnostic assays can be performed virtually anywhere in minutes when time is of the essence. ABI has aligned with major healthcare companies and high volume medical products distributors to maximize product offerings, and to be a major worldwide competitor in diagnostics. Additional information on the Company and it products can be found at www.akersbiosciences.com