Registration No. 333-________
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM SB-2
 
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
Chembio Diagnostics, Inc.
(Name of small business issuer in its charter)
 
Nevada
6282
88-0425691
(State or Jurisdiction of Incorporation or organization)
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
     
3661 Horseblock Road
Medford, New York 11763
(631) 924-1135
(Address and telephone number of principal executive offices)
 
Lawrence A. Siebert
3661 Horseblock Road
Medford, New York 11763
(631) 924-1135
(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
 
Copy of all communications to:
Alan Talesnick, Esq.
Jon S. Ploetz, Esq.
Patton Boggs LLP
1660 Lincoln Street, Suite 1900
Denver, Colorado 80264
(303) 830-1776
 
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.
 
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
 
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
 
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
 
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. x
 
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box. o
 

 
 
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
Title Of Each
Class of Securities
To Be Registered
Number of
Units/Shares To Be
Registered
Proposed
Maximum
Offering Price
Per Unit (1)
Proposed
Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price (1)
Amount Of
Registration
Fee
         
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share (2)
8,158,530
$.60
$4,895,118
$577
         
(1)    
Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), based on the average of the bid and ask prices for the Registrant’s common stock as reported on the OTC Bulletin Board on June 15, 2005.
(2)    
Represents shares of common stock registered for resale by the holders (the “Selling Stockholders”) of shares of 9% Series B Convertible Preferred Stock consisting of (i) 2,353,423 shares of common stock that may be issued to pay semi-annual dividends to the Selling Stockholders, and (ii) 5,805,107 shares of common stock that may be issued to the Selling Stockholders under the anti-dilution provisions of the 9% Series B Convertible Preferred Stock.
 
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
 


EXPLANATORY NOTE
 
Pursuant to Rule 429 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the prospectus included in this registration statement is a joint prospectus that updates and replaces the prospectus included in the registration statements on Form SB-2 first filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 7, 2004 (Commission File Number 333-116219) and on March 28, 2005 (Commission File Number 333-123600), and also constitutes the prospectus for this registration statement.
 

 
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. The selling security holders may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and neither the selling security holders nor we are soliciting offers to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
 
 
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JUNE 17, 2005
 
PROSPECTUS
 
CHEMBIO DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
 
48,624,834 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
 
This prospectus relates to the sale by certain stockholders of Chembio Diagnostics, Inc. of up to 48,624,834 of our common stock which they own, or which they may at a later date acquire upon the conversion of shares of our 8% series A convertible preferred stock, upon the conversion of shares of our 9% series B convertible preferred stock,  upon the exercise of warrants and options to purchase shares of our common stock, or as payments of semi-annual dividends on our 9% series B convertible preferred stock.
 
Our common stock is quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol “CEMI.” On June 15, 2005 the closing bid and ask prices for one share of our common stock were $.56 and $.60, respectively, as reported by the OTC Bulletin Board website. These over-the-counter quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
 

 
These securities are speculative and involve a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully the “Risk Factors” beginning on Page 5 of this prospectus before making a decision to purchase our stock.
 

 
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
 

 
The date of this prospectus is ________, 2005
 
ii

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
Prospectus Summary
1
Risk Factors
5
Use of Proceeds
11
Dilution
11
Selling Security Holders
11
Plan of Distribution
17
Legal Proceedings
19
Directors, Executive Officers and Control Persons
19
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
21
Description of Securities
23
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
36
Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Plan of Operation
36
Description of Property
43
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
43
Market for Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
45
Executive Compensation
46
Financial Statements
48
Experts
49
Legal Matters
49
Disclosure of Commission Position of Indemnification for Securities Act Liabilities
49
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
49
Additional Information
49
 

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
This summary highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. You should read the entire prospectus carefully before making an investment decision.
 
Overview
 
Chembio Diagnostic Systems Inc. was formed in 1985. Since inception we have been involved in developing, manufacturing, selling and distributing medical diagnostic tests, including rapid tests, for a number of diseases and for pregnancy. On May 5, 2004, Chembio Diagnostic Systems Inc. completed a merger through which it became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chembio Diagnostics, Inc., formerly known as Trading Solutions.com, Inc. (“Chembio” or the “Company”). As a result of this transaction, the management and business of Chembio Diagnostic Systems Inc. became the management and business of the Company.
 
Our Business
 
We are a developer and manufacturer of rapid diagnostic tests that aid in the detection of infectious diseases; until recently, we also manufactured pregnancy tests. Our revenues until 2004 were primarily from private label over-the-counter pregnancy tests. In 2004 we sold substantially all of the business related to our private label pregnancy test. We are currently focused on obtaining FDA regulatory approval for, and increasing revenues from, our HIV rapid test products. During 2004 we experienced a significant increase in sales of our HIV rapid test products as a result of a contract we entered into with an organization affiliated with the Brazilian government. We are engaged in marketing efforts for distribution of our HIV rapid test products in markets outside the United States. We also are focused on marketing efforts for distribution of our Chagas disease rapid test and efforts to complete development of, and proceed to seek regulatory approval for, rapid tests for human and veterinary tuberculosis.
 
Our main products and products under development are summarized in the following tables:
 
1

 
             
Existing or Proposed Product
 
 
Regulatory Status
 
 
Development Status
 
 
Partners Involved in the Development or Marketing of the Products
 
HIV Rapid Tests (Sure Check™ HIV; HIV 1/2 Stat Pak; HIV 1/2 Stat Pak Dipstick). Rapid Tests for detection of antibodies to HIV 1 and 2 in finger-stick whole blood, venous whole blood, serum and plasma
 
 
In December 2004 we completed clinical trials for Sure CheckTM and HIV 1/2 Stat-Pak in the U.S. for FDA approval for sales in the U.S. with results that we believe will exceed the performance requirements for U.S. FDA approval. We are pursuing U.S. FDA approval for these products and on February 17, 2005 we submitted our Pre-Marketing Approval application (“PMA”) to the FDA. Based upon recent correspondence with the FDA we expect to have an “approvable” PMA in July and for our facility inspection to be completed during the third quarter. Facility inspection is the main remaining step we have in achieving FDA approval. We currently qualify under U.S. FDA export regulations to sell, subject to any required approval by the importing country, to customers outside the U.S. To date we have received approval from a number of potential importing countries, although Brazil is the only country in which we have significant sales. We have also just recently qualified for procurements by the United States Agency for International Development under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the World Health Organization’s Bulk Procurement Scheme.
 
 
Completed
 
 
Thirteen-year supply and technology transfer agreement with FIOCRUZ-Bio-Manguinhos, a division of the Ministry of Health of Brazil. FIOCRUZ-Bio-Manguinhos will supply product to Brazilian public health market and potentially other markets in the region. We also have been actively seeking to have our tests procured by governmental and non-governmental organizations engaged in HIV prevention programs in numerous locations outside the United States.
 
We have hired an individual to direct our sales and marketing efforts in East Africa who will be based in that region and whose efforts will be primarily aimed toward participating in what we believe will be a substantial increase in demand for our HIV rapid tests from the PEPFAR program. We are in discussions with a number of other groups and individuals to assist us in our marketing efforts in markets that we have focused on in Africa.
 
 
2

 
             
Existing or Proposed Product
 
 
Regulatory Status
 
 
Development Status
 
 
Partners Involved in the Development or Marketing of the Products
Dental Bacteria Test
 
 
Regulatory submissions in the European Union will be made in 2005 if product development is satisfactorily completed in accordance with development timetable.
 
 
Discussing revised development plan with marketing partner Ivoclar Vivadent, AG due to technical issues.
 
 
If a new development plan is agreed upon, Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Schaan, Liechtenstein will exclusively market the product and is the exclusive licensee of patented antibodies being incorporated by Chembio in product development.
 
Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) Leak Rapid Test
 
 
Not yet submitted for approval.
 
 
Initial development work being supported with matching funds from the State of New York.
 
 
The State University of New York at Stony Brook (SUNY) is developing antibodies against this marker. SUNY has applied for a patent for the antibodies and the test. Chembio has an exclusive option to license the technology once the patent is issued.
 
Rapid diagnostic test for the detection of antibodies to active pulmonary tuberculosis in non-human primate whole blood samples
 
 
Submitted to United States Department of Agriculture for regulatory approval in the U.S. in March 2005.
 
 
Product validation completed.
 
 
Sequella Corporation, Rockville, MD and Chembio have entered into an agreement whereby Chembio will have exclusive worldwide marketing and manufacturing rights for the product.
 
Rapid diagnostic test for the detection of antibodies to active pulmonary tuberculosis in human whole blood samples
 
 
Evaluation by World Health Organization to be completed in 2005 to support use in international programs is pending. We do not plan to market this product in the U.S. or Europe and have no plans for seeking regulatory approval in these markets.
 
 
Product validation completed.
 
 
Public Health Research Institute, Newark, NJ, and Staten Serum Institute have provided research collaboration on product development.
 
Rapid diagnostic test for the detection of antibodies to Chagas Disease
 
 
Evaluation by World Health Organization to be completed in 2005 to support use in international programs is pending. We do not plan to market this product in the US or Europe and have no plans for seeking regulatory approval in these markets.
 
 
Product validation completed. Studies have been completed that have increased awareness of product. United Nations Development Program began to procure product in 2004.
 
 
A consortium of researchers from Latin America collaborated to develop the recombinant antigen incorporated in this product.
 
 
 
3

 
 
             
Existing or Proposed Product
 
 
Regulatory Status
 
 
Development Status
 
 
Partners Involved in the Development or Marketing of the Products
Private label pregnancy tests
 
 
Cleared for marketing by FDA.
 
 
Completed
 
 
During 2004 we sold substantially all of the business related with this product line for the right to receive participation in future profits, if any, derived from this product line. We have also continued to supply the buyer with certain components for these products.
 
 
Until recently we also had an ongoing development project for a rapid test for Mad Cow Disease in collaboration with Prionics AG, including a Manufacturing and Supply Agreement entered into in 2004 and a License Agreement entered into in February of 2005 for certain technology that Prionics desired to incorporate into the product. However, Prionics was required to transfer product specifications to Chembio and to date has not been willing and/or able to do so, thereby putting the outcome of this project in substantial doubt at this time.
 
Our historical revenues on a percentage basis are reflected as follows:
 
   
2004
 
2003
 
Pregnancy Tests
   
25.93
%
 
46.84
%
HIV Tests
   
37.58
%
 
18.50
%
Other Infectious Disease Tests
   
19.65
%
 
24.88
%
Research Grants and Contracts
   
16.84
%
 
9.78
%
Total
   
100.00
%
 
100.00
%
 
We manufacture all of the products we sell. All of these products, as well as those that are under development employ various formats of lateral flow technology. Lateral flow generally refers to the process of a sample flowing from the point of application on a test strip to provide a test result on a portion of the strip downstream from the point of application. We believe we have expertise and proprietary know-how in the field of lateral flow technology.
 
We have a history of losses and we continue to incur operating and net losses. We own no patents though we have non-exclusive licenses to lateral flow patents from Abbott Laboratories, Inc. and to reagents including those that are used in our HIV rapid tests. However, these licenses do not necessarily insulate us from patent challenges by other patent holders. We have recently filed for two lateral flow patents that we believe may insulate us if we can successfully develop products incorporating the patent claims.
 
Our principal executive offices are located at 3661 Horseblock Road, Medford, New York 11763. Our telephone number is (631) 924-1135. Our website address is www.chembio.com.
 
The Offering
 
By means of this prospectus, a number of our stockholders are offering to sell up to 6,288,238 shares of common stock which they own, up to 14,783,600 shares of common stock which they may at a later date acquire upon the conversion of our series A and/or series B preferred stock, up to 19,394,466 shares of common stock which they may at a later date acquire upon the exercise of warrants and/or options, up to 2,353,423 shares of common stock which they may at a later date acquire as dividends payable semi-annually on the series B preferred stock, and up to 5,805,107 shares of common stock which they may at a later date acquire pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of the series B preferred stock. In this prospectus, we refer to these persons as the selling security holders.
 
As of June 1, 2005, we had 7,673,418 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, which includes shares offered by this prospectus. The number of outstanding shares of common stock does not give effect to common stock which may be issued pursuant to the conversion of our series A and B preferred stocks and the exercise of options and/or warrants previously issued by Chembio Diagnostics, Inc.
 
We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of common stock by the selling security holders pursuant to this prospectus. If any of the shares registered are not issued as dividends, or under the anti-dilution provisions, to the holders of the series B preferred stock, we will not sell these shares to third parties and will de-register those shares.
 
Summary Financial Data
 
The following table presents summary historical financial information for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2005, as well as the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003. The financial statements are set forth beginning on page F-1 of this prospectus, and you should read this information for a more complete understanding of the presentation of this information. As described in the audited financial statements, on January 28, 2005 the Company substantially improved its balance sheets with the completion of the $5,047,500 Series B Private Placement financing. The Series B Private Placement financing is reflected in the financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2005.
 
4

 
   
 
     
   
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2005
(Unaudited)
 
Year Ended
December 31, 2004
 
Year Ended
December 31, 2003
 
Revenue
   
731,885
   
3,305,932
   
2,818,351
 
Operating Expenses
   
890,811
   
3,923,701
   
1,516,076
 
Net Loss
   
(619,986
)
 
(3,098,891
)
 
(1,059,074
)
Current Assets
   
4,766,750
   
1,211,060
   
772,680
 
Total Assets
   
5,135,090
   
1,426,449
   
1,086,745
 
Current Liabilities
   
1,278,191
   
1,663,196
   
1,503,418
 
Total Liabilities
   
1,525,926
   
1,950,413
   
3,544,186
 
Convertible Redeemable Preferred
   
5,783,793
   
2,427,030
   
-
 
Stockholders’ Deficit
   
(2,174,629
)
 
(2,950,994
)
 
(2,457,441
)
 
RISK FACTORS
 
You should carefully consider each of the following risk factors and all of the other information provided in this prospectus before purchasing our common stock. The risks described below are those we currently believe may materially affect us. An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk, and should be considered only by persons who can afford the loss of their entire investment.
 
