Biohit launches a new quick test - diagnosis of celiac disease possible from fingertip blood sample

Biohit Oyj August 1, 2013 at 3:30 P.M. local time (EET)

Biohit Oyj has launched a diagnostic quick test, which allows the diagnosis of celiac disease from fingertip blood sample. Celiac disease is relatively common autoimmune disease in which the rye, wheat and barley protein (gluten) causes inflammation and damage of intestinal mucosa, which interferes with the absorption of nutrients. Quick test developed by Biohit confirms the diagnosis from a fingertip blood sample within ten minutes.

Celiac quick test broadens the spectrum of Biohit’s diagnostic quick tests. The new test is CE-IVD registered and at the time of market entry available in European countries.

Medical Director of Biohit Oyj, professor Kari Syrjänen, MD, Ph.D., FIAC: "Quick test is an efficient method to diagnose celiac disease. The test measures gluten antibodies in serum and negative results exclude celiac disease.  Compared to endoscopy, fingertip blood test is a much more pleasant way to make the diagnosis."

CEO Semi Korpela, Biohit Oyj: "The new test is simple, fast and reliable. The test will bring clear benefits in healthcare costs, because it reduces the number of unnecessary endoscopies. Quick test cost is a fraction compared to conventional diagnosis by endoscopic biopsy. "

Attachment: Celiac quick test brochure

Additional information:

CEO Semi Korpela, Biohit Oyj
Tel. +358 9 773 861
investor.relations@biohit.fi
www.biohithealthcare.com

Biohit in brief

Biohit Oyj is a globally operating Finnish biotechnology company established in 1988. Biohit's mission is "Innovating for Health". The purpose of the company is to take social responsibility and produce innovation, new technologies and analysis systems for use in medicine, research institutions and industry, helping to promote research and diagnostics and to improve the quality of life of people by means of preventing disease, human suffering and financial loss. We are committed to social responsibility and it is our duty to spread knowledge about the Group I human carcinogen, acetaldehyde, and innovate and develop the marketing and availability of our products and services. Biohit is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland and its subsidiaries are located in China, Italy and the United Kingdom. Since 1999, Biohit's Series B shares (BIOBV) have been listed in the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Oy Small cap/Healthcare sector. www.biohithealthcare.com