Rockeby completes further distribution deals

Perth-based biotechnology company Rockeby Biomed Ltd has completed further distribution deals for its Avian bird flu diagnostics in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

In addition to the existing distribution agreement with Cell Sciences Pte Ltd for Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines and Hong Kong, the company has appointed the Well Heart Corporation to distribute the tests in Japan, RDS Biomed Pte Ltd to distribute them in India, China, Taiwan and Korea and Dowell International Pvt Ltd to distribute the products in Sri Lanka.

In Europe, agreements have been made with Nova Group to undertake registration and distribution in Romania.

Rockeby CEO DR Sze-Wee Tan said: "We are delighted with the swift progress we have made in extending our distribution network on a global basis.

"As the threat of a pandemic heightens with the arrival of the virus in Turkey, we are boosting our efforts and expanding our networks to meet the increasing demand for our product."

Product sales and shipment has already commenced to these countries and the acceptance and performance of the H5N1 diagnostics has been very encouraging.

The company said the Avian Flu Diagnostic kits have also been sent to the Australian CSIRO Livestock Industries for evaluation.

Rockeby also confirmed the 300 specimen clinical evaluation trial of the veterinary Avian bird flu tests in Hong Kong has been completed.

This trial was being conducted jointly by the Murdoch University's School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences together with representatives from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore, and the Agriculture Fisheries and Conservation Department in Hong Kong. The results are been analysed and will available by the end of Q1 2006.
Rockeby Biomed is engaged primarily in the research, development and marketing of products for the diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections in humans.