Risks related to our industry, business and strategy
 
Because we may not be able to obtain necessary regulatory approvals for some of our products, we may not generate revenues in the amounts we expect, or in the amounts necessary to continue our business.
 
All of our proposed and existing products are subject to regulation in the United States by the United States Food and Drug Administration, the United States Department of Agriculture and/or other domestic and international governmental, public health agencies, regulatory bodies or non-governmental organizations. In particular, we are subject to strict governmental controls on the development, manufacture, labeling, distribution and marketing of our products. The process of obtaining required approvals or clearances varies according to the nature of, and uses for, a specific product. These processes can involve lengthy and detailed laboratory testing, human or animal clinical trials, sampling activities, and other costly, time-consuming procedures. The submission of an application to a regulatory authority does not guarantee that the authority will grant an approval or clearance for product. Each authority may impose its own requirements and can delay or refuse to grant approval or clearance, even though a product has been approved in another country.
 
The time taken to obtain approval or clearance varies depending on the nature of the application and may result in the passage of a significant period of time from the date of submission of the application. Delays in the approval or clearance processes increase the risk that we will not succeed in introducing or selling the subject products as we may determine to devote our resources to different products.
 
Changes in government regulations could increase our costs and could require us to undergo additional trials or procedures, or could make it impractical or impossible for us to market our products for certain uses, in certain markets, or at all. 
 
Changes in government regulations may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations because we may have to incur additional expenses if we are required to change or implement new testing, manufacturing and control procedures. If we are required to devote resources to develop such new procedures, we may not have sufficient resources to devote to research and development, marketing, or other activities that are critical to our business.
 
5

For example, the European Union and other jurisdictions have recently established a requirement that diagnostic medical devices used to test human biological specimens must receive regulatory approval known as a CE mark, or be registered under the ISO 13.485 medical device directive. The letters “CE” are the abbreviation of the French phrase “Conforme Européene” which means “European conformity.” ISO (“International Organization for Standardization”) is the world’s largest developer of standards with 148 member countries. As such, export to the European and other jurisdictions without the CE or ISO 13.485 mark is not possible. Although we are not currently selling products to countries requiring CE marking, we expect that we will do so in the near future in order to grow our business. We are in the process of implementing quality and documentary procedures in order to obtain CE and ISO 13.485 registration, and we are not aware of any material reason why such approvals will not be granted. However, if for any reason CE or ISO 13.485 registration is not granted, our ability to export our products could be adversely impacted.
 
We can manufacture and sell our products only if we comply with regulations of government agencies such as the FDA and USDA. We have implemented a quality system that is intended to comply with applicable regulations. Although FDA approval is not required for the export of our products, there are export regulations promulgated by the FDA that specifically relate to the export of our products. Although we believe that we meet the regulatory standards required for the export of our products, these regulations could change in a manner that could adversely impact our ability to export our products.
 
Our products may not be able to compete with new diagnostic products or existing products developed by well-established competitors, which would negatively affect our business.
 
The diagnostic industry is focused on the testing of biological specimens in a laboratory or at the point-of-care and is highly competitive and rapidly changing. Our principal competitors often have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do. Several companies produce diagnostic tests that compete directly with our testing product line, including but not limited to Abbott Laboratories, Orasure Technologies, Inverness Medical and Trinity Biotech. As new products enter the market, our products may become obsolete or a competitor’s products may be more effective or more effectively marketed and sold than ours. Although we have no specific knowledge of any competitor’s product that will render our products obsolete, if we fail to maintain and enhance our competitive position or fail to introduce new products and product features, our customers may decide to use products developed by competitors which could result in a loss of revenues and cash flow.

In addition, the point-of-care diagnostics industry is undergoing rapid technological changes, with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. As new technologies become introduced into the point-of-care diagnostic testing market, we may be required to commit considerable additional efforts, time and resources to enhance our current product portfolio or develop new products. We may not have the available time and resources to accomplish this and many of our competitors have substantially greater financial and other resources to invest in technological improvements. We may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to our customers, which would materially harm our operating results. 
 
New developments in health treatments or new non-diagnostic products may reduce or eliminate the demand for our products.
 
The development and commercialization of products outside of the diagnostics industry could adversely affect sales of our product. For example, the development of a safe and effective vaccine to HIV or treatments for other diseases or conditions that our products are designed to detect, could reduce, or eventually eliminate, the demand for our HIV or other diagnostic products and result in a loss of revenues.
 
We may not have sufficient resources to effectively introduce and market our products, which could materially harm our operating results.
 
Introducing and achieving market acceptance for our rapid HIV tests and other new products will require substantial marketing efforts and will require us or our contract partners to make significant expenditures. We have no history upon which to base market or customer acceptance of these products. In some instances we will be totally reliant on the marketing efforts and expenditures of our contract partners. If they do not have or commit the expertise and resources to effectively market the products that we manufacture, our operating results will be materially harmed.
 
6

If we lose our funding from research and development grants, we may not be able to fund future research and development and implement technological improvements, which would materially harm our operating results.
 
We received $556,789 or 16.84% of our revenues in 2004 and $275,730 or 9.7% of our revenues in 2003 from grant and contract development work in connection with grants from the United States National Institute of Health, as well as from universities and commercial companies related to product development efforts for our tuberculosis, mad cow, and dental bacteria rapid test development work. During the first quarter of 2005, we entered into a license and technology transfer agreement for certain rapid test technology. These revenues have funded some of our personnel and other research and developmental costs and expenses for us. However, if these awards are not funded in their entirety or if new grants and contracts are not awarded in the future, our ability to fund future research and development and implement technological improvements would be diminished which could negatively impact our ability to compete in our industry.
 
The success of our business depends on our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of debt or equity or through borrowing, and we may not be able to raise capital or borrow funds in amounts necessary to continue our business, or at all.
 
As a result of the completion of the $5,047,500 Series B Private Placement on January 28, 2005, we believe that our current cash balances, together with cash generated from operations, will be sufficient to fund operations at least through the third quarter of 2005. We anticipate this based upon our recently completed operating budget which assumes significant new expenditures this year that are intended to help us increase revenues and cash flow, and to achieve a variety of other corporate objectives that are aimed to increase shareholder value.  The Company is considering alternatives to provide for its capital requirements for late 2005 and beyond.  There are no assurances that it will be successful in raising sufficient capital. Any additional equity financing will result in dilution to existing shareholders. If we are unable to obtain any such additional equity financing on satisfactory terms, we will not be able to effectively carry out our business plan.
 
The amount of additional capital we need and our ability to obtain it will depend on a number of factors. These factors primarily include (1) whether we can generally achieve revenue growth for our HIV rapid tests and the extent, if any, to which that revenue growth improves operating cash flows; (2) our investments in research and development, facilities, marketing, regulatory approvals, and other investments we may determine to make; (3) the availability and cost of raising additional capital and potential dilution to shareholders; and (4) the extent, if any, to which any of the Company’s outstanding options or warrants are exercised for cash.
 
Our objective of increasing international sales is critical to our business plan and if we fail to meet this objective, we may not generate revenues in the amounts we expect, or in amounts necessary to continue our business.
 
We intend to attempt to increase international sales of our products. A number of factors can slow or prevent international sales, or substantially increase the cost of international sales, including:
 
 
·
regulatory requirements and customs regulations;
 
 
·
cultural and political differences;
 
 
·
foreign exchange rates, currency fluctuations and tariffs;
 
 
·
dependence on and difficulties in managing international distributors or representatives;
 
 
·
the creditworthiness of foreign entities;
 
 
·
difficulties in foreign accounts receivable collection; and
 
 
·
economic conditions and the absence of available funding sources.
 
If we are unable to increase our revenues from international sales, our operating results will be materially harmed.
 
7

We rely on trade secret laws and agreements with our key employees and other third parties to protect our proprietary rights, and we cannot be sure that these laws or agreements adequately protect our rights.
 
We believe that factors such as the technological and creative skills of our personnel, strategic relationships, new product developments, frequent product enhancements, and name recognition are essential to our success. All our management personnel are bound by non-disclosure agreements. If personnel leave our employment, in some cases we would be required to protect our intellectual property rights pursuant to common law theories which may be less protective than provisions of employment, non-competition or non-disclosure agreements.
 
We seek to protect our proprietary products under trade secret and copyright laws, enter into license agreements for various materials and methods employed in our products, and enter into strategic relationships for distribution of the products. These strategies afford only limited protection. We currently have no U.S. or foreign patents, although we have several license agreements for reagents. Our Sure Check™ trademark has been registered in the United States.
 
Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy aspects of our products or to obtain information that we regard as proprietary. We may be required to expend substantial resources in asserting or protecting our intellectual property rights, or in defending suits related to intellectual property rights. Disputes regarding intellectual property rights could substantially delay product development or commercialization activities because some of our available funds would be diverted away from our business activities. Disputes regarding intellectual property rights might include state, federal or foreign court litigation as well as patent interference, patent reexamination, patent reissue, or trademark opposition proceedings in the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
 
To facilitate development and commercialization of a proprietary technology base, we may need to obtain additional licenses to patents or other proprietary rights from other parties. Obtaining and maintaining these licenses, which may not be available, may require the payment of up-front fees and royalties. In addition, if we are unable to obtain these types of licenses, our product development and commercialization efforts may be delayed or precluded.
 
In order to sell our rapid HIV tests and generate expected revenue from these tests, we will need to arrange for a license to patents for detection of the HIV-2 virus, and we may not be able to do so.
 
Although the current licensor of the peptides used in our HIV tests claims an HIV-2 patent, other companies have also claimed such patents. Even though HIV-2 is a type of the HIV virus estimated to represent only a small fraction of the known HIV cases worldwide, it is still considered to be an important component in the testing regimen for HIV in many markets. HIV-2 patents often are found in most of the countries of North America and Western Europe, as well as in Japan, Korea, South Africa, and Australia. Access to a license for one or more HIV-2 patents may be necessary to sell HIV-2 tests in countries where such patents are in force, or to manufacture in countries where such patents are in force and then sell into non-patent markets. Since HIV-2 patents are in force in the United States, we may be restricted from manufacturing a rapid HIV-2 test in the United States and selling into other countries, even if there were no HIV-2 patents in those other countries. The license agreement that we have in effect for the use and sale of the Adaltis HIV 1 and 2 peptides that are used in our HIV rapid test does not necessarily insulate us from claims by other parties that we need to obtain a license to other HIV-1 and/or HIV-2 patents. Although we have discussed additional HIV-2 licenses that would be advantageous for some markets, if we are unable to complete these discussions successfully our business and operating results could be materially harmed.
 
Our continued growth depends on retaining our current key employees and attracting additional qualified personnel, and we may not be able to do so.
 
Our success will depend to a large extent upon the skills and experience of our executive officers, management, and sales, marketing, operations and scientific staff. Although we have not experienced unusual retention and/or recruitment problems to date, we may not be able to attract or retain qualified employees in the future due to the intense competition for qualified personnel among medical products businesses.
 
If we are not able to attract and retain the necessary personnel to accomplish our business objectives, we may experience constraints that will adversely affect our ability to effectively manufacture, sell and market our products, to meet the demands of our strategic partners in a timely fashion, or to support internal research and development programs. Although we believe we will be successful in attracting and retaining qualified personnel, competition for experienced scientists and other personnel from numerous companies and academic and other research institutions may limit our ability to do so on acceptable terms.
 
8

 
We have entered into employment contracts with our President, Lawrence Siebert, our Vice President of R&D, Javan Esfandiari, and our Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Business Development, Avi Pelossof. Due to the specific knowledge and experience of these executives regarding the industry, technology and market, the loss of the services of any one of them would likely have a material adverse effect on the Company. The contract with Mr. Siebert has a term of two years ending May 2006, and the contracts with Messrs. Esfandiari and Pelossof have terms of three years ending May 2007. We have obtained key man insurance policies for Messrs. Esfandiari and Pelossof.
 
We believe our success depends on our ability to participate in large government programs in the United States and worldwide and we may not be able to do so.
 
We believe it to be in our best interest to meaningfully participate in the Presidential Emergency Plan for Aids Relief Program, UN Global Fund initiatives and other programs funded by large donors. We have initiated several strategies to participate in these programs. Participation in these programs requires alignment with the many other participants in these programs including the World Health Organization, U.S. Center for Disease Control, U.S. Agency for International Development, non-governmental organizations, and HIV service organizations. If we are unsuccessful in our efforts to participate in these programs, our operating results could be materially harmed.
 
We have a history of incurring net losses and we cannot be certain that we will be able to achieve profitability.
 
Since the inception of Chembio Diagnostic Systems, Inc. in 1985 and through the period ended December 31, 2004, we have incurred net losses. As of December 31, 2004, we have an accumulated deficit of $(12,099,406). We incurred net losses of $(3,098,891), and $(1,059,704) in 2004 and 2003, respectively.
 
We expect to continue to make substantial expenditures for sales and marketing, regulatory submissions, product development and other purposes. Our ability to achieve profitability in the future will primarily depend on our ability to increase sales of our products, reduce production and other costs and successfully introduce new products and enhanced versions of our existing products into the marketplace. If we are unable to increase our revenues at a rate that is sufficient to achieve profitability, our operating results would be materially harmed.
 
To the extent that we are unable to obtain sufficient product liability insurance or that we incur product liability exposure that is not covered by our product liability insurance, our operating results could be materially harmed.
 
We may be held liable if any of our products, or any product which is made with the use or incorporation of any of the technologies belonging to us, causes injury of any type or is found otherwise unsuitable during product testing, manufacturing, marketing, sale or usage. Although we have obtained product liability insurance, this insurance may not fully cover our potential liabilities. In addition, as we attempt to bring new products to market, we may need to increase our product liability coverage which would be a significant additional expense that we may not be able to afford. If we are unable to obtain sufficient insurance coverage at an acceptable cost to protect us, we may be forced to abandon efforts to commercialize our products or those of our strategic partners, which would reduce our revenues.
 
