Surgimetrics receives right to distribute Empyrean HIV 1, 2 screening test kits in Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos

Business Wire, Nov 28, 1994

NORCROSS, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 28, 1994--Surgimetrics USA Inc. (Stock Symbol:SGMU) today announced its Surgimetrics International Ltd. subsidiary entered into a distribution agreement with Empyrean Diagnostics Inc. for Surgimetrics to distribute Empyrean's HIV 1,2 (AIDS) test kits in Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos.

Hugh Cooper, President and Chief Executive Officer, said the agreement is for Surgimetrics to distribute 2.5 million test kits in 1995. As part of its agreement Surgimetrics is initially ordering 250,000 test kits for potential distribution.

Recently, Surgimetrics reported it signed a letter of intent with the People's Liberation Army of China, and its Central Military Hospital, to begin clinical tests of the kits, with potential use of the kits by the PLA in its semi-annual screening of the two million-member army. It also signed a letter of intent with Laboratory Phoenix, a South American pharmaceutical company, for the exclusive distribution of the kits in South America.

The Surgimetrics HIV 1-2 screening test kit is a low cost test that uses either whole blood, serum or plasma, providing a highly accurate reading in six minutes. It has a 99.2 percent accuracy rating, equal to results of tests in clinical settings.

Cooper said, "Early detection of AIDS is critically important in the world's effort to control the disease."

Surgimetrics said it was premature to estimate the number of its HIV (AIDS) screening test kits that may be marketed following completion of clinical trials.

Surgimetrics offers a range of products based on state-of-the-art medical technology and designed to meet the stringent costs containment requirements of medical facilities in the United States and around the world. Among other medically approved products that Surgimetrics markets at prices below major competitors are:

- SURGICAL SUTURES, approved by the F.D.A., meets and exceeds U.S.P. standards for cardiovascular, microsurgery, general, OB-GYN, dental and veterinary and other medical procedures.

- SURGIPOINT STAINLESS STEEL NEEDLES, with proven superiority in ductility and flexibility, with minimal resistance to tissue penetration.

- ROTAPUNCH, a patented disposable cardiovascular precision punch, with a unique circular cutting ability that minimizes tissue damage caused by conventional competitive punches, and reduces operative trauma.

CONTACT: Dobson Communications

Brian Dobson, 203/321-1260