Cepheid,a leading molecular diagnostics company, has launched "Ride Against TB" campaign to benefit the American Lung Association. The goal of the campaign is to raise overall awareness of the need for improved diagnostic solutions for the rapid detection of tuberculosis and to raise funds to benefit the American Lung Association in its fight against all lung disease.

The "Ride Against TB" campaign, which was unveiled at the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC)/ American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) annual meeting and clinical lab expo in Texas

To generate awareness and raise funds to benefit the American Lung Association, beginning in August nearly all legal residents of the US, 18 years of age or over (or who will reach their 18th birthday by February 27, 2014) can partiipate and they will have the opportunity to make a small donation to benefit the American Lung Association.

"This is an excellent opportunity for both Cepheid and the American Lung Association to elevate TB awareness within the US and help fight overall lung disease," said John Bishop, Cepheid's chairman and chief executive officer. "Following the success of our Art Meets Innovation event in 2011 (www.cepheid.com/cepheid-bike), we are excited to once again collaborate with the incredible team at Paul Jr. Designs, who have created another stunning bike that will help to benefit a worthy cause."

Tuberculosis remains a major global health concern, with an estimated 8.7 million new cases reported worldwide in 2011 according to the WHO. Continuing the decline of TB cases in the United States will require a sustained focus on domestic TB control activities and further support of global TB control initiatives.

"The American Lung Association was founded in 1904 to fight tuberculosis," said Harold P Wimmer, national president and CEO of the American Lung Association. "Despite popular misconceptions that TB is a disease of the past, it continues to pose a threat to public health. A century ago, TB was a leading cause of death in the United States. In the US, tuberculosis disease and deaths have declined steadily from the early 1900s due largely to the introduction of effective antibiotics and improvements in living conditions. Our goal is to raise public awareness of the need for improved diagnosis and treatment options for lung disease patients and to increase access to appropriate health care for all."

The symptoms of TB in its early stages are similar to many different types of infections, thus having an accurate test to rule out the disease is critical for patients. All persons are potentially susceptible to TB, though the disease remains more common in certain parts of the world. Compounding the problem is the emergence of drug resistant strains, which are more difficult to treat. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2012 63 per cent of reported TB cases in the US occurred in foreign-born persons, with case rates that were 11.5 times higher than among US born persons. Maintaining control of TB in the US will require more effective strategies to control TB globally.

The winner of the new PJD bike will be announced publicly at a World TB Day event in New York on March 24, 2014. At the event, the total funds raised to benefit the American Lung Association will also be announced.

Cepheid is a leading molecular diagnostics company that is dedicated to improving healthcare by developing, manufacturing, and marketing accurate yet easy-to-use molecular systems and tests.