Province Supports Growth of Life Sciences Sector

The Nova Scotia government announced today, Aug. 3, it is providing a $2 million loan guarantee to MedMira Laboratories Inc., a move that is expected to create 50 new jobs and help expand the province's life sciences sector.

"Nova Scotia's support is important as MedMira expands its sales abroad and expands its research and development at home," said Ernest Fage, Minister of Economic Development. "The province is helping a Nova Scotia company develop leading-edge technology, and generate good-paying jobs at home."

"We are pleased to receive this support and look forward to building a strong partnership with the government of Nova Scotia," said Stephen Sham, chairman and CEO of MedMira. "Nova Scotia has been, and continues to be, an excellent home base for MedMira."

MedMira is a Nova Scotia firm that is a global market leader in rapid flow-through diagnostic technology. MedMira's tests provide reliable, rapid diagnosis in just three minutes for the detection of human antibodies in serum, plasma, or whole blood for diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C. The company exports its rapid HIV testing kits to the United States, the People's Republic of China, Africa, as well as other key international markets. The company's corporate offices and manufacturing facilities are located in Halifax.