Designer Diagnostics Begins Marketing First Ever Environmental Test Kit
for the Detection of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria
BOCA RATON, Fla., Feb 25, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Nutra Pharma Corp. (OTCBB:NPHC),
a biotechnology company that is developing drugs for HIV and Multiple Sclerosis,
has today announced that its wholly-owned medical devices subsidiary, Designer
Diagnostics, has started marketing the first-ever environmental test kit for the
detection of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) in water and soil.
"The primary goal of these environmental test kits is to reduce the number of NTM
infections worldwide by preventing the public's exposure to NTM and determining
the source of origin of NTM infections in patients," explained Neil Roth, President
of Designer Diagnostics. "In order to accomplish this goal, we believe that every
municipality, hospital and water treatment facility should have these test kits on
hand for periodic testing of the environment," he added.
Nontuberculous Mycobacterium, also known as atypical
Tuberculosis (Atypical TB) or Mycobacterium other than Tuberculosis (MOTT),
is a bacteria that is found in a multitude of environments - in the soil, in
some domestic and wild animals, and perhaps most importantly, in water,
including showers and hot tubs. One of the most common forms of NTM infections
found in humans is Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). This is a primary cause
of respiratory disease in humans and is a leading cause of death in HIV/AIDS
patients.
In December, Nutra Pharma announced that it expanded its
licensing agreement with Ohio-based NanoLogix, Inc.
(PINK SHEETS:NNLX) to include additional intellectual property
for the use of testing the environment for NTM.
All of us at NanoLogix are excited that this beneficial
technology is finally coming to market," said Bret Barnhizer,
CEO of NanoLogix, Inc. "These test kits will not only play an
important role in reducing NTM infections in developing nations,
but will also assist in the detection and prevention of NTM exposure
and infection in the United States and other developed countries," he
added.
Recently, distinguished NTM research scientist Dr. Rahul Narang
used the Designer Diagnostics environmental test kits to test soil
and water samples collected from the environment of patients with NTM
infections. This was the first time the technique was used in India and
the findings were presented in November at the 38th Union World Conference
on Lung Health in Cape Town, South Africa.
About Nutra Pharma Corp.
Nutra Pharma Corp. is a biopharmaceutical company specializing
in the acquisition, licensing and commercialization of pharmaceutical
products and technologies for the management of neurological disorders,
cancer, autoimmune and infectious diseases. Nutra Pharma Corp., through
its subsidiaries, carries out basic drug discovery research and clinical
development and also seeks strategic licensing partnerships to reduce
the risks associated with the drug development process. The Company's
holding, ReceptoPharm, Inc., is developing these technologies for the
production of drugs for HIV and Multiple Sclerosis ("MS"). The Company's
subsidiary, Designer Diagnostics, is engaged in the research and development
of diagnostic test kits designed to be used for the rapid identification of infectious diseases such as Tuberculosis (TB) and Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI). Nutra Pharma continues to identify and acquire intellectual property and companies in the biotechnology arena.
http://www.NutraPharma.com
http://www.DesignerDiagnostics.com
This press release contains forward-looking statements. The words or
phrases "would be," "will allow," "intends to," "will likely result,"
"are expected to," "will continue," "is anticipated," "estimate,"
"project," or similar expressions are intended to identify
"forward-looking statements." Actual results could differ materially
from those projected in Nutra Pharma's ("the Company") business plan.
The Company's business is subject to various risks, which are discussed
in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC"). The marketing of Designer Diagnostics' environmental test kits
should not be construed as an indication in any way whatsoever of the
value of the Company or its common stock. The Company's filings may be
accessed at the SEC's Edgar system at
www.sec.gov. Statements made herein
are as of the date of this press release and should not be relied upon
as of any subsequent date. The Company cautions readers not to place
reliance on such statements. Unless otherwise required by applicable law,
we do not undertake, and we specifically disclaim any obligation, to
update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences, developments,
unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statement.
Contact:
Nutra Pharma
David Isserman
Telephone: 877-895-5647
E-mail:
IR@nutrapharma.com
Copyright Business Wire 2008
________________________________________
Contact:
NanoLogix, Inc.
Investor Relations
Bret Barnhizer, CEO
Telephone: 330-534-0800
E-mail:
Bret@nanologixinc.com
