FDA approves OraSure's rapid antibody test to detect HCV

OraSure Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:OSUR) announced today that its OraQuick^® HCV Rapid Antibody Test has now been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") for use in detecting HCV antibodies with a fingerstick whole blood sample. The fingerstick whole blood claim is the second application to be approved by the FDA for the OraQuick^® HCV test. The product received an initial approval for use in persons at risk for HCV infection with venous whole blood specimens in June 2010.

The OraQuick^® HCV Rapid Antibody Test is the only rapid, point-of-care test for the detection of antibodies to the hepatitis C virus that is approved by the FDA. The test, which utilizes the OraQuick^® technology platform, provides results in 20 minutes.

"Receiving FDA approval to test individuals at risk using a fingerstick whole blood sample significantly expands the flexibility and versatility of our OraQuick^® Rapid HCV Antibody Test," said Douglas A. Michels, President and Chief Executive Officer of OraSure Technologies. "By eliminating the need for a blood draw, healthcare providers will be able to identify more individuals infected with hepatitis C and get them into care."

There are an estimated 4.1 million Americans, or 1.6 percent of the U.S. population, that are or have been infected with HCV. New infections in the U.S. are estimated at approximately 20,000 per year. On a worldwide basis, there are an estimated 180 million people who are chronically infected with HCV, with an estimated 3 to 4 million individuals newly infected each year.

The Company previously received approval to affix the CE mark to its OraQuick HCV test in December 2009 for use with oral fluid, fingerstick whole blood, venous whole blood, serum and plasma. The CE Mark was required in order to sell the product in the European Union.

As previously announced, OraSure has entered into agreements with Merck & Co. (NYSE:MRK), through its predecessor Schering Plough Corp., to collaborate on the development and promotion of the OraQuick HCV test. Under these agreements, Merck will provide detailing and other promotional support for the test in the physicians' office markets in the United States and internationally.