Risks related to our common stock
 
Our common stock is classified as penny stock and is extremely illiquid, so investors may not be able to sell as much stock as they want at prevailing market prices.
 
Our common stock is classified as penny stock. Penny stocks generally are equity securities with a price of less than $5.00 and trade on the over-the-counter market. As a result, an investor may find it more difficult to dispose of or obtain accurate quotations as to the price of the shares of the common stock being registered in this registration statement. In addition, the “penny stock” rules adopted by the Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), subject the sale of the shares of the common stock to regulations which impose sales practice requirements on broker-dealers, causing many broker-dealers to not trade penny stocks or to only offer the stocks to sophisticated investors that meet specified net worth or net income criteria identified by the Commission. These regulations contribute to the lack of liquidity of penny stocks.
 
The average daily trading volume of our common stock on the over-the-counter market was less than 31,000 shares per day over the three months ended June 1, 2005. If limited trading in our stock continues, it may be difficult for investors to sell their shares in the public market at any given time at prevailing prices. Since the certificates of designation creating our series A and series B preferred stock contain restrictions on our ability to declare and pay dividends on our common stock, the lack of liquidity of our common stock could negatively impact the rate of return on your investment.
 
9

Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock into the public market by the selling stockholders may result in significant downward pressure on the price of our common stock and could affect the ability of our stockholders to realize the current trading price of our common stock.
 
At the time of effectiveness of the registration statement, the number of shares of our common stock eligible to be immediately sold in the market will increase approximately from 180,000 to 40,798,309. If the selling stockholders sell significant amounts of our stock, our stock price could drop. Even a perception by the market that selling stockholders will sell in large amounts after the registration statement is effective could place significant downward pressure on our stock price.
 
You will experience substantial dilution upon the conversion of the shares of preferred stock and the exercise of warrants that we issued in two private placements and the warrants and options that were assumed in connection with the merger.
 
On May 5, 2004, we completed three separate private placements in which we issued 151.57984 shares of our series A preferred stock and warrants to acquire 9,094,801 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $.90 per share. The shares of series A preferred stock are convertible into 7,578,985 shares of our common stock. We also issued warrants to purchase 425,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.72 per share and warrants to purchase 510,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.08 per share to designees of our placement agents. We also issued warrants pursuant to an employment agreement with Mark L. Baum, our former president and former member of our board of directors, to purchase 425,000 shares and 425,000 shares of our common stock, respectively, at exercise prices of $0.60 and $0.90 per share respectively. In connection with the acquisition of Chembio Diagnostic Systems, Inc., we assumed the obligation to issue 690,000 shares of our common stock upon the exercise of warrants, which warrants are exercisable at prices ranging from $0.45 to $4.00 per share. We also adopted the stock option plan of Chembio Diagnostic Systems, Inc. and assumed all of the obligation to issue 704,000 common shares upon the exercise of the options outstanding as of the merger date. On January 28, 2005, we completed a private placement in which we issued 100 shares of our 9% Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, which we refer to as the “Series B Stock,” together with warrants to purchase 7,786,960 shares of our common stock. For each $.61 invested in this private placement, an investor received (a) $.61 of face amount of Series B Stock, which is convertible into one share of our common stock, and (b) a five-year warrant to acquire .95 of a share of our common stock. Each full share of the Series B Stock was purchased for $50,000, with fractional shares of Series B Stock being purchased by investments of less than $50,000. In connection with the January 28, 2005 offering, we also issued to the placement agent Series B Stock in an aggregate amount equal to 5% of the amount of cash proceeds from the private placement, together with accompanying warrants to purchase our common stock. We also issued to the placement agent warrants to purchase 737,712 shares of our common stock. As of May 19, 2005, there were 1,169,000 options issued and outstanding under the stock option plan and 331,000 options available for issuance under the stock option plan. As a result, the conversion of the outstanding preferred stock and the exercise of the outstanding warrants and options will result in substantial dilution to the holders of our common stock.
 
Our management and larger stockholders exercise significant control over our company and may approve or take actions that may be adverse to your interests.
 
As of December 31, 2004, our named executive officers, directors and 5% stockholders beneficially owned approximately 47.81% of our voting power. For the foreseeable future, to the extent that our current stockholders vote similarly, they will be able to exercise control over many matters requiring approval by the board of directors or our stockholders. As a result, they will be able to:
 
 
·
control the composition of our board of directors;
 
 
·
control our management and policies;
 
 
·
determine the outcome of significant corporate transactions, including changes in control that may be beneficial to stockholders; and
 
 
·
act in each of their own interests, which may conflict with, or be different from, the interests of each other or the interests of the other stockholders.
 
10

 
USE OF PROCEEDS
 
We will not receive proceeds from the sale of shares under this prospectus by the selling security holders. If any of the shares registered are not issued as dividends, or under the anti-dilution provisions, to the holders of the series B preferred stock, we will not sell these shares to third parties and will de-register those shares.
 
 
DILUTION
 
We are not selling any common stock in this offering. The selling security holders are current stockholders of Chembio. As such, there is no dilution resulting from the common stock to be sold in this offering.
 
 
SELLING SECURITY HOLDERS
 
The securities are being offered by the named selling security holders below. The selling security holders hold one or more of the following securities which are described in section “Description of Securities”: Common stock, Series A preferred stock which is convertible into common stock at $.60 per share, Series B preferred stock which is convertible into common stock at $.61 per share, options to purchase common stock at prices ranging from $0.45 per share to $4.00 per share, or warrants to purchase common stock exercisable at prices ranging from $0.45 per share to $4.00 per share. However, the table below assumes the immediate conversion by all Series A and B preferred stock into common stock and the immediate exercise of all options and warrants to purchase commons stock, without regard to other factors which may determine whether such rights of conversion or purchase are exercised. These factors include but are not limited to the other rights associated with remaining a preferred stockholder, the terms of these agreements, and the specific conversion or exercise price of the securities held by such selling security holder and its relation to the market price. The selling security holders may from time to time offer and sell pursuant to this prospectus up to an aggregate of 6,288,238 shares of our common shares now owned by them, 6,067,218 shares issuable to them upon the conversion of series A preferred stock that they hold, 8,716,382 shares issuable to them upon the conversion of series B preferred stock that they hold, 18,594,216 shares issuable to them upon the exercise of warrants that they hold and 800,250 shares issuable to them upon the exercise of options that they hold. The selling security holders may, from time to time, offer and sell any or all of the shares that are registered under this prospectus, although they are not obligated to do so.

In addition, the holders of the series B preferred stock may sell pursuant to this prospectus up to an aggregate of (i) 2,353,423 shares of common stock which they may at a later date acquire as dividends payable semi-annually on the series B preferred stock, and (ii) 5,805,107 shares of common stock which they may at a later date acquire pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of the series B preferred stock, as described in section “Description of Securities - Series B Preferred Stock.” These shares are not included in the table below.
 
Certain of the individuals listed below received the shares offered hereby in connection with the merger described under the caption “Description of Business - Merger.” In connection with the merger, we agreed to prepare and file at our expense, as promptly as practical, and in any event, by June 4, 2004, a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission covering the resale of the shares received in the merger by the individuals listed below. The list of selling security holders also includes Mark L. Baum, who acquired, or has the right to acquire, the shares and warrants indicated next to his name pursuant to an employment agreement dated May 5, 2004 with Chembio Diagnostics, Inc. Also named as selling security holders are designees of H.C. Wainwright & Co., Inc. and WellFleet Partners, Inc., each of which received common stock and warrants to purchase the indicated number of shares of common stock in connection with serving as placement agents in connection with our May 5, 2004 private placement of series A preferred stock, and Patton Boggs LLP, which received 37,319 shares as payment for a past obligation of $27,989, that we owed. Also included are a total of 25,000 shares and options to acquire 166,250 shares that we issued to non-employee third parties for services performed, together with 375,000 options to purchase shares issued to employees and directors.

Certain of the entities or individuals listed below acquired the shares offered hereby in connection with our May 5, 2004 private placement of series A preferred stock. Pursuant to this private placement, we received $2.2 million in cash as payment for 73.3333 shares of preferred stock that are convertible into 3,666,664 shares of common stock. We also issued to the investors in the series A preferred stock warrants to acquire 4.4 million shares of common stock at an exercise price of $.90 per share. Based on the $2.2 million paid, the purchase price per common share is $.60, without allocating any portion of the purchase price to the warrants. At the same time as this transaction, a conversion of $1,009,803 face amount and accrued interest of convertible notes that had been issued in March 2004 occurred. Of this conversion, $330,696 face amount and interest was converted into 826,741 shares of common for a conversion price, based on the face amount of the notes, of $.40 per share; and $679,107 face amount and interest was converted into 33.83682 shares of our series A preferred, together with warrants to purchase 2,030,217 shares of common stock at $.90 per share. The 33.83682 shares of series A preferred are convertible into 1,691,835 shares of our common stock, which based on the face amount of the notes, represents a purchase price of $.40 per share of common stock, without allocating any portion of the purchase price to the warrants. Also simultaneously with the other two private placement transactions, we issued 44.40972 shares of our series A preferred stock, convertible into 2,220,486 shares of our common stock, together with warrants to purchase 2,664,584 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $.90 per share, in exchange for $1,332,292 face amount of our debt obligations. Based on the face amount of these obligations, the price per common share is $.60 per share, without allocating any portion of the purchase price to the warrants. On December 29, 2004 the Company converted $361,560 of additional debt into 12.05199 shares of series A preferred stock and associated warrants to purchase 723,120 shares of common stock. Also in connection with these three private placements, we agreed to prepare and file at our expense, as promptly as practical, and in any event, by June 4, 2004, a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission covering the resale of the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the series A preferred stock and the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants. The Company issued 312,773 shares of common stock on May 14, 2005 as payment of dividends on the series A preferred stock. These shares of common stock are not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are not a part of this prospectus.

11

Certain of the entities or individuals listed below acquired the shares offered hereby in connection with our January 28, 2005 private placement of series B preferred stock. Pursuant to this private placement, we received $5 million in cash as payment for (a) 100 shares of preferred stock that are convertible into 8,196,800 shares of common stock, and (b) warrants to acquire 7,786,960 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $.61 per share. Based on the $5 million paid, the purchase price per common share is $.61, without allocating any portion of the purchase price to the warrants. Also in connection with these private placements, we agreed to prepare and file at our expense, as promptly as practical, and in any event, on or before 60 days after January 26, 2005, a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission covering the resale of the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the series B preferred stock and the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants. In connection with the private placement, the Company issued to the placement agent, Midtown Partners & Co., LLC, or its designees, 4.98 shares of series B preferred stock that are convertible into 409,012 shares of common stock, together with warrants to acquire 388,588 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $.61 per share. The Company also issued to Midtown Partners & Co., LLC, or its designees, warrants to purchase 737,712 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $.80 per share. 

In connection with the series B private placement, three of the investors in the series A preferred stock collectively acquired a .95 share of series B preferred stock, convertible into 77,868 shares of common stock, together with warrants to acquire 73,972 shares of common stock. In addition, one investor in our series A preferred stock converted all of his interests in the series A preferred stock for a .4 share of series B preferred stock, convertible into 32,786 shares of common stock, together with warrants to acquire 38,933 shares of common stock.

The remaining entity listed below acquired the shares offered hereby pursuant to an investor relations contract with the Company. The entity acquired 56,250 shares of common stock on December 9, 2004, and an additional 20,000 shares of common stock on March 9, 2005.

The following table sets forth, to the Company’s best knowledge and belief, with respect to the selling security holders:
 
 
·
the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned as of June 2, 2005 and prior to the offering contemplated hereby,
 
 
·
the number of shares of common stock eligible for resale and to be offered by each selling security holder pursuant to this prospectus,
 
 
·
the number of shares owned by each selling security holder after the offering contemplated hereby assuming that all shares eligible for resale pursuant to this prospectus actually are sold,
 
 
·
the percentage of shares of common stock beneficially owned by each selling security holder after the offering contemplated hereby, and
 
 
·
in notes to the table, additional information concerning the selling security holders including any NASD affiliations and any relationships, excluding non-executive employee and other non-material relationships, that a selling security holder had during the past three years with the registrant or any of its predecessors or affiliates.
 
12




 
Selling security holders (C)
 
 
 
Number of Shares of Common Stock Owned Before Offering (A)
 
 
 
Number of Shares To Be Offered (B) 
 
 
 
Number of Shares Owned After Offering
 
 
 
Percentage of Shares of Common Stock Owned After Offering
 
 
Alchemy, LLC 1 
   
40,471
   
40,471
   
   
0.00
%
Alpha Capital AG 2 ,3 
   
1,253,819
   
1,232,000
   
21,819
   
0.25
%
Bassett, Truman 1
   
42,526
   
42,526
   
   
0.00
%
Baum, Mark L. 2
   
1,796,963
   
1,792,666
   
4,297
   
0.05
%
Bell, Lon E. 2
   
287,195
   
282,198
   
    4,997
   
0.06
%
Beller, Claudio 2
   
148,080
   
145,582
   
2,498
   
0.03
%
BioEquity Partners, Inc. 1,4 
   
175,000
   
175,000
   
   
0.00
%
Breitbart, Ted 1,5 
   
18,208
   
18,208
   
   
0.00
%
Bruce, Richard 1
   
75,500
   
75,500
   
   
0.00
%
Calamaro, Jean—Paul 2
   
314,578
   
309,581
   
4,997
   
0.06
%
CEOcast, Inc.
   
