PRESS RELEASE 27 October 2005

SIMPILL SOLUTION FOR DRUG-RESISTANT TB

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Cape based SIMpill (Pty) Ltd has developed a successful approach, which ensures that patients take their medication as prescribed.

SIMpill (Pty) Ltd is a provider of innovative, proven, affordable and useable solutions to enable health organisations to be more efficient and effective. Their primary focus is on wireless technologies to help patients with chronic conditions take their medication as prescribed.

According to Dr David Green, Managing Director of SIMpill (Pty) Ltd, drug resistant TB is an extensive problem worldwide, but particularly in the Western Cape.

He adds, “Whilst, in recent cases in the Cape, the multi-drug resistant TB (MDR TB) appears to be spreading from person to person, the initial cause of MDR TB is people not taking their anti-TB medication properly.

“The problem of non-compliance (resulting in MDR-TB) is complex and multifaceted - from the huge human resource required just for TB (not to mention HIV, epilepsy, etc) to the difficulties individuals face in remembering to take their medication or getting to the clinics to meet the requirements of directly observed therapy (DOT)”

The SIMpill device is a pill bottle which, when opened, sends a message using GSM mobile phone technology to a central server. Should the pill bottle not be opened, then the patient is prompted by SMS to take his or her medication and, should they still not take the medication, then caregivers and, ultimately, health professionals are contacted. The caregiver and/or health professional then contacts and supports the patient.

Said Dr Green, "When we implemented a SIMpill system recently, levels of taking medication correctly shot from just 5% to 75% in one week. We are proud to provide this cost-effective solution to such a significant public health problem."

Interrupting TB therapy or taking the medication incorrectly results in the TB bacterium developing resistance to the antibiotics and MDR TB. This is extremely difficult (and sometimes impossible) to treat. The cost of medication for the treatment of MDR-TB is R30,000.00 (compared to R300 for "normal" TB) and the treatment is much longer and often involves a period of hospitalisation. The risks of MDR-TB go beyond the individual and extend to those whom they may infect as well.

SIMpill was invented, developed and is now manufactured and supported in Cape Town.

ENDS

Issued by Rosemary Hare Public Relations cc

P O Box 12521

MILL STREET

8010

SIMPILL SOLUTION FOR DRUG-RESISTANT TB

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On behalf of SIMpill (Pty) Ltd

PO Box 30451

TOKAI

7966

For further information, please contact Debbie Bergsman at Rosemary Hare Public Relations on (021) 531-2166 or 082 490 6048.

All news releases produced by Rosemary Hare Public Relations are available on the website www.rosehare.co.za