AVITAR receives patent approval for ORALscreen™ Test Membrane.

April 04, 2000

Company strengthens competitive position in market for rapid diagnostic tests

 

CANTON, MA, April 4, 2000 – Avitar, Inc. (AMEX: AVR) today announced that it has received patent approval covering the use of a chemical compound critical to point-of-contact oral fluid testing including applications for ORALscreen^TM, the company’s rapid point-of-contact screening test for illicit drugs. ORALscreen is comprised of a foam collector and test device that tests for a variety of drugs of abuse. The test device houses a cellulose membrane that is coated with a proprietary chemical application to facilitate lateral saliva flow quickly and evenly. The patent (USNN 09/123,376) fortifies Avitar’s position in the rapid oral fluid-based test market.

"This patent recognizes Avitar’s innovation in oral fluid technology and is an integral part of our long term strategy to protect our intellectual property," said Peter Phildius, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Avitar. "Combined with an existing patented oral fluid collection device, this patent strengthens our competitive position in the $20 billion diagnostic industry," he added.

"Unlike potential competitors in oral fluid, our system does not require additional reagents or mechanisms to perform the test," said Carl Good, Ph.D., Avitar's Vice President, Research and Development. "The rate and distribution of saliva across the test device enables us to make the fastest, rapid one-step, point-of-contact substance abuse test available today using oral fluid."

ORALscreen was the first oral fluid-based, rapid point-of-contact substance abuse test to reach the market. Historically, the drug testing industry, which spends more than $1 billion per year on testing, has been forced to rely on cumbersome, expensive and demoralizing urine tests. ORALscreen saves time and money by enabling employers to administer the test on site, with results in minutes.

Avitar, Inc. (AMEX: AVR) headquartered in Canton, Massachusetts develops, manufactures and markets innovative medical devices based on core technologies in oral fluid diagnostics and customized polyurethane applications. The company markets a unique portfolio of substance abuse testing products and services that includes the first point-of-contact rapid oral fluid screening device for drugs of abuse. Avitar also markets an oral fluid collection system for DNA testing as well as a proprietary line of polyurethane-based high tech medical devices. For more information, see Avitar’s Web Site at avitarinc.com.

This release forward looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the development and marketing of new applications and other risks that are detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.