16 Mar 2011 07:00
Embargoed: 0700hrs, 16 March 2011
Akers Biosciences, Inc.
("ABI" or the "Company")
ABI Granted Patent Protection for Rapid Blood Cell Separator Technology
Akers Biosciences, Inc (AIM:AKR), a leading designer and manufacturer of rapid diagnostic screening and testing products, is pleased to announce that it has been granted patent protection in the United States, under patent 7,896,167 B2, for its novel blood cell separator technology (the "Technology"). The Technology forms a key element of the Company's PIFA POC test - the point-of-care extension of ABI's heparin platelet factor 4 rapid assay and has also been integrated into ABI's Lithium "Check" System. The Technology could also be used in many other diagnostic tests transforming them from use only in clinical laboratories to point-of-care.
ABI's Technology is for a novel composite which enables rapid blood cell separation of small volumes of whole blood, including those obtained from finger stick samples. Serum or plasma samples are extracted within minutes and are ready for immediate analysis by rapid assay devices, such as ABI's own products, delivering real-time results. By contrast, conventional methods of blood cell separation are labour-intensive and time consuming, typically involving blood collection and laboratory personnel as well as electrically-powered centrifuges and other specialised equipment.
Dr Raymond F. Akers, Jr., Executive Chairman, commented:
"With an industry shift towards point-of-care testing, ABI is well positioned as a provider of rapid diagnostic solutions that encompass the totality of the testing process, from sample preparation to test result. We believe that the Technology provides a significant step forward in the development of point-of-care diagnostic tests which could benefit not only ABI's products but those of the wider point-of-care diagnostic community."
Enquiries:
Thomas A. Nicolette, President and CEO
Dr Raymond F. Akers, Jr., Executive Chairman
Tel. +1 856 848 8698
Antony 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 distributors to 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