WALTHAM, Mass., Aug. 11 /EMWNews/ -- Inverness Medical

Innovations, Inc. (Amex: IMA), a leading provider of near-patient

diagnostics, monitoring and health management solutions, announced today

that it has received licensure from the United States Department of

Agriculture (USDA) to manufacture, market and distribute the BinaxNOW(R)

Avian Influenza Virus Type A Antigen Test Kit. Test results are available

in 15 minutes compared to traditional methods, which can take days to

produce results.



    Responding to a USDA-identified need for a rapid influenza test for

veterinary use, Inverness sought and has now obtained USDA clearance for

testing in avian species. Inverness is the only manufacturer to have two

versions of their rapid antigen test kit for influenza: one USDA licensed

for veterinary use and the other FDA cleared for human use.



    The BinaxNOW AI Antigen Test is an easy-to-use, rapid

immunochromatographic test (ICT) that detects influenza A nucleoproteins in

chicken, turkey and duck samples. No specialized equipment or training is

necessary. Use of the BinaxNOW AI test enables early and accurate

identification of influenza A nucleoproteins, facilitating the

implementation of appropriate and cost-effective action plans.



    Worldwide, many strains of avian influenza virus (AIV) can cause

varying degrees of disease in poultry. Some strains are extremely

infectious and a fatal form of the disease can spread rapidly from flock to

flock. The prominent subtypes of avian influenza viruses include H5 and H7.

The BinaxNOW AI Antigen Test is capable of detecting all subtypes,

including H5 and H7.



    Effective and timely detection of AIV is not only important for the

protection of animals and our food supply, but infections with these

viruses can occur in humans. According to the CDC, the risk to humans from

avian influenza is generally low. However, confirmed cases of human

infection from several subtypes of avian influenza infection have been

reported since 1997. Thus, early identification and effective management of

infected animals may have important benefits for human health worldwide.



    By developing new capabilities in near-patient diagnosis, monitoring

and health management, Inverness Medical Innovations enables individuals to

take charge of improving their health and quality of life. A global leader

in rapid point-of-care diagnostics, Inverness' products, as well as its new

product development efforts, focus on infectious disease, cardiology,

oncology, drugs of abuse and women's health. Inverness is headquartered in

Waltham, Massachusetts.



    For more information about Inverness Medical Innovations, please visit

our website at http://www.invernessmedical.com .



    This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the

meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding the

potential benefits of the new product. These statements reflect Inverness'

current views with respect to future events and are based on its

management's current assumptions and information currently available.

Actual results may differ materially due to numerous factors including,

without limitation, risks associated with market acceptance of the product;

Inverness' ability to successfully manufacture and distribute the product;

Inverness ability to secure and maintain the regulatory approvals or

clearances necessary to sell the product in various markets; and the risks

and uncertainties described in Inverness' annual report on Form 10-K, and

other factors identified from time to time in its periodic filings with the

Securities and Exchange Commission. Inverness undertakes no obligation to

update any forward-looking statements contained herein.