Chembio Diagnostics Announces Collaboration with FIND to Develop the Nasdaq Hepatitis C Virus Service Point Diagnostic Test: CEMI

MEDFORD, NY and GENEVA, July 28, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Chembio Diagnostics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CEMI), a leader in point-of-care diagnostic testing ("POC"), announced today 39; hui a collaboration with the Foundation for a new innovative diagnosis (FIND) to accelerate the feasibility testing of a rapid diagnostic test for the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Chembio is one of three companies selected by FIND for HCV feasibility studies, and Chembio will use its patented DPP® technology platform to test a rapid test for the core HCV nucleocapsid antigen.

The selection follows a request for proposals. launched in the first half of 2018 – as part of the HEAD-Start project for the elimination of hepatitis C through a grant from Unitaid – for the development of rapid diagnostic tests and improved for the diagnosis of hepatitis C, based on the detection of the core HCV nucleocapsid antigen. In parallel, FIND is conducting pilot projects in six countries to introduce new HCV test algorithms and demonstrate the impact of HCV diagnosis.

"Easy-to-use, accurate and affordable diagnostic tests are essential for eliminating HCV. Said Catharina Boehme, CEO of FIND. "Chembio was chosen because of the high sensitivity offered by its DPP® technology, as well as the development, manufacturing and distribution capabilities of its products."

According to the World Health Organization, ¹ The disease claims nearly 400,000 lives each year, primarily by cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. ² Despite its spread, HCV often manages to go unnoticed. "80% of infected people are unaware of their status." ¹

"We are pleased to collaborate with FIND on this important global health initiative, in tackling the burden caused by the hepatitis C virus" John Sperzel, Chief from Chembio's management. "Our DPP ^® technology is being used successfully in many areas, and we are optimistic that it will serve as a robust platform for HCV detection at the point of care."

FIND plans to evaluate the results of the feasibility studies in December 2018 and grant a company additional funding for the development and validation of the HCV core antigen test, including the design and conduct of the tests. clinics to comply with the prequalification and CE marking requirements of the WHO. ] About Chembio Diagnostics
Chembio is a leader in the field of point-of-care diagnostics, specializing in the detection and diagnosis of infectious diseases. The company's patented DPP® technology platform, which uses a small drop of fingertip blood, delivers high-quality, cost-effective results in 15 to 20 minutes. Coupled with Chembio's extensive scientific expertise, its new DPP® technology offers broad commercial applications beyond infectious diseases, a number of which are being developed with collaborative partners. Chembio's products are sold globally, directly and through distributors, hospitals and clinics, physicians' offices, clinical laboratories, health organizations public authorities, government agencies and consumers. Learn more at www.chembio.com

Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this document that are not historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 , modified. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the current intent, belief or expectations of the Company and its management. Such statements, which are estimates only, reflect management's current beliefs, are based on certain assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results, events or performance may differ materially from the forward-looking statements above due to a number of important factors, and will depend on various factors including, but not limited to, the ability to Chembio to secure additional funding and obtain timely regulatory approvals and demand for Chembio's products. Chembio assumes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof or to reflect any change in Chembio's expectations regarding these forward-looking statements. the occurrence of unforeseen events. Factors that may affect Chembio's success are described in more detail in Chembio's most recent filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

About FIND
FIND was established in 2003 to accelerate the development, evaluation and provision of affordable and quality diagnostic tests for poverty-related diseases: malaria , tuberculosis, HIV / AIDS, sleeping sickness, hepatitis C, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, Buruli ulcer, non-malarial fever and epidemic-prone diseases, such as the Ebola virus. FIND has partnered with the delivery of 20 new diagnostic tools and has created a favorable environment for many others by providing specimen banks, developing reagents and improving visibility in the marketplace. FIND also supports better access to new diagnostics through implementation, quality assurance and lab strengthening work. FIND has close to 200 partners worldwide, including research institutes and laboratories, ministries of health and national disease programs, trading partners, bilateral and multilateral organizations, including the United States. WHO. For more information, please visit www.finddx.org

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¹ World Health Organization. World Report on Hepatitis 2017. http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/255016/9789241565455-eng.pdf;jsessionid=18DC8F7318F8459C3F43D3C2B8E8644C?sequence=1 (accessed July 17, 2018)

² World Health Organization. Information sheet on hepatitis. http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-c (Accessed July 17, 2018)