Meridian Bioscience Europe Launches New Molecular Tests for the Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and Type 2

Meridian Bioscience, Inc. (NASDAQ: VIVO) today announced that it has received the CE Mark for new molecular assays for the detection of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) and Type 2 (HSV-2), to be run on its molecular platform, illumigene^®. The HSV 1&2 assays are additions to the portfolio of molecular tests available for use on the illumigene platform; including C. difficile, Chlamydia, Group A Streptococcus, Group B Streptococcus, Gonorrhea, Mycoplasma and Pertussis. All illumigene® products are distributed in the EMEA regions by Meridian Bioscience Europe and in additional international markets by the Company’s global distribution network.

Mike Shaughnessy, Executive Vice President and President of Meridian Global Diagnostics stated, "With the launch of our HSV 1&2 tests, our illumigene platform now supports nine molecular assays. Coupled with our Chlamydia and Gonorrhea assays launched earlier this year, Meridian is now able to offer a compelling STD and Women's Health portfolio that will empower laboratories to test in-house while using best in practice diagnostic methods for both infections.”^1,2

illumigene HSV 1&2 assays utilize cutaneous and mucocutaneous specimens from symptomatic patients for the qualitative detection and differentiation of HSV-1 and HSV-2. The test procedure is the same for both HSV-1 and HSV-2, and both test results are available within one hour in order to guide patient counseling and management. Unlike other molecular systems, the illumigene platform does not require expensive capital equipment or costly annual service contracts. The performance and simplicity of this technology, along with its cost efficiency and small footprint, make these new assays ideal for enabling a more rapid diagnosis in a moderately complex laboratory setting.

HSV is a major health concern because both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be transmitted perinatally from mother to child, and in some cases, cause fatal infection in infants. Other serious complications from HSV 1&2 include blindness, encephalitis, aseptic meningitis and an increased risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV infection. Testing with illumigene HSV 1&2 facilitates same day reporting, treating and counseling for optimal patient management.

Meridian is a fully integrated life science company that develops, manufactures, markets and distributes a broad range of innovative diagnostic test kits, purified reagents and related products and offers biopharmaceutical enabling technologies. Utilizing a variety of methods, these products and diagnostic tests provide accuracy, simplicity and speed in the early diagnosis and treatment of common medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal, viral and respiratory infections. Meridian’s diagnostic products are used outside of the human body and require little or no special equipment. The Company's products are designed to enhance patient well-being while reducing the total outcome costs of health care. Meridian has strong market positions in the areas of gastrointestinal and upper respiratory infections, serology, parasitology and fungal disease diagnosis. In addition, Meridian is a supplier of rare reagents, specialty biologicals and related technologies used by biopharmaceutical companies engaged in research for new drugs and vaccines. The Company markets its products and technologies to hospitals, reference laboratories, research centers, diagnostics manufacturers and biotech companies in more than 60 countries around the world. The Company’s shares are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, symbol VIVO. Meridian's website address is www.meridianbioscience.com.

¹ Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, Recommendations and Reports, 2010. MMWR 2010:59

² Patel R, Alderson S, Geretti A, et al. 2010 European guideline for the management of genital herpes. http://www.iusti.org/regions/Europe/pdf/2010/Euro_Guideline_2010_herpes.pdf

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