Dear Dr. Flavin:

On behalf of the State of Connecticut, I would like to take this opportunity to send my congratulations and best wishes to you as you are honored as a finalist for the Connecticut Technology Council's 4th Annual Women of Innovation Awards.

You are being honored by the Connecticut Technology Council, your employers and your peers for your exceptional talent, motivation, entrepreneurial spirit and leadership.

You certainly deserve the special recognition bestowed on you as you are an inspiration to others in your field and for young women considering careers in science or technology. You have earned respect and admiration for your work and have successfully overcome many barriers to reach these accomplishments.

I have made jobs and the economy a top priority for the citizens and businesses of Connecticut. I am proud that there are women leaders, like you, making a tremendous impact as part of Connecticut's economy. It is certainly an optimistic sign for the field of science and technology and the future economic growth of our state. I applaud you for your contributions in the fields of technology, science and engineering.

Please know that you have my best wishes for continued success in the future.

Sincerely,

M. Jodi Rell
Governor

The Foundation for Collaborative Medicine and Research (FCMR) is working with an innovative WHOLE BLOOD TEST STRIP FOR HIV that has been developed in the USA by EarlyDETECT, Inc. and approved by the FDA for use in export to international markets. The announcement was made by Dr. Dana Flavin, M.D., President of FCMR and former FDA Official.

Dr. Flavin, an extraordinary scientist and physician recognized by her peers around the world, is diligently working to procure funding for the distribution of this test in Africa for early detection of the disease.

This HIV test strip is so INEXPENSIVE and PRACTICAL to use that clinics and hospitals all over Africa would be improved dramatically. The method is RAPID, SIMPLE and requires NO EQUIPMENT, NO LABS, and requires NO MEDICAL TRAINING. More importantly, the test strip can detect the virus 10 to 15 days after infection.

THIS EARLY DETECTION WILL SAVE LIVES.

Currently, 36 million people are being served per year in these African clinics and testing requires trained medical staff. This innovative HIV test strip will SAVE AS MUCH AS 80% IN COST AS WELL AS TIME AND LIVES.

The test, manufactured by EarlyDETECT Inc., costs $1.50 for HIV 1 and $2.25 for HIV 1&2 while other diagnostic test strips cost $10.75 and $10.50, respectively, are so heat sensitive they require refrigeration, and need to be used with reagents to develop the results.

EarlyDETECT’s innovative whole blood test strips for HIV are not temperature sensitive so they may be used in remote African clinics where refrigeration is unavailable. “It is vital to be able to use these tests in the high temperatures encountered in Africa,” said Dr. Flavin. “EarlyDETECT’s tests do not require reagents for developing and, unlike other tests, they differentiate between HIV-1 and HIV-2, so they present a clear advantage over any other forms of HIV testing available to us and we are very excited about the improved ability to detect both types of HIV early enough to treat the disease.”

THIS EARLY DIAGNOSIS WILL SAVE LIVES and is also fundamental in order to halt the horrendous HIV-1-related pediatric mortality rate. Many low and middle-income countries are now working towards universal access to treatment for all those who need it by 2010.

THIS WHOLE BLOOD TEST STRIP FOR HIV can help these countries reach that goal. Dr.Flavin urges, “this is a test that is greatly needed and will help save millions of lives.’

The work is already done, the distribution and use of this in Africa needs to be funded to help these countries already broken by poverty and AIDS. To help these countries already broken by poverty and aids, make donations to:
Dr. Dana Flavin-König
The Foundation for Collaborative Medicine & Research