76,250
   
76,250
   
   
0.00
%
Chrust, Steve 1
   
127,656
   
127,656
   
   
0.00
%
Clarke, John R.1,6 
   
158,400
   
158,400
   
   
0.00
%
Colby, Russ 1
   
12,500
   
12,500
   
   
0.00
%
Crestview Capital Master, LLC 7 
   
9,590,162
   
9,590,162
   
   
0.00
%
Dabush, Ami 2
   
578,500
   
569,718
   
8,782
   
0.11
%
Daedalus Consulting, Inc.8 
   
35,963
   
35,963
   
   
0.00
%
Dashefsky, Jeff 1
   
12,500
   
12,500
   
   
0.00
%
Diamond Deecembra 8
   
143,853
   
143,853
   
   
0.00
%
DKR Soundshore Oasis Holding Fund, Ltd.9 
   
1,198,770
   
1,198,770
   
   
0.00
%

(A) Includes shares underlying series A and series B preferred stock into which the series A and series B preferred stock is convertible, and shares underlying warrants and/or options held by the selling security holder that are covered by this prospectus, including any convertible securities that, due to contractual restrictions, may not be exercisable within 60 days of the date of this prospectus.
(B) The number of shares of common stock to be sold assumes that the selling security holder elects to sell all the shares of common stock held by the selling security holder that are covered by this prospectus.
(C) It is our understanding that any selling security holder that is an affiliate of a broker-dealer purchased the securities offered hereunder in the ordinary course of business, and at the time of the purchase, had no agreements or understanding to distribute the securities.
1 The sale of all of these shares is currently registered under Chembio’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 that became effective with the SEC on November 4, 2004. The sale of these shares also is included in this Prospectus so that Chembio can make any future amendments for the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, together with amendments of the 2004 Registration Statement in a single joint prospectus.
2 The sale of all of these shares, except for less than 235,000 that represent dividend shares, currently is registered under Chembio’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 that became effective with the SEC on November 4, 2004. The sale of these shares also is included in this Prospectus so that Chembio can make any future amendments for the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, together with amendments of the 2004 Registration Statement, in a single joint prospectus.
3 Konrad Ackerman has ultimate control over Alpha Capital AG and the shares held by Alpha Capital AG.
4 Provides marketing consulting services to the Company.
5 Affiliated with Wellfleet Partners.
6 Affiliated with HC Wainwright, investment banking services.
7 Affiliated with Dillion Capital, a NASD member. Robert Hoyt has ultimate control over Crestview Capital Master, LLC and the shares held by Crestview Capital Master, LLC.
8 Affiliated with Midtown Partners & Co., LLC, investment banking services.
 
 
13

 
 
Selling security holders (C)
 
 
 
Number of Shares of Common Stock Owned Before Offering (A)
 
 
 
Number of Shares To Be Offered (B) 
 
 
 
Number of Shares Owned After Offering
 
 
 
Percentage of Shares of Common Stock Owned After Offering
 
 
Eckert, Christopher & Lynn 2,10 
   
189,971
   
186,666
   
3,305
   
0.04
%
Engel, Sam 1
   
4,118
   
4,118
   
   
0.00
%
Esfandiari, Javan 1
   
167,080
   
167,080
   
   
0.00
%
Falvo, Pete 2
   
40,000
   
40,000
   
   
0.00
%
FAMALOM, LLC 8
   
179,817
   
179,817
   
   
0.00
%
Feldman, Stephen 1
   
2,055
   
2,055
   
   
0.00
%
Fuchs, Ari 2,6
   
49,058
   
49,058
   
   
0.00
%
Ginsberg, Mike 1
   
2,375
   
2,375
   
   
0.00
%
Glass, Marc 1
   
20,708
   
20,708
   
   
0.00
%
Goldberg, Jeffrey 1,11 
   
52,875
   
52,875
   
   
0.00
%
Greenblatt, Phil 1
   
10,347
   
10,347
   
   
0.00
%
Gregoretti, Gordan
   
79,916
   
79,916
   
   
0.00
%
Gressel, Daniel 1,12 
   
462,501
   
462,501
   
   
0.00
%
Guzikowski, Frank J.1
   
178,114
   
178,114
   
   
0.00
%
H.C. Wainwright & Co. 1,13 
   
390,867
   
390,867
   
   
0.00
%
Haendler, Kurt 1
   
436,607
   
434,288
   
2,319
   
0.03
%
Haendler, Renata 1
   
139,392
   
138,211
   
1,181
   
0.02
%
Haendler, Tomas 2,14 
   
542,188
   
540,710
   
1,478
   
0.02
%
Haim, Eduardo 1
   
7,115
   
7,115
   
   
0.00
%
Hamblett, Michael 15 
   
498,714
   
498,714
   
   
0.00
%
Hanson, Andrew Merz 2,16 
   
121,544
   
119,545
   
1,999
   
0.03
%
Hunt, David 1
   
60,000
   
60,000
   
   
0.00
%
Ide, Bruce J.2,17 
   
495,548
   
491,062
   
4,486
   
0.06
%
Jacob, Sam 1
   
10,000
   
10,000
   
   
0.00
%
Jacoby, Richard A.2
   
476,358
   
469,545
   
6,813
   
0.09
%
Joffe, Wendy 2
   
37,593
   
37,222
   
371
   
0.00
%
Jordan, Bruce 18 
   
67,931
   
67,931
   
   
0.00
%

9 DKR SoundShore Oasis Holding Fund Ltd. (the “Fund”) is a master fund in a master-feeder structure. The Fund's investment manager is DKR Oasis Management Company LP (the “Investment Manager”). Pursuant to an investment management agreement among the Fund, the feeder funds and the Investment Manager, the Investment Manager has the authority to do any and all acts on behalf of the Fund, including voting any shares held by the Fund. Mr. Seth Fischer is the managing partner of Oasis Management Holdings LLC, one of the general partners of the Investment Manager. Mr. Fischer has ultimate responsibility for trading with respect to the Fund. Mr. Fischer disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares.
10 Christopher Eckert is an employee of Smith Barney.
11 Affiliated with Wellfleet Partners and Starobin Partners, investment banking services.
12 Former Director of CDS.
13 NASD member.
14 Former President of CDS and Director.
15 Employee of Starboard Capital Markets, LLC, investment banking services.
16 Assisted the Company in fundraising.
17 Form Director of CDS.
18 Employee of Midtown Partners & Co., LLC, investment banking services.
 
14

 
 
Selling security holders (C)
 
 
 
Number of Shares of Common Stock Owned Before Offering (A)
 
 
 
Number of Shares To Be Offered (B) 
 
 
 
Number of Shares Owned After Offering
 
 
 
Percentage of Shares of Common Stock Owned After Offering
 
 
JP Turner 1,5
   
41,250
   
41,250
   
   
0.00
%
Keskinen, Karen 1
   
1,579
   
1,579
   
   
0.00
%
Klaus, Elaine 1
   
2,242
   
2,242
   
   
0.00
%
Knasin, Paul and Ellen 2
   
154,805
   
152,307
   
2,498
   
0.03
%
Koch, Scott F.1,6
   
158,400
   
158,400
   
   
0.00
%
Kolstad Jr., Kaare 1
   
50,589
   
50,589
   
   
0.00
%
Kreger, Richard 18
   
453,435
   
453,435
   
   
0.00
%
Krumholz, Jacob & Arlene
   
66,869
   
66,869
   
   
0.00
%
Kurzman Partners, LP 19 
   
65,878
   
65,265
   
613
   
0.01
%
Lankenau, Robert 1
   
228,150
   
226,585
   
1,565
   
0.02
%
Lanouette, Kevin P.
   
31,966
   
31,966
   
   
0.00
%
Larkin, Richard 2
   
110,188
   
109,189
   
999
   
0.01
%
Lawrence, Colin 1
   
7,115
   
7,115
   
   
0.00
%
Ledowitz, Bill 1
   
7,118
   
7,118
   
   
0.00
%
Lew, Felicia 1
   
31,250
   
31,250
   
   
0.00
%
Lew, Hanka 1
   
31,250
   
31,250
   
   
0.00
%
Lifshitz, Joshua 20 
   
100,260
   
98,959
   
1,301
   
0.02
%
Little Gem Life Sciences Fund LLC 21 
   
174,900
   
173,248
   
1,652
   
0.02
%
Lyashchenko, Konstantin 1
   
10,500
   
10,500
   
   
0.00
%
Maloney & Company, LLC
   
79,916
   
79,916
   
   
0.00
%
Mayer-Wolf, Mike 1
   
18,379
   
18,379
   
   
0.00
%
McCarthy, Michael 1
   
4,145
   
4,145
   
   
0.00
%
McGusty, Edwin 1
   
125,000
   
125,000
   
   
0.00
%
Metasequoia, LLC 2
   
37,993
   
37,332
   
661
   
0.01
%
Midtown Partners & Co., LLC 22 
   
116,639
   
116,639
   
   
0.00
%
Millennium 3 Opportunity Fund, LLC 23 
   
3,196,720
   
3,196,720
   
   
0.00
%
Moran, Sean
   
47,950
   
47,950
   
   
0.00
%

19 Affiliated with Needham & Company, investment banking services, until February 4, 2005.
20 Except for 26,393 shares, the sale of these shares is registered under Chembio’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 that became effective with the SEC on November 4, 2004. The sale of these shares also is included in this Prospectus so that Chembio can make any future amendments for the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, together with amendments of the 2004 Registration Statement, in a single joint prospectus.
21 Except for 81,582 shares, the sale of these shares is registered under Chembio’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 that became effective with the SEC on November 4, 2004. The sale of these shares also is included in this Prospectus so that Chembio can make any future amendments for the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, together with amendments of the 2004 Registration Statement, in a single joint prospectus.
22 NASD member, assisted the Company in fundraising.
23 Fred Fraenkel and Udi Toledano have ultimate control over Millennium 3 Opportunity Fund and the shares held by Millennium 3 Opportunity Fund.
 
15

 
 
Selling security holders (C)
 
 
 
Number of Shares of Common Stock Owned Before Offering (A)
 
 
 
Number of Shares To Be Offered (B) 
 
 
 
Number of Shares Owned After Offering
 
 
 
Percentage of Shares of Common Stock Owned After Offering
 
 
MSAS Trust 2
   
751,922
   
742,666
   
9,256
   
0.11
%
Nite Capital, LP
   
719,261
   
719,261
   
   
0.00
%
Patton Boggs LLP 1
   
37,319
   
37,319
   
   
0.00
%
Pelossof, Avi 2
   
571,084
   
570,685
   
399
   
0.01
%
Pelossof, Elior 2
   
86,158
   
84,659
   
1,499
   
0.02
%
Perlmutter, Alan 1
   
60,000
   
60,000
   
   
0.00
%
Phillips, Chris 8
   
86,264
   
86,264
   
   
0.00
%
Phillips, Scott W.1
   
50,589
   
50,589
   
   
0.00
%
Poole, Colin 2
   
143,116
   
141,098
   
2,018
   
0.03
%
Poole, John G.1
   
68,365
   
68,365
   
   
0.00
%
Raker, Gilbert 2
   
85,870
   
84,659
   
1,211
   
0.02
%
Reibman, Spencer 1
   
18,780
   
18,780
   
   
0.00
%
Rohan, J. Rory 18
   
453,435
   
453,435
   
   
0.00
%
Rojas, Zilma 1
   
5,500
   
5,500
   
   
0.00
%
Ross, Anne 1
   
63,236
   
63,236
   
   
0.00
%
Sandler, J & S 1
   
8,287
   
8,287
   
   
0.00
%
Sandler, Mark and Lori 2
   
189,971
   
186,666
   
3,305
   
0.04
%
Schnipper, Steve 24 
   
162,366
   
160,426
   
1,940
   
0.03
%
Schwartz, Eric 1
   
5,496
   
5,496
   
   
0.00
%
Seren, Stanley 1
   
8,287
   
8,287
   
   
0.00
%
Shapiro, Alex 1
   
112,412
   
112,412
   
   
0.00
%
Siderowf, Richard 2,25 
   
87,240
   
86,624
   
616
   
0.01
%
Siebert Best, Ellen 2
   
43,682
   
43,311
   
371
   
0.00
%
Siebert, Lawrence 26 
   
6,390,372
   
1,163,078
   
5,227,294
   
43.11
%
Sive Paget & Reisel 1
   
2,055
   
2,055
   
   
0.00
%
Smith, Robin 1,27 
   
119,883
   
119,883
   
   
0.00
%
Spatacco, Jr., Anthony J. 28 
   
89,520
   
89,520
   
   
0.00
%
Speer, Sandy 1
   
65,468
   
65,468
   
   
0.00
%
Spilka, R. Edward 2,29 
   
316,443
   
313,138
   
3,305
   
0.004
%
Starboard Capital Markets, LLC 30 
   
9,604
   
9,604
   
   
0.00
%

24 Except for 51,578 shares, the sale of these shares is registered under Chembio’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 that became effective with the SEC on November 4, 2004. The sale of these shares also is included in this Prospectus so that Chembio can make any future amendments for the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, together with amendments of the 2004 Registration Statement, in a single joint prospectus.
25 Registered sales representative with RBC Dain Rauscher.
26 Except for 663,078 shares, the sale of these shares is registered under Chembio’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 that became effective with the SEC on November 4, 2004. The sale of these shares also is included in this Prospectus so that Chembio can make any future amendments for the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, together with amendments of the 2004 Registration Statement, in a single joint prospectus.
27 Provided marketing consulting services; affiliated with Wellfleet Partners and Starobin Partners.
28 Assisted the Company in fundraising; employee of Starboard Capital Markets LLC.
29 Stockholder of Lehman Brothers.
30 NASD member.
 
