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This press release was originally distributed via the eWire press wire service (2002–2016). It is preserved here as a historical record.

Response Biomedical Responds to the Bioterrorism Threat

ARCHIVED 2002–2016: Originally distributed via the eWire press wire service. Preserved as historical record.

Response Biomedical Responds to the Bioterrorism Threat

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For Immediate Release

Response Biomedical Responds to the Bioterrorism Threat

Developing On-Site Anthrax Test to Provide Accurate Results in Minutes

CANADA, Nov. 28 -/E-Wire/-- Response Biomedical Corp. (CDNX:RBM) announces it is developing an on-site test to detect anthrax within minutes.

Using its proprietary RAMP(TM) diagnostic system, the test will be designed to identify anthrax spores within 15 minutes, considerably faster than conventional laboratory testing which takes up to 24 hours to deliver results.

"Our RAMP System, consisting of a lightweight, portable reader and disposable test cartridges, has demonstrated the ability to detect immunogenic substances to a level of analytical sensitivity found in expensive, lab-based systems,' commented Bill Radvak, President and CEO of Response Biomedical. "After considerable research, we are confident there will be a sustained market for rapid, sensitive on-site tests and that the RAMP System can meet the requirements of that market. For a few thousand dollars each, the 90,000 public safety sites in the U.S. would be able to raise their state of preparednessagainst the threat of bioterrorism.'

Rapid and accurate detection is necessary to minimize exposure to anthrax, begin more timely treatment for those exposed, and to reduce unnecessary treatment and anxiety. As RAMP is designed to provide rapid, accurate, medical diagnostic information, it is well suited for environmental testing of anthrax and other biological materials.

Response Biomedical is currently awaiting FDA market clearance of its first RAMP test for myoglobin, a cardiac marker used to aid in the diagnosis of heart attacks. Additionally, the Company is completing development of two other cardiac marker tests, and recently successfully completed feasibility of a RAMP PSA test to diagnose and monitor prostate cancer. "While clinical diagnostics will remain our core business, we have long appreciated RAMP's suitability for non-medical applications,' added Mr. Radvak. "RAMP allows for the development of a host of rapid on-demand tests that are currently performed in the laboratory. Environmental testing will further demonstrate the versatility and power of our platform technology.'

The Company has had discussions with U.S. federal government security agencies about the RAMP System to meet security needs in the United States. It appears the bioterrorism threat in the U.S. will require the country's 2 million emergency personnel have access to an environmental biological detection system. Major U.S. corporations are also investigating the need for bioterrorism protection systems to protect the safety of their employees. The terrorist events of the past two months have forever changed how the world protects itself.

About Response Biomedical Corp.

Response Biomedical develops quantitative, diagnostic tests for use with its proprietary RAMP Reader intended to be used for clinical, STAT-lab and point-of-care applications. The RAMP System is expected to reduce the cost of healthcare by allowing rapid and easy-to-use medical tests to be performed in hospitals, clinics, laboratories and physicians' offices worldwide. The Company's platform technology has the potential to be used with more than 250 medical tests that are currently performed by traditional laboratory methods. Response Biomedical's shares are listed on the Canadian Venture Exchange under the trading symbol "RBM.' For further information, visit the Company's Web site at www.responsebio.com

FACT SHEET The RAMP(TM) System

The RAMP diagnostic System is a sensitive, rapid platform designed to perform quantitative immunoassays with the level of analytical sensitivity found in expensive, lab-based systems, in less than 15 minutes. It is an ideal platform to perform environmental tests for infectious agents such as anthrax and other biological materials where rapid on-site testing is needed.

The RAMP Anthrax Test

The RAMP Anthrax Test is a semi-quantitative immunochromatographic test for the detection of Bacillus anthracis. A sample containing suspect material is obtained on a swab or on a filter for air sampling. The swab or filter is placed into a tube which is sealed and shaken. A sample of the liquid is removed from the tube and placed into the sample well of the RAMP Cartridge. The RAMP cartridge is placed into the RAMP Reader and a semi-quantitative result automatically appears within 15 minutes.

*Estimated U.S. Anthrax Test Market (U.S. Public Safety Customers and No of Sites:) ----------------- Postal Outlets - 39,000; Hospitals - 6,200; Campus Law Enforcement - 600; Fire Departments - 26,354; Police Departments - 18,769; ------ Total U.S. Market Size - 90,923 ------

The environmental anthrax test market in the U.S. would include over 2 million public safety workers that need to be trained on emergency preparedness. We estimate the U.S. public safety market for the environmental detection of anthrax to be in excess of US$500 million in the next two years.

The Canadian Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy of the content of the information contained herein. The statements made in this press release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ from the Company's expectations.

Response Biomedical Corp.

http://www.responsebio.com

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