Hong Kong and Beijing, China – May 13, 2009

Hai Kang Life Corporation Limited (HKLife) has announced the release of its series of molecular diagnostic test kits for Influenza Type A (H1N1), commonly known as Swine Flu.

The test kits have been developed in rapid response to the 2009 novel influenza A (H1N1) virus outbreak whilst the interim World Health Organization (WHO) has called for all member states to enhance surveillance and diagnostic capacities for influenza and other acute respiratory infections.

Type A/H1N1 detection kits are available across three diagnostic technology platforms: VDS makes use of the highly advanced nucleic acid sequence-based amplification – enzyme-linked oligonucleotide capture (NASBA-EOC). The VDS technology has an advantage of not requiring the use of specialized equipment; VetDetect utilizes real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and VetScreen employs the conventional gel-based RT-PCR technique. All three platforms are highly sensitive and specific, giving rapid and accurate results within two to four hours.

Professor Albert Yu, Chairman and CEO of HKLife, is quoted as saying, "Our Company is the first to rapidly respond to the need for such a diagnostic tool for Type A/H1N1. We have always aimed at providing accurate, rapid, and sensitive tests that could be relied on when crisis like this occur. The uniqueness of our kits and the fact that they are backed by scientific evidence provides a significant advantage over other commercial detection technologies. Through application of advanced biotechnology diagnostic tools, we hope that mass slaughtering of animals will no longer be necessary and, more importantly, loss of valuable human lives can be minimized through early detection, so that appropriate containment actions can be taken as quickly as possible."

HKLife is a world leader in genetic testing and developing virus detection systems for severe infectious diseases that includes Avian Influenza Virus (AIV), foot-and-mouth disease and SARS-CoV. The Company has been performing extensive research and development on Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) since 2000 and its AIV molecular detection kit had subsequently received the world’s first nucleic acid system registration and approval by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 2005.

HKLife research findings have been published in numerous leading scientific journals such as Lancet, New England Journal of Medicine and Nature Biotechnology. The outcome of these efforts has led to invitations from various international organizations such as WHO to share its knowledge and experiences.

HKLife’s molecular diagnostic assays are in use by various public and private laboratories worldwide in the testing of influenza samples, including health departments, hospitals, research institutes, agricultural departments and inspection and quarantine bureaus in China, Japan, Thailand, Central Asia and South Africa. The addition of Type A/H1N1 series of molecular assays will strengthen the world gateway to prevent pandemic.

Today, HKLife continues to forge ahead in the advancement of molecular diagnostics, addressing the critical need for point-of-care testing particularly for infectious agents.

Company Background

Hai Kang Life Corporation Limited, formerly known as Hong Kong DNA Chips, was established with independent research funding in 1999. The company is strategically positioned at the hub of Asian biotechnology, equipped with the most advanced research and production facilities in both Beijing and Hong Kong. Strong working relationships with academic institutions, government and industry partners have created a solid foundation for business success. The world-class team of scientists, engineers and technologists, supported by a highly esteemed Scientific Advisory Board, is committed to maintaining HKLife’s position at the forefront of bio-business, leveraging best practices from both East and West.

Contact:
media@haikanglife.com

Hai Kang Life Corporation Limited
8/F, Hang Tung Resources Centre, 18 A-Kung Ngam Village Road, Shau Kei Wan
Hong Kong SAR, China