Calypte Biomedical Corp (fka CBMC)

[Ceniises]

NewGreenPaper, you appear to be correct. According to last week's P.R. from the Kenyan government:

"He said the agency HAD involved 10,000 people in the pilot phase of the project and all that is remaining is the coming into effect of the HIV/Aids law that Parliament recently passed and is awaiting gazettement." (Publication)

"Prof Orago said the kits are expected in the market by December 1, to coincide with the World Aids Day. Ministry of Health officials said the government had obtained two versions of the self-testing kits, including OraQuick Advance HIV Antibody Test from the USA and Calypte Aware Rapid Test kit manufactured by Calypte Biomedical Corporation, also of the US. They are currently retailing at approximately $5 (Sh325) and $3 (Sh195) per unit, according to Prof Orago."

So, what it appears is the tests donated last December were used as a pilot project, which has since been completed and the Kenyan government has determined to put HIV tests on the shelves of retailers for those individuals have engaged in counseling services.

In essence, it is stated by the Kenya government that Calypte is approved over the counter in Kenya and tests will be available over the counter by December lst.

Today's P.R. by Calypte indicates "Oral fluid testing is expected to come into GENERAL USE in Kenya by the end of this year when a government policy directive is released."

Both P.R.s substantiate the pilot program has been completed and assessed. It indicates the Government of Kenya has approved the program and all that is awaited is the publishing of the Act.

These are the two press releases from the Kenya government two weeks ago that state the pilot project has been completed. http://www.emaxhealth.com/53/15001.html The pilot project appeared to be a project determining incidence, not the feasibility of sales of product on store shelves.

Thus any argument from Cato about product used in this study being on store shelves not selling is "way out there" and totally irrelevant to the situation and subsequent press release which involves a completed project and the determination to put Calypte product on the shelves in Kenya for those who desire to self test following receiving counseling (as is currently done in the UAE and in Russia with the Calypte product.)

Cato is good at counting but not very good at research or reading comprehension.