OraSure gets nod to sell Hepatitis C test in Europe (LeighValleyNews - 16 Dec 09)

The approval marks the first such test available in the 27 countries that make up the EU.

OraSure Technologies Inc. has received regulatory approval from the European Union to sell a rapid test that detects Hepatitis C.

The company said today the approval marks the first such test available in the 27 countries that make up the EU. OraSure shares rose on the news.

The device, known as OraQuick, can within 20 minutes detect Hepatitis C. The test can be used on saliva or through finger-stick blood samples.

OraSure said it plans to begin selling the test in the first quarter of 2010. OraSure already has EU approval to sell a similar OraQuick test for HIV.

An estimated 180 million around the world are infected with Hepatitis C, a viral disease that leads to swelling of the liver. OraSure said about 100,000 are infected in the United Kingdom and do not know it.

Based in Bethlehem, OraSure makes diagnostic kits that test for infectious disease. Shares of OraSure jumped near 7 percent, or 29 cents, to 4.57 in midday trading on Nasdaq.

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