Bangalore, June 13, 2006: Rockeby biomed has received approval from the Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) for the sale of the OraQuick Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test in Singapore.

 

Singapore is the first country in Asia to have granted the approval for OraQuick, a rapid oral fluid test for the detection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Types 1 and 2.

 

The Singapore MOH has approved the OraQuick test for the restricted use of testing for HIV, in hospitals in emergency/special situations, e.g. post-needlestick exposure testing and testing on multiple injury patients.

 

The MOH has also approved the use of the OraQuick test in designated medical clinics for anonymous HIV testing of patients using OraQuick. At these clinics, individuals can be tested for HIV with OraQuick and, only in the event the test results are positive, a doctor will proceed to do the blood-based laboratory test by Western blot to confirm whether the person is HIV-positive.  Through this entire process, the individual’s identity will be kept anonymous.

 

Because OraQuick is a rapid test, results having laboratory accuracy can be obtained within 20 minutes, thereby reducing the stress and anxiety stemming from longer waiting periods, as well as blood taking. Previously, patients had to wait from a day to a week to obtain their test results, as blood samples had to be sent to and from MOH-approved laboratories for testing.

 

Rockeby biomed is the sole marketing company and distributor of OraQuick in Singapore. Dr Tan Sze Wee, CEO of Rockeby biomed said, “The OraQuick HIV test uses oral fluid. There are no needles involved; the entire testing process is convenient and painless for patients.”

 

According to a recent United Nations report, more than 40.3 million people worldwide are living with HIV. In Singapore alone, 255 new cases were reported last year, bringing the total number of Singaporeans living with HIV to 2,641 (as of end-2005). Testing is the most reliable method of identifying new and existing HIV cases, as HIV carriers may not show any physical symptoms for up to 10 years and hence may not be aware that they have the virus.  Although there is no known cure for HIV, there are highly effective therapies available, which can significantly prolong life if started in time. Moreover, early detection helps to reduce the rate of new infections.