TORONTO, Nov. 6, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gemoscan Canada, Inc. (TSX-V:GES) (MUN:1GE) ("Gemoscan" or the "Company"), a leading owner and marketer of food sensitivity and dietary management solutions, announced today that it has completed research, development and beta testing of a unique Pet Food Intolerance Test ("PFIT").
While the market and prevalence of food intolerance and allergy in cats and dogs is still being quantified, some research shows that up to 10% suffer from intolerances. Further, adverse food reactions account for up to 6% of all canine and feline dermatoses in general veterinary practice and as high as 20% of all cases in animal dermatology practices. Common symptoms of food intolerance in pets include: flaky skin, constant scratching, chewing or biting areas of the skin, dry or rough skin, fur loss, hives, rashes, skin irritations or hot spots, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and lethargy. While adverse food reactions are not known to be breed exclusive, their prevalence does tend to vary from breed to breed. These symptoms, while not life threatening, impact the quality of life for pets, as do the conditions associated with food intolerance for humans.
Gemoscan's PFIT management program is based on the Company's patented blood testing technology, portions of which are successfully used to manage food intolerances in humans through its groundbreaking HEMOCODE™ and MenuWise™ retail programs. The PFIT test assess for 80 foods and additives, more than any other similar program on the market. The test was developed in close consultation with veterinary doctors, while the ingredients being analyzed were determined after a careful review of approximately 100 different commercially available dry and canned foods.
"We believe that targeting pet health and wellness is a natural extension for Gemoscan. Applying our proven technology, systems and distribution capabilities to this large and rapidly expanding market will be an important growth driver for us going forward and will strengthen our leadership position in the emerging food intolerance industry," said Brian Kalish, Gemoscan's President and Chief Executive Officer.
ABOUT GEMOSCAN CANADA, INC.
Gemoscan is an industry leader in food intolerance management and maintains a first-to-market position with Canada wide distribution through select retail partners. Founded in 2003, using its proprietary patented technology, Gemoscan develops, owns and markets comprehensive food sensitivity and dietary management solutions for consumers, including the HEMOCODE™ Food Intolerance System and the MenuWiseTM Food Intolerance Plan, personalized naturopathically supervised nutritional programs that promote well-being. Gemoscan is the first and only provider to commercialize a food intolerance management solution directly to consumers in partnership with retailers, and today offers the most comprehensive services available.
Gemoscan Canada, Inc. trades its shares on the Toronto Venture Exchange under the symbol GES and is quoted on the Munich, Frankfurt and Stuttgart Stock Exchanges under the symbol 1GE.
Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains certain "forward-looking information". All statements, other than statements of historical fact that address activities, events or developments that Gemoscan believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of Gemoscan based on information currently available to Gemoscan. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of significant risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results of Gemoscan to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on Gemoscan. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Gemoscan disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward- looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although Gemoscan believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.