bioMérieux to present latest research at International AIDS Conference

Added: (Thu Aug 07 2008)

Pressbox (Press Release) - bioMérieux of France, a world leader in the field of in-vitro diagnostics, is organising an integrated symposium entitled Viral Diagnosis is key in the fight against AIDS at the XVII International AIDS Conference, which is being held in Mexico City from 3 to 8 August 2008. bioMérieux offers innovative diagnostic solutions for HIV management.

During the XVII International AIDS Conference, keynote speakers from Europe, Latin America and Africa will address issues including the importance of early detection of HIV infection, the relevance of rapid testing for epidemiology studies, the use of Dried Blood Spots for routine viral-load testing in remote areas, and the experience of South Africa in routine high-volume viral-load testing.

bioMérieux, a world leader in the field of in-vitro diagnostics, offers innovative diagnostic solutions for HIV management. The company provides one of the widest product ranges available to laboratories (with the exception of the US market) for diagnosing and monitoring HIV infection. It is committed to making innovation in HIV testing accessible to all types of healthcare settings and systems.

Today, the company’s unique range of solutions covers third- and fourth-generation screening tests in a variety of formats (automated immunoanalyzers, microplates for high volumes, and rapid manual tests), as well as molecular tests for real-time viral-load monitoring. One of the latest advances in viral-load monitoring and the most recent development in the bioMérieux range is the Dry Blood Spot. Currently used for research purposes, bioMérieux plans to expand the availability of this simple test to bring viral load monitoring to patients in remote areas.

Diagnostic screening and viral-load monitoring tests play a critical role in the early detection and management of HIV infection. These tests make it possible to prevent further transmission and improve patient care through timely initiation of treatment and regular follow-up.

HIV/AIDS represents a major and global public-health burden. In 2007, a total of 33.2 million people were estimated to be living with HIV, and the number of deaths from AIDS was 2.1 million (2007 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic, UNAIDS). In the face of this epidemic, prevention and early diagnosis of HIV infection using screening tests are essential to provide the best patient care, and prevent further HIV transmission to uninfected partners and relations. With regular viral-load monitoring, patients can benefit from enhanced quality of life through better adapted therapy and rapid detection of resistance to treatment. Diagnostic tests also contribute significantly to the prevention of mother-to-child transmission.

bioMérieux’s commitment to HIV testing started 25 years ago, at the very beginning of the epidemic. Following the discovery of the HIV virus in 1983, the company’s research teams developed one of the first screening tests available, in 1985. Since then, a constant stream of innovative tests and technologies has been developed to respond to new and changing needs in HIV testing.

In addition to its comprehensive product range, bioMérieux actively drives the fight against HIV by regularly initiating high-level scientific symposia to further the exchange of knowledge on this key public-health issue. The company also works in close partnership with an international network of research institutes, biotechnology companies and physicians to further advance progress in the field of HIV diagnostics.

About bioMérieux

bioMérieux has been a world leader in the field of in-vitro diagnostics for 45 years, and is present in more than 150 countries through 38 subsidiaries and a large network of distributors. In 2007, its revenues reached €1,063 billion, with 84% of sales generated outside France.

bioMérieux provides diagnostic solutions (reagents, instruments and software), which determine the source of disease and contamination so as to improve patient health and ensure consumer safety. Its products are used for diagnosing infectious diseases and providing high medical value results for cardiovascular emergencies, as well as cancer screening and monitoring. These products are also used for detecting microorganisms in agri-food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. bioMérieux is listed on the NYSE Euronext Paris market (Code: BIM – Code ISIN: FR0010096479).

bioMérieux is taking part in the XVII International AIDS Conference, which is being held in Mexico City (Mexico) from 3 to 8 August 2008.

For further information, please go to: www.biomerieux.com