16

 
 
Selling security holders (C)
 
 
 
Number of Shares of Common Stock Owned Before Offering (A)
 
 
 
Number of Shares To Be Offered (B) 
 
 
 
Number of Shares Owned After Offering
 
 
 
Percentage of Shares of Common Stock Owned After Offering
 
 
Starobin Partners 1,5
   
110,000
   
110,000
   
   
0.00
%
Straightline Capital Opportunities Fund I, LLC 2
   
763,166
   
750,195
   
12,971
   
0.16
%
Talesnick, Alan L. 2,31 
   
243,958
   
241,088
   
2,870
   
0.04
%
TCMP3 Partners
   
319,671
   
319,671
   
   
0.00
%
Thunderbird Global Corporation 2,32 
   
1,031,745
   
1,021,750
   
9,995
   
0.12
%
Total M.I.S., Inc. 2
   
569,917
   
560,000
   
9,917
   
0.12
%
Tyson, John 2,33 
   
16,250
   
16,250
   
   
0.00
%
Vicis Capital Master Fund 2,34 
   
5,699,178
   
5,600,000
   
99,178
   
0.76
%
Wachs, Mark 2
   
28,718
   
28,219
   
499
   
0.01
%
Weiss, Gunther 1
   
28,334
   
28,334
   
   
0.00
%
Westbury Diagnostics, Inc. 2
   
147,043
   
144,485
   
2,558
   
0.03
%
 
TOTALS
   
45,934,137
   
40,466,304
   
5,467,833
       
 
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
·  Each selling stockholder (the “Selling Stockholders”) of the common stock (the “Common Stock”) of the Company and any of their pledgees, assignees and successors-in-interest may, from time to time, sell any or all of their shares of Common Stock on any stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the shares are traded or in private transactions. These sales may be at fixed or negotiated prices. A Selling Stockholder may use any one or more of the following methods when selling shares:
 
 
·
ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers;
 
 
·
block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction;
 
 
·
purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account;
 
 
·
an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange;
 
 
·
privately negotiated transactions;
 
 
·
settlement of short sales entered into after the date of this prospectus;
 
 
·
broker-dealers may agree with the Selling Stockholders to sell a specified number of such shares at a stipulated price per share;
 
 
·
a combination of any such methods of sale;
 

31 Partner at Patton Boggs LLP, our legal counsel.
32 WSITE International Foundation (“WSITE”) is the ultimate beneficiary of Thunderbird Global Corporation.  Gustavo Montilla is the Chairman of WSITE International Foundation and controls the daily affairs of WSITE.
33 Provides marketing consulting services.
34 Vicis Capital Master Fund’s investment manager is Vicis Capital, LLC. Shad Stastney, John Succo, and Sky Lucas have the ultimate control over the shares held by Vicis Capital Master Fund.
 
17

 
·
through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging transactions, whether through an options exchange or otherwise; or
 
 
·
any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law.
 
The Selling Stockholders may also sell shares under Rule 144 under the Securities Act, if available, rather than under this prospectus.
 
Broker-dealers engaged by the Selling Stockholders may arrange for other brokers-dealers to participate in sales. Broker-dealers may receive commissions or discounts from the Selling Stockholders (or, if any broker-dealer acts as agent for the purchaser of shares, from the purchaser) in amounts to be negotiated, but, except as set forth in a supplement to this Prospectus, in the case of an agency transaction not in excess of a customary brokerage commission in compliance with NASDR Rule 2440; and in the case of a principal transaction a markup or markdown in compliance with NASDR IM-2440.
 
In connection with the sale of the Common Stock or interests therein, the Selling Stockholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which may in turn engage in short sales of the Common Stock in the course of hedging the positions they assume. The Selling Stockholders may also sell shares of the Common Stock short and deliver these securities to close out their short positions, or loan or pledge the Common Stock to broker-dealers that in turn may sell these securities. The Selling Stockholders may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions or the creation of one or more derivative securities which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of shares offered by this prospectus, which shares such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus (as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction).
 
The Selling Stockholders and any broker-dealers or agents that are involved in selling the shares may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act in connection with such sales. In such event, any commissions received by such broker-dealers or agents and any profit on the resale of the shares purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. Each Selling Stockholder has informed the Company that it does not have any written or oral agreement or understanding, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the Common Stock. In no event shall any broker-dealer receive fees, commissions and markups which, in the aggregate, would exceed eight percent (8%).
 
The Company is required to pay certain fees and expenses incurred by the Company incident to the registration of the shares. The Company has agreed to indemnify the Selling Stockholders against certain losses, claims, damages and liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
Because Selling Stockholders may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act, they will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act. In addition, any securities covered by this prospectus which qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act may be sold under Rule 144 rather than under this prospectus. Each Selling Stockholder has advised us that they have not entered into any written or oral agreements, understandings or arrangements with any underwriter or broker-dealer regarding the sale of the resale shares. There is no underwriter or coordinating broker acting in connection with the proposed sale of the resale shares by the Selling Stockholders.
 
We agreed to keep this prospectus effective until the earlier of (i) the date on which the shares may be resold by the Selling Stockholders without registration and without regard to any volume limitations by reason of Rule 144(e) under the Securities Act or any other rule of similar effect or (ii) all of the shares have been sold pursuant to the prospectus or Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any other rule of similar effect. The resale shares will be sold only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers if required under applicable state securities laws. In addition, in certain states, the resale shares may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption from the registration or qualification requirement is available and is complied with.
 
Under applicable rules and regulations under the Exchange Act, any person engaged in the distribution of the resale shares may not simultaneously engage in market making activities with respect to the Common Stock for a period of two business days prior to the commencement of the distribution. In addition, the Selling Stockholders will be subject to applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, including Regulation M, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of shares of the Common Stock by the Selling Stockholders or any other person. We will make copies of this prospectus available to the Selling Stockholders and have informed them of the need to deliver a copy of this prospectus to each purchaser at or prior to the time of the sale.
 
18

 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
From time to time, we may be involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of our operations in the normal course of business. Please refer to the section of this prospectus entitled “Description of business—Our business following the merger—Certain legal and intellectual property issues” for a discussion of some of the legal issues we face. Other than as set forth below, we know of no material, existing or pending legal proceedings against us, nor are we involved as a plaintiff in any material proceeding or pending litigation. There are no proceedings in which any of our directors, officers or affiliates, or any registered or beneficial shareholder, is an adverse party or has a material interest to our interest. The outcome of the open unresolved legal proceeding set forth below is presently indeterminable. We do not believe the potential outcome from this legal proceeding will significantly impact our financial position, operations or cash flows.
 
Saliva Diagnostic Systems Dispute.  An integral part of our business plan is the manufacture and sale of our Sure Check™ HIV rapid test product which incorporates a sample collection method that provides conveniences in terms of ease of use and safety.  Until May 2003, Sure Check™ was known as “Hema Strip.”  Hema Strip was manufactured by Chembio Diagnostic Systems Inc. pursuant to a manufacturing agreement between Chembio Diagnostic Systems Inc. and Saliva Diagnostic Systems, Inc.  The contract with Saliva Diagnostic was based upon, among other things, a patent that Saliva Diagnostic owns that was represented by Saliva Diagnostic to cover the sample collection method employed by the Hema Strip and which patent Saliva Diagnostic also represented to be valid and enforceable.  Saliva Diagnostic unilaterally terminated the manufacturing agreement and alleged patent infringement by Chembio Diagnostic Systems Inc.  We believe that the aforementioned patent did not cover the sample collection method used by the Hema Strip.  We also believe that the Saliva Diagnostic patent was not valid due to the existence of previously uncited prior art. 
 
On March 17, 2004, Saliva Diagnostic made further allegations of patent infringement against Chembio Diagnostic Systems Inc.  In connection with the foregoing, Chembio Diagnostic Systems Inc. filed a complaint against Saliva Diagnostic in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York on March 18, 2004 (Civil Action No. 04-1149-JS-ETB).  The complaint asks the court for declaratory and other relief that our Sure Check™ HIV test does not infringe the Saliva Diagnostic patent, that the Saliva Diagnostic patent is invalid, and that the Saliva Diagnostic patent is unenforceable due to inequitable procurement.  On April 8, 2004, Saliva Diagnostic filed its answer and counterclaim, alleging that we were infringing on the Saliva Diagnostic Patent.  We filed our Reply to Counterclaim on May 3, 2004, denying the allegation of infringement of the Saliva Diagnostic Patent.  Briefs regarding the meaning of the claims of the Saliva Diagnostic Patent were filed February 28, 2005, and oppositions to those briefs were filed on March 9, 2005.  A ruling on the meaning of the claim terms will then be issued by the court.  Fact discovery was due to be completed by March 31, 2005, but was extended and a new date is currently pending a court hearing on the matter. 
 
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CONTROL PERSONS
 
Lawrence A. Siebert (48), President and Director. Mr. Siebert was appointed President of Chembio Diagnostics, Inc. and a member of our board of directors upon consummation of the merger. Mr. Siebert has been Chairman of Chembio Diagnostic Systems Inc. for approximately 12 years and its President since May 2002. Mr. Siebert’s background is in private equity and venture capital investing. From 1982 to 1991, Mr. Siebert was associated with Stanwich Partners, Inc, which during that period invested in middle market manufacturing and distribution companies. From 1992 to 1999, Mr. Siebert was an investment consultant and business broker with Siebert Capital Corp. and Siebert Associates LLC, and was a principal investor in a privately held test and measurement company which was sold in 2002. Mr. Siebert received a JD from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 1981 and a BA with Distinction in Economics from the University of Connecticut in 1978.
 
Richard J. Larkin (48), Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Larkin was appointed as Chief Financial Officer of Chembio Diagnostics, Inc. upon consummation of the merger. Mr. Larkin oversees our financial activities and information systems. Mr. Larkin has been the Chief Financial Officer of Chembio Diagnostic Systems Inc. since September 2003. Prior to joining Chembio Diagnostic Systems Inc., Mr. Larkin served as CFO at Visual Technology Group from May 2000 to September 2003, and also led their consultancy program that provided hands-on expertise in all aspects of financial service, including the initial assessment of client financial reporting requirements within an Enterprise Resource Planning (Manufacturing) environment through training and implementation. Prior to joining VTG, he served as CFO at Protex International Corporation from May 1987 to January 2000. Mr. Larkin holds a BBA in Accounting from Dowling College and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
 
Avi Pelossof (42), Vice President Sales, Marketing and Business Development. Mr. Pelossof joined Chembio Diagnostic Systems Inc. in 1996 and has been responsible for developing Chembio Diagnostic System’s marketing strategy and collaborations. From 1991 to 1996, he was Managing Director and co-founder of The IMS Group, Inc., which provided strategic marketing advisory services to companies involved in Latin American markets including Chembio Diagnostics, Inc. Prior to IMS he was a Citibank Vice President in the International Corporate Finance Group focused on Latin America. Mr. Pelossof received his MBA in finance and international business from New York University in 1986 and a BA with Distinction in economics from the University of Michigan in 1984.
 
19

Javan Esfandiari (38), Director of Research & Development. Mr. Esfandiari co-founded, and became a co-owner of Sinovus Biotech AB where he served as Director of Research and Development concerning lateral flow technology until Chembio Diagnostic Systems Inc. acquired Sinovus Biotech AB in 2000. From 1993 to 1997, Mr. Esfandiari was Director of Research and Development with On-Site Biotech/National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden, which was working in collaboration with Sinovus Biotech AB on development of veterinary lateral flow technology. Mr. Esfandiari received his B.Sc. in Clinical Chemistry and his M. Sc. in Molecular Biology from Lund University, Sweden. He has published articles in various veterinary journals and has co-authored articles on tuberculosis serology with Dr. Lyashchenko.
 
Rick Bruce (50), Vice President, Operations. Mr. Bruce was hired in April 2000 as Director of Operations. He is responsible for production, maintenance, inventory, shipping, receiving, and warehouse operations. Prior to joining Chembio Diagnostic Systems Inc., he held director level positions at Wyeth Laboratories from 1984 to 1993. From 1993 to 1998, he held various management positions in the Operations department at Biomerieux. From 1998 to 2000, he held a management position at V.I. Technologies. Mr. Bruce has over 25 years of operations management experience with Fortune 500 companies in the field of in-vitro diagnostics and blood fractionation. Mr. Bruce received his BS in Management from National Louis University in 1997.
 
Alan Carus, CPA(66), Director. Mr. Carus was elected to our Board of Directors on April 15, 2005. Mr. Carus is a co-founder of LARC Strategic Concepts LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to guiding emerging companies to next stage development. Prior to co-founding LARC Strategic Concepts LLC, Mr. Carus was Senior Vice President of Maritime Overseas Corporation (“MOC”) and a senior executive of Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. (“OSG”) from 1981 to 1998, when he retired. MOC was managing agent for OSG, one of the world’s largest ship-owners. Mr. Carus was a member of OSG’s senior management committee and had senior responsibility in areas relating to administration, accounting, tax, finance, budgets, long-range projections, and human resources. He was involved in numerous acquisitions, debt and equity offerings, complex transaction structuring, and was active in the management of OSG’s major investments in the cruise industry and other development stage companies. From 1964 to 1981, Mr. Carus was with Ernst & Young (including predecessors), the last seven years as a partner. Mr. Carus has a B.B.A. from the Baruch School of Business of the City College of New York.
 
Thomas D. Ippolito (42), VP of Regulatory Affairs, QA and QC. Mr. Ippolito joined Chembio in June 2005. His background includes over twenty years of in-vitro diagnostics for infectious diseases, protein therapeutics, vaccines experience in R&D, Process Development, Regulatory Affairs and Quality Management. During that time he has held vice-president level positions at Biospecific Technologies, Corp., director level positions in Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Process Development and Regulatory Affairs at United Biomedical, Inc. He is a guest instructor (since 2003) for “drug development process” and “FDA regulations” for the BioScience Certificate program at the State University of Stony Brook.
 
Gary Meller MD, MBA (55), Director. Dr. Meller was elected to our Board of Directors on March 15, 2005. Dr. Meller has been the president of CommSense Inc., a healthcare business development company, since 2001. CommSense Inc. works with clients in Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East on medical information technology, medical records, pharmaceutical product development and financing, health services operations and strategy, and new product and new market development. From 1999 until 2001 Dr. Meller was the executive vice president, North America, of NextEd Ltd., a leading internet educational services company in the Asia Pacific region. Dr. Meller also is a member of the Advisory Board of Crestview Capital Master LLC, which was the lead investor in our series B preferred stock private placement. Dr. Meller a graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and has an MBA from the Harvard Business School.
 
