29 Sep 2010 07:00
Embargoed: 0700hrs, 29 September 2010
Akers Biosciences, Inc.
("ABI" or the "Company")
Medical Study Provides Further Evidence to Support Use of
ABI's PIFA Heparin/Platelet Factor-4 Rapid Assay
Akers Biosciences, Inc (AIM:AKR), a leading designer and manufacturer of rapid diagnostic screening and testing products, is pleased to announce that new data concerning the efficacy of the Company's PIFA Heparin/Platelet Factor-4 ("HPF4") Rapid Assay were presented last week at the 23rd International Symposium for Critical and Point of Care Testing, in Boston, Massachusett, sponsored by the American Association for Clinical Chemistry.
The abstract is entitled "Evaluation of the Particle Immunofiltration Anti-Platelet Factor 4 (PIFA) Rapid Assay in MICU Patients with Thrombocytopenia: possible use as a rapid exclusion test for presence of anti-PF4 antibodies", authored by Drs. D.M. Andrews and D.H. Kett and colleagues.
These data provide the most compelling and comprehensive evidence to date that the Company's product is a clinically effective tool in managing patients with complex reactions to anticoagulation therapy. In addition, the authors presented a new algorithm designed to be used to diagnose and treat these patients using the results obtained from the HPF4 Rapid Assay as a component of the decision making process.
The HPF4 Rapid Assay is the first rapid test to determine the presence of antibodies to a complex of heparin/platelet factor-4 in critically ill patients. The presence of these antibodies is related to the development of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia ("HIT"), a life and limb threatening, pro-thrombotic disease that occurs in some patients after administration of heparin. Heparin is widely used to prevent thrombosis, or blood clotting, during most surgical procedures, and to dissolve clots resulting from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or other conditions. However, some patients develop HIT minutes or hours after exposure to heparin, and a rapid diagnosis is necessary to prevent the loss of life or limb. ABI's HPF4 Rapid Assay is the only test on the market that can provide this information in minutes, providing the physician with a key decision making tool. Conventional laboratory tests can take days to report a result, rendering the information of little decision-making value. Rapid diagnostic information is not only important regarding intervention with HIT, but also to prevent unnecessary exposure of the patient to alternative, costly anticoagulants with potentially dangerous complications.
The full text of the abstract can be found on the Company's website: www.akersbiosciences.com
Raymond F. Akers, Jr., Ph.D., Executive Chairman, commented,
"The new algorithm proposed by Drs. Andrews and Kett and colleagues uses the Company's HPF4 Rapid Assay as a key point in the diagnostic decision-making tree. This new algorithm was likened by the authors to an established algorithm used to diagnose deep vein thrombosis. This is significant because physicians in hospitals work with approved algorithms and formularies to treat patients, and the inclusion of a product into a hospital algorithm or formulary ensures its use in that institution.
We believe that the championing of this new algorithm can lead to its widespread use and, ultimately, result in the increased use of ABI's HPF4 Rapid Assay."
Enquiries:
Thomas A. Nicolette
President and CEO
Tel. +1 856 848 8698
Ben Simons
M: Communications
Tel. +44 (0)20 7920 2340
Emma Earl
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 its products can be found at www.akersbiosciences.com.