Meridian Launches TRU Block® ULTRA – A Powerful Immunoassay Interference Blocker

CINCINNATI, Sept. 05, 2017 -- Meridian Life Science, Inc., (MLS) of Memphis, Tennessee, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Meridian Bioscience, Inc. (NASDAQ:VIVO) today announced the launch of TRU Block^® ULTRA. This product is the result of years of R&D aimed at creating the most powerful immunoassay interference blocker in the market. The advantage of TRU Block ULTRA over others in the market is its active blocking technology across various assay types and its powerful assay interference blocking against human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA), rheumatoid factor (RH), and heterophilic antibodies (HA). The blocking effectiveness of TRU Block ULTRA has been proven in ELISA and lateral flow assay formats. The enhanced performance of TRU Block ULTRA allows IVD manufacturers to use this active blocker at reduced concentrations to achieve HAMA blocker cost reductions as well as broad coverage against HA/RF.

Blockers are used in ELISA and lateral flow assays to improve their sensitivity and specificity by reducing interference from proteins in patient samples that could produce false results and lead to incorrect diagnosis. Double mouse monoclonal assays and competitive assays are specifically prone to HA interference and require a specialized blocker to remove HAMA and RF which can cause false results. A blocker such as TRU Block ULTRA, contains a specific binder directed against all types of heterophilic interference including HAMA and RF. Once bound to the interfering antibodies, this blocker prevents further binding of HA to other assay components through steric hindrance.

Richard L. Eberly, President, Chief Commercial Officer, stated, “Over the past 40 years, Meridian has established strategic relationships with the top in vitro diagnostic companies by providing high quality and competitive antigens, antibodies, blockers, and PCR amplification enzymes for IVD commercial assays. TRU Block ULTRA is the next generation interference blocker that can deliver superior blocking performance and improve the accuracy of a diagnostic assay. To learn more about Meridian’s extensive range of blocking reagents, please visit us at www.meridianlifescience.com.”

About Meridian Bioscience, Inc. 
Meridian is a fully integrated life science company that develops, manufactures, markets and distributes a broad range of innovative diagnostic test kits, rare reagents, specialty biologicals and components. Utilizing a variety of methods, our diagnostic tests provide accuracy, simplicity and speed in the early diagnosis and treatment of common medical conditions, such as infections and lead poisoning. Meridian’s diagnostic products are used outside of the human body and require little or no special equipment. The Company's diagnostic 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 and blood lead level testing. In addition, Meridian is a supplier of rare reagents, specialty biologicals and components used by organizations in the life science and agribio industries engaged in research and by companies as components in the manufacture of diagnostics. The Company markets its products and technologies to hospitals, reference laboratories, research centers, diagnostics manufacturers and agribio companies in more than 70 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.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
For more information about Meridian Life Science, Inc., please visit http://www.meridianlifescience.com/.

CONTACT:
Richard L. Eberly
President, Chief Commercial Officer
Meridian Bioscience, Inc. 
Phone: 513.271.3700
[email protected]