Gerald A. Eppner (65), Director. Mr. Eppner was elected to our Board of Directors on March 15, 2005. Mr. Eppner is a partner at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, a law firm based in New York City, New York. Mr. Eppner has experience in domestic and international corporate and securities law matters. Mr. Eppner has been in private practice in New York City since 1966. For more than five years prior to 1966, Mr. Eppner was an employee of certain agencies and departments of the United States government.
 
20

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
The following table summarizes certain information as of June 2, 2005 with respect to the beneficial ownership of our Common Stock by each director, by all named executive officers, and by all officers and directors as a group, and by each other person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of our Common Stock. The term “named executive officer” refers to our chief executive officer and each of our other four most highly compensated executive officers serving as of December 31, 2004 (we refer to these five individuals, collectively, as the named executive officers) for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002. Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each person set forth in the table is the address of the Company, 3661 Horseblock Road, Suite A, Medford, NY 11763.
 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
 
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned
 
Percent of Class
 
Lawrence Siebert (1)
   
1,918,651
   
24.08
%
Avi Pelossof (2)
   
498,911
   
6.35
%
Javan Esfandiari (3)
   
117,080
   
1.52
%
Richard Bruce (4)
   
75,500
   
0.99
%
Konstantin Lyashchenko (5)
   
10,500
   
0.14
%
Dr. Gary Meller (6)
   
12,000
   
0.16
%
Gerald A. Eppner (6)
   
12,000
   
0.16
%
Alan Carus (6)
   
12,000
   
0.16
%
All officers, directors and director nominees as a group (7)
   
2,584,009
   
30.59
%
Mark Baum (8)
580 Second Street, Suite 102
Encinitas, California 92024
   
1,554,333
   
18.42
%
Tomas Haendler (9)
31 Cogswell Lane
Stamford, CT 06902
   
451,820
   
5.92
%
Thunderbird Global Corporation (10)
c/o The Baum Law Firm
820 Second Street, Suite 102
Encinitas, CA 92024
   
467,431
   
6.16
%
Daniel Gressel (11)
460 E. 79th Street, Apt. 17B
New York, NY 10021
   
462,501
   
6.06
%
 
 
21

 
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the Rule 13d-3(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Except as subject to community property laws, where applicable, the person named above has sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of our common stock shown as beneficially owned by him.
 
This table does not include convertible securities which, due to contractual restrictions, are not exercisable within 60 days of the date of this prospectus. Specifically, at no time may a holder of shares of series A or series B preferred stock convert shares of the series A or series B preferred stock, or warrants issued in connection with the purchase of series A or series B preferred stock, if the number of shares of common stock to be issued pursuant to the conversion would exceed, when aggregated with all other shares of common stock owned by that holder at that time, the number of shares of common stock which would result in that holder beneficially owning (as determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act) in excess of either 4.999% or 9.999% of the then issued and outstanding shares of common stock outstanding at that time, unless the holder has provided us with sixty-one (61) days notice that the holder has elected to waive this restriction. This contractual restriction does not apply to warrants not obtained in connection with the purchase of series A or series B preferred stock.
 
 
(1)
Includes 170,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days and 207,566 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants. Does not include 50,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options that are not exercisable within the next 60 days. Also does not include 1,937,220 shares issuable upon conversion of series A preferred stock, 2,324,666 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants, 81,967 shares issuable upon conversion of series B preferred stock and 77,868 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants because conversion of any of those shares of series A or series B preferred stock or exercise of those warrants would result in the holder beneficially owning in excess of 4.99% of the then issued and outstanding shares of common stock outstanding at that time.
 
(2)
Includes 250,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days and 22,555 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants. Does not include 50,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options that are not exercisable within the next 60 days. Also does not include 10,078 shares issuable upon conversion of series A preferred stock and 12,095 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants because conversion of any of those shares of series A preferred stock or exercise of any of those warrants would result in the holder beneficially owning in excess of 4.99% of the then issued and outstanding shares of common stock outstanding at that time.
 
(3)
Includes 95,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days and 2,007 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants. Does not include 50,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options that are not exercisable within the next 60 days.
 
(4)
Includes 70,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days and 500 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants.
 
(5)
Includes 5,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days and 500 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants.
 
(6)
Includes 12,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options currently exercisable. Does not include 24,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options that are not exercisable within 60 days.
 
(7)
Includes all securities covered in footnotes (1)-(6).
 
(8)
Includes 850,000 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants. Does not include 108,333 shares issuable upon conversion of series A preferred stock and 130,000 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants because conversion of any of those shares of series A preferred stock or exercise of those warrants would result in the holder beneficially owning in excess of 4.99% of the then issued and outstanding shares of common stock outstanding at that time.
 
(9)
Includes 38,197 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants. Does not include 44,450 shares issuable upon conversion of series A preferred stock and 53,334 shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants because conversion of any of those shares of series A preferred stock or exercise of any of those warrants would result in the holder beneficially owning in excess of 4.99% of the then issued and outstanding shares of common stock outstanding at that time.
 
(10)
Does not include 251,963 shares issuable upon conversion of series A preferred stock and 302,356 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants because conversion of any of those shares of series A preferred stock or exercise of any of those warrants would result in the holder beneficially owning in excess of 4.99% of the then issued and outstanding shares of common stock outstanding at that time. Gustavo Montilla may be deemed to have voting or investment control over the shares held by Thunderbird Global Corporation.
 
(11)
Includes 42,065 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants.
 
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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
 
Pursuant to our articles of incorporation, as amended, we are authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. Below is a description of our common stock, shares of which are being offered in this prospectus and a description of our preferred stock.
 
Common stock
 
Holders of the common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held by them of record on our books in all matters to be voted on by the stockholders. Holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends as may be legally declared from time to time by the board of directors, and in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities. Declaration of dividends on common stock is subject to the discretion of the board of directors and will depend upon a number of factors, including our future earnings, capital requirements and financial condition. We have not declared dividends on our common stock in the past and we currently anticipate that retained earnings, if any, in the future will be applied to our expansion and development rather than the payment of dividends. Additionally, pursuant to the certificate of designation authorizing and creating the series A preferred stock, we are restricted from paying dividends on the common stock without the approval of holders of at least three-fourths of the then outstanding shares of our series A preferred stock.
 
The holders of common stock have no preemptive or conversion rights and are not subject to further calls or assessments. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. Our articles of incorporation require the approval of the holders of a majority of our outstanding common stock for the election of directors and for other fundamental corporate actions, such as mergers and sales of substantial assets, or for an amendment to our articles of incorporation. There exists no provision in our articles of incorporation or our bylaws that would delay, defer or prevent a change in control of Chembio Diagnostics, Inc.
 
Action Stock Transfer acts as our transfer agent and registrar
 
Series A Preferred Stock
 
Dividends. Holders of series A preferred stock are entitled to an 8% per annum dividend per share. The dividend accrues and is payable semi-annually at our option either in cash, in shares of series A preferred stock or in shares of common stock. Accrued but unpaid dividends are also payable upon the conversion or redemption of the shares of series A preferred stock and upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
 
Voting Rights. As long as any shares of series A preferred stock are outstanding, we cannot take any of the following actions without the separate class vote or written consent of at least three-fourths of the then outstanding shares of our series A preferred stock:
 
 
·
amend, alter or repeal the provisions of the series A preferred stock so as to adversely affect any right, preference, privilege or voting power of the series A preferred stock;
 
·
repurchase, redeem or pay dividends on shares of common stock or any other shares of our equity securities that by their terms do not rank senior to the series A preferred stock, other than de minimus repurchases from our employees in certain circumstances;
 
·
amend our articles of incorporation or bylaws so as to affect materially and adversely any right, preference, privilege or voting power of the series A preferred stock;
 
·
effect any distribution with respect to any equity securities that by their terms do not rank senior to the series A preferred stock;
 
·
reclassify our outstanding securities;
 
·
voluntarily file for bankruptcy, liquidate our assets or make an assignment for the benefit of our creditors; or
 
·
change the nature of our business.

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In addition, as long as at least $1,000,000 of series A preferred stock is outstanding, we cannot, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least three-fourths of the shares of the series A preferred stock outstanding at the time, authorize, create, issue or increase the authorized or issued amount of any class or series of stock, except for the issuance of shares of series A preferred stock with respect to the payment of dividends on the outstanding shares of series A preferred stock.
 
Except with respect to items set forth above upon which the series A preferred stock shall be entitled to vote separately as a class and except as otherwise required by Nevada law, the series A preferred stock does not have any voting rights. The common stock into which the series A preferred stock is convertible will have, upon issuance, all the same voting rights as other issued and outstanding shares of our common stock.
 
Conversion. The series A preferred stock is convertible, at the option of the holders, into shares of common stock at an initial conversion price of $.60 per share. Based on its original purchase price of $30,000.00 per share, each share of series A preferred stock is initially convertible into 50,000 shares of common stock. The series A preferred stock is issuable in fractional shares. The series A preferred stock contains adjustment provisions upon the occurrence of stock splits, stock dividends, combinations, reclassifications or similar events of our capital stock. The series A preferred stock also provides for adjustment of the conversion price if the Company sells common stock at a price, or issues a security convertible into common stock with a conversion price, less than the then-current conversion price for the series A preferred stock.
 
Each share of the series A preferred stock will automatically convert into common stock on the date that the closing bid price for the common stock exceeds $1.50 for a period of ten (10) consecutive trading days, if the following conditions are satisfied:
 
 
·
such date is at least one hundred eighty (180) days following the effective date of this registration statement, and
 
·
this registration statement has been effective, without lapse or suspension of any kind, for a period of sixty (60) days (or the common stock into which the series A preferred stock is convertible can be freely traded pursuant to Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act).
 
Redemption. In the event of:
 
 
·
a consolidation, merger, or other business combination involving Chembio Diagnostics, Inc.,
 
·
the sale of more than 50% of our assets, or
 
·
the closing of a purchase, tender or exchange offer made to and accepted by holders of more than 50% of our outstanding shares of common stock,
 
each holder of series A preferred stock has the right to require us to redeem all or a portion of such holder’s shares of series A preferred stock at a price per share of series A preferred stock equal to 100% of the then current liquidation preference amount for the series A preferred stock, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends; provided that we will have the sole option to pay the redemption price in cash or shares of common stock. If we elect to pay the redemption price in shares of common stock, the price per share will be based upon the lesser of the conversion price for the series A preferred stock or the closing bid price for the common stock, in each case measured on the day preceding the date of delivery of the notice of redemption by such holder. In the event we elect to pay the redemption price in shares of common stock, demand registration rights will be granted on those additional shares.
 
Upon the occurrence of any of the following events:
 
 
·
the lapse or unavailability of this registration statement,
 
·
the suspension from listing of the common stock for a period of seven (7) consecutive days,
 
·
our failure or inability to comply with a conversion request from a holder of series A preferred stock, or
 
·
our material breach of any of our representations or warranties contained in the series A preferred stock documentation that continues uncured for a period of ten (10) days,
 
each holder of series A preferred stock has the right to require us to redeem all or a portion of that holder’s shares of series A preferred stock at a price per share of series A preferred stock equal to 120% of the then current liquidation preference amount for the series A preferred stock, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends; provided that with respect to some of the triggering events referenced above, we will have the sole option to pay the redemption price in cash or shares of common stock. If we elect to pay the redemption price in shares of common stock, the price per share will be based upon the lesser of the conversion price for the series A preferred stock and the closing bid price for the common stock, in each case measured on the day preceding the date of delivery of the notice of redemption by such holder. In the event we elect to pay the redemption price in shares of common stock, demand registration rights will be granted on those additional shares.
 
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Rank; Liquidation Preference. The holders of our series A preferred stock rank prior to the holders of our common stock and, unless otherwise consented to by the holders of series A preferred stock, prior to all other classes of capital stock that we may establish, other than our series B preferred stock, with respect to the distribution of its assets upon a bankruptcy, liquidation or other similar event. The liquidation preference for the series A preferred stock is an amount equal to $30,000.00 per share plus any accrued and unpaid dividends.
 
Series B Preferred Stock
 
Dividends.  Holders of series B preferred stock are entitled to a 9% per annum dividend per share. The dividend accrues and is payable semi-annually in cash or in shares of series B preferred stock, at our option, except with respect to the holder of the shares purchased by Crestview Capital Master LLC (which represents $3 million of the $5 million or 60% of the series B preferred stock) who has the right to elect the form of the dividend as it relates to its series B preferred stock. Accrued but unpaid dividends are also payable upon the conversion or redemption of the shares of series B preferred stock and upon a liquidation event.
 
This prospectus covers 2,353,423 shares of our common stock which represents the number of shares of our common stock that may be issued in payment of three years of dividends on the currently outstanding shares of our series B preferred stock assuming that each share of our series B preferred stock remains issued and outstanding for three years, and that we pay all of the dividends in those three years in shares of our common stock.
 
Voting Rights.  As long as any shares of series B preferred stock are outstanding, we cannot take any of the following actions without the separate class vote or written consent of all of the then outstanding shares of series B preferred stock:
 
 
·
amend, alter or repeal the provisions of the series B preferred stock so as to adversely affect any right, preference, privilege or voting power of the series B preferred stock;
 
·
authorize or create any class of stock ranking as to dividends, redemption or distribution of assets upon a liquidation event, senior to or otherwise pari passu with the series B preferred stock;
 
·
amend our articles of incorporation or by-laws so as to adversely affect any rights of the series B preferred stock;
 
·
increase the authorized number of shares of series B preferred stock; or
 
·
enter into any agreement with respect to the foregoing.

