MedMira Inc. has announced that Health Canada has approved its Reveal Rapid G4 HIV-1/2 Test (Reveal HIV test) for Point-of-Care (POC) use. This approval marks a significant step in addressing the rising rates of HIV infections across Canada by providing healthcare professionals with a rapid, reliable, and high-quality diagnostic tool.
The Reveal HIV test utilizes a small finger prick sample to accurately detect HIV-1/2 antibodies, delivering results in under one minute. The test's ease of use, combined with the absence of special storage requirements, makes it suitable for diverse healthcare settings, including underserved remote areas and urban centers with overburdened healthcare systems.
Key Features and Benefits
The Reveal HIV test achieves a sensitivity of 99.64% and a specificity of 99.71%, ensuring high accuracy in detecting HIV-1/2 antibodies. The test is based on MedMira’s patented Rapid Vertical Flow Technology, which includes an in-built reagent and procedural control line to confirm proper test execution.
According to Hermes Chan, CEO of MedMira, the Reveal HIV test is "one of the fastest and most reliable solutions for HIV detection" and is designed to provide immediate and actionable results. MedMira is committed to deploying these innovative solutions in collaboration with partners like REACH Nexus to support Canada's public health efforts in modernizing and expanding HIV screening.
Addressing the Rising HIV Rates in Canada
Recent data from the Public Health Agency of Canada indicates a concerning trend, with new HIV diagnoses increasing by over 35% from 2022 to 2023. Manitoba experienced a rise of more than 40% in HIV rates, while Saskatchewan reported a rate of 19.4 per 100,000 people, more than three times the national average.
The approval of the Reveal HIV test follows the recent approval of MedMira’s Multiplo TP/HIV rapid test in December 2024. MedMira aims to offer a comprehensive suite of diagnostic alternatives to meet the specific needs of various healthcare settings and programs. The company anticipates the approval of the Reveal TP test in the coming weeks.
MedMira's Broader Diagnostic Portfolio
MedMira is a leading developer and manufacturer of Rapid Vertical Flow diagnostics, offering tests for various diseases, including HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis, and SARS-CoV-2. These tests are designed to provide instant disease diagnosis in just three steps, catering to hospitals, labs, clinics, and individual users.
