May 15, 2002

News Release: Files Patent Application for Rapid Detection of Protective - Antibodies Against Smallpox

MEDMIRA INC ("MIR-V;MMIRF-0")
MedMira announced the filing of a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for its latest development: a rapid detection test for the protective antibodies produced in the human body following smallpox vaccination. The global fear of biological warfare following the tragic events of 9/11 has spurred worldwide fears of the threat of reintroduction of the smallpox virus to mankind. The urgent need for this type of rapid test is two-fold; for determination of the success of smallpox vaccination, and to test for the presence or absence of protective antibodies in the blood of individuals vaccinated during the smallpox eradication program approximately 20 years ago. In the time since the development of this rapid test, MedMira has met its design specifications to support that the test is fast, simple, effective, and highly sensitive and specific.

"Today's waning or non-existent human immunity to the smallpox virus is of great concern," said Stephen Sham, Chairman and CEO of MedMira. "The recent bioterrorist events have led MedMira to uncover a lead for this first rapid test of its kind; for determination of the success of vaccination against smallpox." Traditional methods for determining success of vaccination simply involved a subjective visual observation of the lesion or scar by a health care professional.

For more information, see "New Developments" at www.medmira.com.

MedMira is a publicly traded (TSX Venture Exchange:MIR-X), ISO 9001 registered Canadian medical biotechnology company that develops, manufactures and markets qualitative, in vitro diagnostic tests for the detection of antibodies to certain diseases, such as HIV, in human serum, plasma or whole blood. MedMira's diagnostic test technology is designed to provide a quick portable, safe and cost-effective alternative to conventional laboratory testing. In addition to seeking FDA approval for its Rapid HIV Test, MedMira is actively seeking worldwide approvals for its complete product line.

This news release contains forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties and reflect the company's current expectation regarding future events. Actual events could materially differ from those projected herein and depend on a number of factors including, but not limited to, changing market conditions, successful and timely completion of clinical studies, uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process, establishment of corporate alliances and other risks detailed from time to time in the company's quarterly filings. TEL: (902) 450 1588

Dr. James Smith

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