Conversion.  The series B preferred stock is convertible, at the option of the holders, into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion price of $.61 per share. Based on the original purchase price of $50,000 per share, each share of series B preferred stock is initially convertible into 81,968 shares of our common stock. The series B preferred stock is issuable in fractional shares.  The series B preferred stock contains adjustment provisions upon the occurrence of stock splits, stock dividends, combinations, reclassifications or similar events of our capital stock. The series B preferred stock also provides for adjustment of the conversion price if Company sells common stock at a price, or issues a security convertible into common stock with a conversion price, less than the then-current conversion price for the series B preferred stock.
 
Redemption.  In the event of:
 
 
·
a consolidation, merger, or other business combination involving Chembio Diagnostics, Inc.,
 
·
the sale of all or substantially all of our assets,
 
·
the acquisition by another person of in excess of 50% of our voting securities, or
 
·
certain specified triggering events (involving (A) the lapse or unavailability of a registration statement, (B) the suspension from listing of our common stock for a period of seven consecutive days, (C) our failure or inability to comply with a conversion request from a holder of series B preferred stock, (D) our breach of any of our representations or warranties contained in the series B preferred stock documentation that continues uncured for a period of 30 days, or (E) our becoming subject to certain bankruptcy events),

each holder of series B preferred stock has the right to require us to redeem all of that holder's shares of series B preferred stock at a price per share of series B preferred stock equal to the sum of (i) the greater of (a) $65,000 or (b) the product of (x) the daily volume weighted average price of our common stock as reported on the OTC Bulletin Board on the date immediately preceding such event by Bloomberg Financial L.P. and (y) the quotient of $65,000 divided by the then current conversion price for the series B preferred stock, plus (ii) any accrued but unpaid dividends, plus (iii) all liquidated damages and other amounts due in respect of the series B preferred stock.
 
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Rank; Liquidation Preference.  The holders of series B preferred stock rank pari passu to the holders of our series A preferred stock and prior to the holders of our common stock and, unless otherwise consented to by the holders of series B preferred stock, prior to all other classes of capital stock that we may establish, with respect to (i) the payment of dividends and (ii) the distribution of our assets upon a bankruptcy, liquidation or other similar event. The liquidation preference for the series B preferred stock is an amount equal to $50,000 per share plus any accrued and unpaid dividends and liquidated damages owing thereon.
 
General
 
We are a developer and manufacturer of lateral flow rapid diagnostic tests that detect infectious diseases. Our products are sold through private distributors as well as public health and non-governmental organizations. The main products that we actively market and that are commercially available today are our three HIV Rapid Tests (Sure Check™ HIV and HIV 1/2 Stat-Pak and HIV 1/2 Stat-Pak Dipstick).
         
HIV Rapid Tests
Commercially
Available
 
Regulatory Status
 
Partners Involved in the Product
         
HIV Rapid Tests (Sure Check™ HIV; HIV 1/2 Stat-Pak; HIV 1/2 Stat-Pak Dipstick). Rapid Tests for detection of antibodies to HIV 1 and 2 in finger-stick whole blood, venous whole blood, serum and plasma
 
 
We currently qualify under U.S. FDA export regulations to sell, subject to any required approval by the importing country, to customers outside the U.S. To date we have received approval from a number of potential importing countries, although Brazil is the only country in which we have significant sales. In December 2004 we completed clinical trials for Sure Check™ HIV and HIV 1/2 Stat-Pak in the U.S. for FDA approval for sales in the U.S. with results that we believe will exceed the performance requirements for U.S. FDA approval. We are pursuing FDA approval for these products and on February 17, 2005 we submitted our Pre-Marketing Approval application (“PMA”) to the FDA. Based upon recent correspondence with the FDA we expect to have an “approvable” PMA in July and for our facility inspection to be completed during the third quarter. Facility inspection is the main remaining step we have in achieving FDA approval. Our HIV 1/2 Stat-Pak and HIV 1/2 Stat-Pak Dipstick products were also evaluated by the World Health Organization in 2004. In January 2005 we received a final report that confirms that these products meet the performance criteria for inclusion in the WHO Bulk Procurement Scheme, which is a pre-requisite for these products being eligible for procurements from programs funded by the United Nations and their partners’ programs. We have also received confirmation from the United States Agency for International Development that our Sure Check™ HIV and HIV 1/2 Stat-Pak have met the criteria for being eligible for procurements pursuant to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief
 
 
Thirteen-year supply and technology transfer agreement with FIOCRUZ-Bio-Manguinhos, an affiliate of the Ministry of Health of Brazil. FIOCRUZ-Bio-Manguinhos will supply product to Brazilian public health market and potentially other markets in the region. Other marketing partners are being actively pursued with a principal focus on those countries that are receiving funding from the United States pursuant to the Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and from the United Nations programs and partners.
 
We have hired an individual to direct our sales and marketing efforts in East Africa who will be based in that region and whose efforts will be primarily aimed toward participating in what we believe will be a substantial increase in demand for our HIV rapid tests from the PEPFAR program. We are in discussions with a number of other groups and individuals to assist us in our marketing efforts in markets that we have focused on in Africa.
 
 
A majority of our revenues historically were from the contract manufacture of private label pregnancy tests for regional pharmacies, drug stores and mass merchants in the United States, Europe, Canada, and Central America. However, as a result of pricing pressures, regulatory changes and potential patent litigation in this field, we sold substantially all of the business related to our private label pregnancy test. We believe that this will result in a substantial reduction of our revenues from these products during 2005 and beyond. The extent to which we will derive a benefit from sales of these products is difficult to estimate because of uncertainties in regulatory changes, product pricing, manufacturing cost changes, and patent litigation.
 
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As described below, we also have other commercially available products, such as rapid tests for Chagas disease, Lyme disease and other products, the aggregate of whose revenues are not material to us.
 
We also are involved, as described below under “Research and Development,” in the development of new products.
 
HIV RAPID TESTS: We believe that our growth will initially come from sales of our rapid HIV tests. Rapid HIV tests help address the problem that a large percentage of individuals tested in public health settings do not return or call back for test results from laboratory tests as they can take at least several days to process. We believe that this group comprises a significant amount of all new infections. We are pursuing FDA approval for these products and on February 17, 2005 we submitted our Pre-Marketing Approval application to the FDA. Based upon recent correspondence with the FDA, we expect to have an “approvable” PMA in July and for our facility inspection to be completed during the third quarter. The facility inspection is the main remaining step we have in achieving FDA approval.
 
We have been manufacturing and selling these products since 2001, pursuant to FDA export regulations, to customers in several countries outside the United States. Subject primarily to satisfactory completion of our manufacturing facility inspection in accordance with FDA requirements, we believe that FDA approval can be achieved in 2005.
 
Our Sure Check™ HIV rapid test eliminates the need for a separate sample collection system when used to collect finger-stick whole blood samples. We believe this improves ease of use and safety. Our HIV 1/2 Stat-Pak and HIV 1/2 Stat-Pak Dipstick, like other competitive rapid HIV tests, require that the finger-stick whole blood sample first be transferred to the test device. However, HIV 1/2 Stat-Pak is value priced and more flexible than Sure Check™ for samples of venous whole blood, plasma and serum. HIV 1/2 Stat-Pak Dipstick is our most economical format and also flexible as to sample types. All three of our HIV tests use a standardized test strip which we developed by using patented materials licensed non-exclusively to us from third parties as well as our own proprietary know-how and trade secrets.
 
CHAGAS RAPID TEST: Chembio has completed development of a rapid test for the detection of antibodies to Chagas Disease. This product was developed in collaboration with a consortium of researchers in Latin America. Chagas Disease is found only in Latin America and is named after Carlos Chagas, a Brazilian doctor who first described the disease about 100 years ago. There are estimated to be 16-18 million Chagas Disease cases globally resulting in 21,000 deaths annually, with an estimated 300,000 new cases each year. It is transmitted by a parasitic bug which lives in cracks and crevices of poor-quality houses usually in rural areas, through blood transfusion or congenitally from infected mother to fetus. There is an effective therapy available to treat the early chronic phase, and there are now programs being planned for the screening of children in rural areas with the use of a rapid test. We believe that Chembio is well positioned to participate in these programs.
 
Lateral Flow Technology
 
All our current products employ lateral flow technology, which refers to the process of a sample flowing from the point of application on a test strip to provide a test result on a portion of the strip downstream from the point of application. Lateral flow technology is well established and widely applied in the development of rapid diagnostic tests. The functionality of our lateral flow tests is based on the ability of an antibody to bind with a specific antigen (or vice versa) and for the binding to become visible through the use of the colloidal gold and/or colored latex that we use in our products. The colloidal gold or the colored latex produces a colored line if the binding has occurred (the test line), in which case it means there has been a reactive or positive result. In any case, a separate line (the control line) will appear to confirm that the test has been validly run in accordance with the instructions for use.
 
Our lateral flow technology allows the development of easy-to-perform, single-use diagnostic tests for rapid, visual detection of specific antigen-antibody complexes on a test strip. This format provides a test that is simple (requires neither electricity nor expensive equipment for test execution or reading, nor skilled personnel for test interpretation), rapid (turnaround time approximately 15 minutes), safe (minimizes handling of specimens potentially infected), non-invasive (requires 5-20 microliters of whole blood easily obtained with a finger prick, or alternatively, serum or plasma), stable (24 months at room temperature storage in the case of our HIV tests), and highly reproducible.
 
We can develop and produce lateral flow tests that are qualitative (reactive/non-reactive), as in the case of our HIV tests, and we can develop semi-quantitative tests, reflecting different concentrations of the target marker(s) using different colored latex test lines for each concentration We can also develop tests for multiple conditions, using different colored lines. We have developed proprietary techniques that enable us to achieve high levels of sensitivity and specificity [see definition below] in our diagnostic tests using our proprietary latex conjugate and buffer systems. These techniques include the methods we employ in manufacturing and fusing the reagents with the colored latex, or colloidal gold, blocking procedures used to reduce false positives, and methods used in treating the materials used in our tests to obtain maximum stability and resulting longer shelf life. We also have extensive experience with a variety of lateral flow devices, including the sample collection device used in our Sure Check™ HIV rapid test which we believe is easier to use than other finger-stick whole blood rapid tests. Sure Check™ eliminates the need for transferring finger-stick whole blood samples from the finger-tip onto a test device, because the collection of the sample is performed within a tubular test chamber, which contains the lateral flow test strip. The whole blood sample is absorbed directly onto the test strip through a small opening in one end of the test chamber and an absorbent pad positioned just inside this same end of the test chamber. Please refer to the section of this prospectus entitled “Legal Proceedings” for a discussion of the legal issues we face with regard to Sure Check™.
 
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The sensitivity of a test indicates how strong the sample must be before it can be detected by the test. The specificity of a test measures the ability of the test to analyze, isolate, and detect only the matters targeted by the test.
 
Target Market
 
HIV Rapid Tests. Market growth in the demand for rapid testing for HIV and tuberculosis in affected developing countries is largely dictated by the availability of donor funds such as those funds administered and distributed pursuant to the United States Presidential Emergency Plan for Aids Relief, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, and other governmental and non-governmental programs that fund testing for HIV and tuberculosis. According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 2004 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic, knowledge of HIV status is the gateway to AIDS treatment. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS report further states that a routine offer of HIV testing by health care providers should be made to all patients in sexually transmitted disease clinics, maternal and child health clinics, and health care settings where HIV is prevalent. In 2003 the World Health Organization and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS announced the “Three by Five” initiative, with the goal of treating three million people living with HIV/AIDS by the end of 2005. According to the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, to achieve having 3 million people on treatment by 2005, each day 5,000 people need to be brought onto treatment and kept on it. In order to achieve this, the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS states that each day about 500,000 people will need to be tested. This estimate assumes that in high prevalence countries about 50,000 people would test positive and that 10% of those, approximately 5,000 people, will require immediate access to life-saving medications. To date, the actual number of rapid tests used has been only a fraction of these estimates as programs have focused on referring known positive patients into treatment. However, based upon numerous discussions we have had with various people involved in these programs, we believe that this will have to change if these programs are going to realize their goals.
 
Tuberculosis Rapid Tests. Also according to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 2004 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic, in many countries where AIDS has hit hardest, tuberculosis is the leading cause of death in people living with HIV. In HIV positive patients, the reliability of existing diagnostic methods is reduced. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS report states that intensifying tuberculosis case-finding in HIV testing and counseling centers and in other HIV service outlets is essential. Detection of antibodies to active pulmonary tuberculosis in blood samples has never been achieved to a level of accuracy for this diagnostic method to be used effectively in countries with prevalence of this disease. Our efforts are focused on establishing clinical data that show that our test can detect a statistically meaningful number of patients that are not detected from the standard sputum smear method. We also intend to develop a dual parameter HIV/TB test once we establish the clinical performance of our TB test on a stand alone basis.
 
Chagas Rapid Test. Chembio had developed this test several years ago but the market for the product was not meaningful as most prevention efforts were made using laboratory tests used for blood bank screening of blood. However, there has now been a greater interest in Chembio’s rapid test because of an important publication that demonstrated the effectiveness of the rapid test in the screening of blood donors (as opposed to the blood in blood banks), and the need to screen in rural populations. Also, studies that have been completed at multiple sites in Central and South America showing sensitivity of between 98.5% and 99.6% and specificity between 94.8% and 99.9%, shows that the test is a good alternative to standard laboratory testing methods.
 
Other Products Under Development. Our products under development with partners in the areas of dental bacteria, veterinary tuberculosis, and cerebral spinal fluid leak detection reflect our business strategy of leveraging our core competency, which is in the development and manufacture of lateral flow rapid diagnostic tests, and diversifying our markets beyond the HIV, human tuberculosis and Chagas Disease markets, which are primarily donor-funded markets. We do not necessarily have an expertise in assessing the markets in each of these new product undertakings, and so we often are relying on the market knowledge and position that our chosen partners have in these fields.
 
