Biomerica announced that it has signed an exclusive five-year distribution agreement with a Canadian partner for the distribution and marketing of Biomerica’s new and proprietary Helicobacter pylori test, called hp+detect.

The hp+detect product has been developed for the identification and monitoring of H. pylori infection, the leading cause of duodenal and gastric ulcers, and a contributing risk factor associated with gastric cancer. Physicians and medical centers can use hp+detect to diagnose the presence of H. pylori and to monitor the efficacy of treatment.

In order to sell the product in Canada, Biomerica’s distribution partner will now seek Health Canada clearance using the clinical data recently generated by Biomerica using the hp+detect product. The Company also intends to seek a CE Mark for the product to be sold in the European Union and FDA clearance in the USA.

Biomerica’s test is designed to increase the sensitivity and specificity of H. pylori testing as compared to certain other products currently in the market.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection worldwide is approximately 50%, and as high as 80%–90% in developing countries, and ˜35%–40% in the United States. Approximately 20% of persons infected with H. pylori develop related gastroduodenal disorders during their lifetime.