24 Aug 2011 07:00
Embargoed: 0700hrs 24 August 2011
Akers Biosciences, Inc.
("ABI" or the "Company")
ABI Starts Clinical Trials for Breath PulmoHealth "Check" Rapid Assay
Akers Biosciences, Inc. (AIM:AKR), a leading designer and manufacturer of rapid diagnostic screening and testing products, is pleased to announce that clinical trials (the "Trials") have commenced for the COPD version of the Company's Breath PulmoHealth Check suite of rapid testing products. The Trials, which are being conducted in Clearwater, Florida (USA), will comprise at least 200 subjects with early- and late-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and the individuals will vary in the level of control of their disease. The protocol is designed to provide the clinical data needed to support regulatory submissions in the USA and EU in H1 2012.
The Breath PulmoHealth "Check" COPD detector ("COPD detector") identifies biomarkers that signal the breakdown of lung tissue in patients with COPD. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, but exposure to second-hand smoke, pollution, and certain gases or fumes can also be causative factors leading to this chronic pulmonary condition. Globally, approximately 210 million individuals are being treated for COPD, but each of the 1 billion smokers is at risk for the disease.
Breath PulmoHealth "Check" assays are based on the Company's proprietary MicroParticle Catalyzed Biosensor Technology ("MPC" or "Technology") that facilitates the rapid analysis of a test subject's breath condensate sample. These products are packaged in a small tube, referred to as a detector, through which a patient can comfortably blow for several seconds. In reactive, positive samples, the microparticles form a complex with the specific biomarker present in the breath and an easy-to-view colour change occurs.
Existing methods to diagnose COPD include pulmonary function tests, such as spirometry and bronchial challenge testing, and medical imaging. These diagnostic techniques are expensive, time-consuming, and require sophisticated medical equipment and the expertise of trained personnel. By contrast, disposable Breath PulmoHealth "Check" COPD detectors are designed to be reliable, cost-effective, and aid in the detection of COPD at its earliest stages to facilitate rapid intervention and treatment. Their ease-of-use and portability facilitate testing in various point-of-care environments. In addition, the COPD detectors may also help clinicians assess patient compliance with prescribed medication regimens during routine healthcare visits.
Dr. Raymond F. Akers, Jr., Executive Chairman, commented:
"We are very excited to begin clinical trials to support the first-in-class, Breath PulmoHealth "Check" rapid COPD breath test. This innovative, easy-to-use detector is designed to identify patients with COPD, in its initial stages. This way, drug therapy and lifestyle changes can be implemented quickly to help prevent the loss of lung function. This newest addition to ABI's family of portable, cost-effective breath detectors will help expand the capabilities for COPD screenings within the worldwide, at-risk population and support the message of early detection and treatment for improved quality of life."
Enquiries:
Thomas A. Nicolette, President and CEO
Dr. Raymond F. Akers, Jr., Executive Chairman
Tel. +1 856 848 8698
Anthony Legge or Noelle Greenaway
Daniel Stewart & Company plc (Nomad and Broker)
Tel. +44(0)20 7776 6550
Ben Simons
M: Communications
Tel. +44(0)20 7920 2340
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 product distributorsto maximise product offerings, and to be a major worldwide competitor in diagnostics. Additional information on the Company and its products can be found at www.akersbiosciences.com