Cambridge, Massachusetts, February 13,
2002 - Psychemedics Corporation (AMEX - PMD) announced today it has received
510(K) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its test
for the detection of methamphetamine and MDMA (Ecstasy) in human hair.
Psychemedics’ methamphetamine and MDMA test is a radioimmunoassay for
the qualitative and semi- quantitative detection of d-methamphetamine,
d,1-MDMA and metabolites in hair for the purpose of identifying methamphetamine
and Ecstasy use.
“The increase in the use of Ecstasy both in the United States and abroad,
especially in the younger population at dance clubs and parties, is particularly
alarming,” said Ray Kubacki, C.E.O and President of Psychemedics. “The
combination of sporadic use patterns and rapid clearance from the body
make these drugs difficult to detect through available urine testing. Our
patented test provides companies with the confidence that they are hiring
drug-free employees.”
Kubacki continued, “Our hair testing is particularly suited for workplace,
criminal justice and medical applications. It is critical that that our
new assay be available to businesses, agencies and institutions interested
in stopping the use of illegal substances. We are pleased that the FDA
has given our test clearance, which has reinforced our position as a key
tool in the war against drugs.”
Psychemedics Corporation is the world’s leading laboratory for the testing
of hair for the presence of drugs. Its client list includes over 2,200
corporations (over 10% of the Fortune 500), which use hair testing as part
of their drug-free workplace programs. In addition, the country’s four
largest police departments as well as schools and Federal Reserve Banks
rely on Psychemedics’ hair testing.
