After Successful Pilot, London Drugs Brings PreVu(R) Skin Cholesterol Testing Into Pharmacy Clinical Services Across Western Canada

RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Feb. 28, 2013) - London Drugs is proud to be the first in Canada to offer our patients and customers a non-invasive preview into their cholesterol history and health through PreVu^® - a simple skin cholesterol test.

The PreVu^® test measures the cholesterol found on the bodies' largest organ, the skin, where cholesterol is accumulated with age. The test is conducted on the palm of the hand in less than five minutes, involves no blood draw, needles or fasting with results available immediately.

"We have reviewed the clinical research using this screening technology and have listened to our pharmacists and customers about whether this test would assist in one's overall health management," said John Tse, London Drugs vice president, pharmacy. "What we learned is that PreVu^® can assist to either put a patient's mind at ease if they score low on the skin cholesterol scale or if scoring high, the patient needs to see their doctor to have a blood cholesterol test and further risk assessment conducted."

While skin cholesterol isn't the same as blood cholesterol, it provides valuable information when assessing risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) or heart disease.

In October 2012, London Drugs partnered with Miraculins Inc. and Pear Healthcare Solutions to test PreVu^® as a pilot program in 11 London Drugs pharmacies. Participants from the pilot program were surveyed following the test with the following results:

• Three out of four participants planned to discuss their test results with their doctor.
• One in two people said they would consider making changes to their lifestyle based on the test results.

Risk factors for coronary artery disease include:

• low levels of "good" (HDL, or high density lipoprotein) cholesterol
• have high levels of "bad" (LDL) cholesterol
• have high blood pressure
• are a smoker
• have diabetes
• lead a sedentary lifestyle
• are overweight (particularly if you are obese in the torso or have a large waist circumference)
• have a family history of heart disease
• consume alcohol excessively

The PreVu(r) point-of-care (POC) test will launch in London Drugs pharmacies across Western Canada on March 4, 2013. This test is incorporated into specially designed CAD risk assessment clinics that are conducted in-pharmacy and supported by Pear Healthcare Solutions, a leading provider of in-pharmacy health screening and education to the Canadian pharmacy community and the exclusive distributor of the PreVu POC. There is a $24.99 fee to attend this clinic. A tax-deductible receipt will be issued upon request.

About The PreVu^® Non-Invasive Skin Cholesterol Test

The PreVu^® Point of Care (POC) Test is a non-invasive, risk assessment technology designed to measure Skin Cholesterol - an important new biomarker in assessing risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). The PreVu POC Test is completely painless, non-invasive, involves no blood draw or needles, and requires no overnight fasting. This in vitro diagnostic test is conducted on the palm of the hand in less than 5 minutes with results being immediately available, facilitating point of care consultation and a next steps discussion. Skin Cholesterol is the cholesterol that has been deposited and diffused into tissue, as opposed to freely circulating in the bloodstream, and the skin contains approximately 11% of all the cholesterol found in the human body. Elevated Skin Cholesterol has been shown in clinical studies to be strongly associated with significant CAD as measured by treadmill stress testing and coronary angiography, as well as measured by testing for coronary calcium, carotid artery thickening, and carotid artery plaque. The PreVu POC Test does not diagnose the presence or absence of CAD, but helps to identify patients who may be at higher, hidden risk for CAD by measuring this new biomarker. For more information visit www.prevu.com.

About Miraculins Inc.

Miraculins is a medical diagnostic company focused on acquiring, developing and commercializing non-invasive tests for unmet clinical needs. A significant number of promising diagnostic opportunities remain un-commercialized because of the sizable gap between the discovery stage, when research institutions are typically involved, and the commercialization stage, when the larger commercial enterprises become interested. Miraculins has direct experience in bridging this gap. The Company's PreVu^® technology is a revolutionary new coronary artery disease risk assessment technology that measures cholesterol levels in a patient's skin non-invasively, painlessly and without the need for fasting. Miraculins is also advancing a suite of biomarkers to aid in the early detection of the devastating disease of pregnancy known as preeclampsia. The Company's preeclampsia program is partnered with Alere Inc. (formerly known as Inverness Medical Innovations), one of the world's largest diagnostic companies. For more information visit www.miraculins.com.

About London Drugs

Founded in 1945, B.C.-based London Drugs has 77 stores in more than 35 major markets throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, including its online store www.londondrugs.com. London Drugs offers consumers a range of products from digital cameras and cosmetics to computers and televisions. Renowned for its creative approach to retailing, the company employs more than 7,500 people with pharmacy and health care services being the heart of its business. Committed to innovation and superior customer service, London Drugs has established itself as a reputable and caring company and continues to position itself for future growth and development.

About Pear Healthcare Solutions

Pear Healthcare Solutions is a privately held company specializing in the development and implementation of programs to address the evolving needs of pharmacists in their expanding role of providing healthcare and disease management services. Pear Healthcare Solutions offers a number of innovative medical devices and professional education programs that help pharmacies connect with their patients, improving their health and wellness. Pear provides distribution, training and support/education services. For more information visit www.pearhealthcare.com.