Distribution Channels
 
We seek to establish product development, exclusive manufacturing and/or technology transfer collaborations with organizations that are well positioned to access the markets for these products as well as strong distribution partners as is warranted.
 
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In February of 2004 we signed an agreement with FIOCRUZ-Bio-Manguinhos, an affiliated entity of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. This agreement provides for a three year period during which Chembio will transfer its know-how for the production and assembly of its HIV 1/2 Stat-Pak and during which period Bio-Manguinhos will purchase a minimum of approximately 1 million tests from us. The know-how transfer process has begun. The tests that will be purchased will initially be fully completed and assembled at Chembio, but will increasingly during this three year period have components assembled and manufactured by Bio-Manguinhos in Brazil. Chembio will receive a royalty of 5% on net sales for ten years following completion of the technology transfer. Approximately 450,000 tests were purchased through December 31, 2004, and we anticipate receiving orders for an additional 300,000 units in the first half of 2005.
 
We are seeking to leverage the experience we have in Brazil by establishing other local assembly and technology transfer collaborations for our HIV tests where local demand and labor conditions justify such ventures. We are also seeking to have our HIV tests evaluated and used in programs for voluntary counseling and testing and prevention of mother to child transmission testing. The programs we are pursuing are overseen and/or led by the United States Centers for Disease Control Global Aids Program, the United States Agency for International Development, United Nations-affiliated programs including the World Health Organization, the health ministries and national AIDS control organizations in the host countries, and many other local and multi-national non-governmental and private organizations. The main programs that are administered by these organizations are the Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the United Nations Global Fund for HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria, respectively, and they constitute a large percentage of the world wide funding for HIV prevention and treatment programs in the developing world. As a result of evaluations undertaken in 2004 by these agencies, we have been notified by the United States Agency for International Development and the World Health Organization that our HIV rapid tests are eligible for procurements made through their programs. This eligibility was critical to our actively pursuing participation in these programs, and we are now actively pursuing such participation. Our distribution and marketing strategy for our existing HIV rapid tests and for our human tuberculosis rapid tests under development will include seeking direct purchases by governmental and non-governmental organizations, commercial relationships with distributors, and/or partnering for local production and assembly in key markets.
 
The market for the non-human primate tuberculosis test that we have developed, and for which we will begin clinical testing by the third quarter of 2005, primarily consists of pharmaceutical research facilities and zoos. This market represents a small number of total customers. Accordingly, we are considering a direct marketing strategy as well as considering working with a distributor of products to this customer base.
 
In the case of our dental bacteria product that is still under development (see “Research & Development”), if we are successful in completing this product in collaboration with others, and if the product receives the requisite regulatory clearances, then we will have the right to manufacture it and the collaborating entities will have marketing and distribution rights.
 
Competition
 
The diagnostics industry is a multi-billion dollar international industry and is intensely competitive. Many of our competitors are substantially larger and have greater financial, research, manufacturing, and marketing resources.
 
Industry competition in general is based on the following:
 
 
·
Scientific and technological capability;
 
·
Proprietary know-how;
 
·
The ability to develop and market products and processes;
 
·
The ability to obtain FDA or other required regulatory approvals;
 
·
The ability to manufacture products that meet applicable FDA requirements, (i.e. FDA’s Quality System Regulations) see Governmental Regulation section;
 
·
Access to adequate capital;
 
·
The ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; and
 
·
The availability of patent protection.
 
We believe our scientific and technological capabilities and our proprietary know-how relating to lateral flow rapid tests, particularly for HIV and tuberculosis, are very strong.
 
Our ability to develop and market other products is in large measure dependent on our having additional resources and/or collaborative relationships, particularly where we can have our product development efforts funded on a project or milestone basis. We believe that our proprietary know-how in lateral flow technology has been instrumental in our obtaining the collaborations we have developed in mad cow disease and dental bacteria.
 
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We have limited experience with regard to obtaining FDA or other required regulatory approvals, and no experience with obtaining pre-marketing approval of a biologic product such as HIV. See “Governmental Regulation” for definition of pre-marketing approval. For this reason, we have hired employees and consultants that collectively have that experience with other companies. We believe this will be very helpful in our obtaining these approvals and in ensuring that we manufacture our products in accordance with FDA and other regulatory requirements.
 
Our access to capital is much less than that of several of our competitors, and this is a competitive disadvantage. We believe however that our access to capital may increase as we get closer to FDA approval of our rapid HIV tests and/or as we complete the development of, and the requisite regulatory approvals related to, our other products, including those that we have under development.
 
To date, we believe we have been competitive in the industry in attracting and retaining qualified personnel. Because of the greater financial resources of many of our competitors, we may not be able to complete effectively for the same individuals to the extent that a competitor uses its substantial resources to attract any such individuals. With respect to the availability of patent protection, we do not have our own portfolio of patents or the financial resources to develop and/or acquire a portfolio of patents similar to those of our larger competitors. We have been able to obtain patent protection by entering into licensing arrangements.
 
Competitive factors specifically related to our HIV tests are product quality, price and ease of use. Product quality for an HIV rapid test primarily means accuracy (sensitivity and specificity), early detection of cases, time elapsed between testing and confirmation of results, and product shelf life. We believe that our HIV 1/2 Stat-Pak, HIV 1/2 Stat-Pak Dipstick, and Sure Check™ HIV rapid tests are very competitive with the best products in the market on the basis of these competitive factors.
 
Significant direct competitors for our Sure Check™ and HIV 1/2 Stat-Pak rapid HIV tests are Abbott Diagnostics, Orasure Technologies, Inc. and Trinity Biotech Plc. Orasure and Trinity have HIV rapid tests that are FDA approved. In addition there are a number of other companies that have HIV rapid tests, including others based in the U.S., that are seeking FDA approval.
 
We believe that Chembio is in a leadership position as it relates to our rapid tuberculosis test even though the product is still under evaluation and not ready for marketing. We are not aware of any rapid whole blood test that has the sensitivity and specificity levels necessary to replace or complement the current sputum smear microscopy method being employed in the high incidence tuberculosis countries; and this is what we believe our rapid tuberculosis test, when fully developed and evaluated, will be able to do. We are also not aware of any rapid whole blood test to detect active pulmonary tuberculosis in non-human primates and/or other animals for which Chembio is developing rapid tuberculosis tests.
 
Research and Development
 
Our research and development activities have been in four areas, all related to lateral flow rapid diagnostic product development: HIV, Bovine Spongeiform Encephalopathy, which is also known as mad cow disease, dental bacteria, and tuberculosis. We have also entered into research and development collaboration with The State University of New York at Stony Brook for the development of a marker for the detection of Cerebral Spinal Fluid Leak and also have begun other preliminary collaborations that are related to new lateral flow platforms and related instrumentation.
 
We have collaborated with Prionics AG, Zurich, Switzerland since late 2002 to develop and produce certain components of a rapid test for mad cow disease to be marketed by Prionics and/or their distributors under their name. In March 2004 we signed a contract to be one of two contract manufacturers of this product following Prionics’ transfer of the completed product know-how to us and approval of the product in Europe. These steps are in process but have not been completed. The contract is for three years, which begins when the product approval is granted in Europe. Although we expected that the technology transfer and European regulatory approval would be completed in 2004, and that initial sales would occur in 2005, we cannot estimate the timing and extent of these events as there are many factors that are beyond our control that could delay this timetable, including delays or changes in regulatory requirements, delays in the technology transfer or changes to the product specifications. In this connection, on February 14, 2005, we entered into a license agreement by which Prionics will license certain technology owned by Chembio. The agreement provides for certain additional milestones for technology transfer which will need to be successfully concluded in order for the Supply Agreement to be maintained in full force and effect, as Prionics has indicated that it needs Chembio’s technology in order to complete the know-how transfer in a way such that the product can be manufactured reproducibly. Prionics has still not been able to complete the transfer of the product know-how to Chembio, whether for reasons related to the failure of the Chembio technology or for reasons under the control of Prionics. In any case, as a result of this development, we believe that the outcome of this project is now in substantial doubt.
 
30

 
In the dental bacteria test, we have a contract with Ivoclar-Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein to develop a rapid test that can detect different levels of bacteria found in saliva samples that have been found to be associated with tooth decay. The test employs intellectual property developed at the University of California Los Angeles Dental School for which Ivoclar-Vivadent is the exclusive licensee. Our contract with Ivoclar-Vivadent provides for a three phase development program for which we are being compensated a total of $180,000. We are now in the second phase but have experienced some delays related to non-specific binding for one of the antibodies provided Chembio. We are currently discussing next steps with representatives of each of the aforementioned parties.
 
If the development program results in a completed product in accordance with Ivoclar-Vivadent’s specifications, then we will be the exclusive manufacturer and Ivoclar-Vivadent will have exclusive marketing and distribution rights. The contract is for five years and may be renewed by Ivoclar-Vivadent for an indefinite number of two-year renewals. Our contract with Ivoclar-Vivadent contemplates that the product development was to be completed in 2004, and that regulatory approvals and products launch would occur in 2005. However, there are factors beyond our control that make it impossible to predict the timing, nature and extent of revenues from this product, if any.
 
Our tuberculosis rapid tests for humans are being designed to significantly increase the accuracy of existing tuberculosis screening methods. Our initial tuberculosis test was developed pursuant to a Phase I and II Small Business Innovative Research grant from the National Institute of Health with Public Health Research Institute, Newark, New Jersey that was in place from 1998 until 2002, and our test was completed in 2003. In 1998 we entered into a license agreement with Public Health Research Institute which provides for us to pay a royalty on sales of our antibody detection tuberculosis tests that incorporate any of the antigens covered by the agreement. A study of our serological test for active pulmonary tuberculosis in humans by Sumitomo Seiyaku Biomedical of Japan has shown that sensitivity can increase from 45% to 82% when used in combination with the sputum smear method (the current standard in high incidence settings), and from 45% to 91% when used with the two-step confirmatory combination of sputum smear and culture testing. However, several other studies have shown less favorable results. We know that serological testing for tuberculosis is very complex and challenging, and we therefore believe that much further testing in a variety of geographic settings will be needed in order to confirm the performance of this test across diverse populations. Our test is being included in an evaluation being conducted by the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium on behalf of the World Health Organization during the first half of 2005. The timing and results of this evaluation cannot be predicted and therefore the timing and extent of any sales that would be derived from this product can also not be estimated at this time.
 
In addition to our research and development efforts for tuberculosis tests for humans, we have developed a test for detecting active pulmonary tuberculosis in non-human primates (monkeys). We submitted this product for approval to the United States Department of Agriculture during the first quarter of 2005. We are also engaged in collaborations related to the detection of active pulmonary tuberculosis in other animals as we can leverage our current technology for additional species. However, we do not anticipate any material revenues from these efforts during 2005.

Our HIV development efforts are on a next generation rapid test that can detect cases even earlier than all currently marketed rapid tests do without compromising the specificity of the test. A prototype has been developed and needs to undergo substantial revision and optimization. No reagent license agreements are in place with regard to the materials used in this prototype at this time. We do not anticipate any material sales from this product line in 2005 and most of 2006.
 
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The foregoing research and development efforts are summarized below:
 
Existing or Proposed Product
 
 
Regulatory
Status
 
 
Development
Status
 
 
Partners involved in the
development or marketing
of the products
 
Rapid test for detection of Bovine Spongeiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, in cattle
 
 
Not yet submitted for approval
 
 
Work has been suspended due to Prionics being unable to complete product specifications.
 
Prionics AG, Zurich, Switzerland
 
Dental Bacteria Test
 
 
Not yet submitted for approval
 
 
Phase 2 (Optimization of Test) Work has been suspended and discussing new development plan.
 
 
Ivoclar-Vivadent, AG, Schaan Liechtenstein
 
Tuberculosis Stat Pak II- rapid diagnostic test for detection of antibodies to active pulmonary tuberculosis in human whole blood samples
 
 
Not yet submitted for approval
 
 
Product validation completed
 
 
Public Health Research Institute and Statens Serum Institute
 
TBD Non-Human Primate Rapid Tuberculosis Test for the detection of antibodies to active pulmonary tuberculosis in non-human primate whole blood samples
 
 
Submitted for approval first quarter of 2005
 
 
Product validation completed
 
 
Sequella Corporation, Rockville, Maryland
 
Combination HIV/Tuberculosis Rapid Test for the detection of antibodies to active pulmonary tuberculosis and HIV in human whole blood samples using different color latex test lines
 
 
Not yet submitted for approval
 
 
Initial Prototype
 
 
None
 
New Generation HIV Test
 
 
Not yet submitted for approval
 
 
Initial Prototype
 
 
None
 
Cerebral Spinal Fluid Leak Test
 
 
Not yet submitted for approval
 
 
Initial R&D on Monoclonal Antibodies
 
 
State University of New York at Stony Brook
 
 
During 2004 and 2003, $1,433,403 and $313,891, respectively, was spent on research and development activities. A significant portion of these expenditures have been on our human and non-human primate tuberculosis product development efforts.
 
Research & Development Expenditures
 
   
2004
 
2003
 
Human Tuberculosis
 
$
99,675
 
$
59,491
 
Veterinary Tuberculosis
   
354,473
   
116,239
 
HIV
   
823,596
   
36,400
 
Dental, Mad cow, and Other
   
155,659
   
101,761
 
Totals
 
$
1,433,403
 
$
313,891
 
 
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Employees
 
At June 1, 2005 we employed 49 people, including 48 full-time employees. In May 2004, we entered into employment agreements with Lawrence Siebert, President and Chairman, Avi Pelossof, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Business Development, and Javan Esfandiari, Vice President of Research and Development.
 
Governmental Regulation
 
All of Chembio’s existing and proposed diagnostic products are regulated by the FDA, U.S. Department of Agriculture, certain state and local agencies, and/or comparable regulatory bodies in other countries. This regulation governs almost all aspects of development, production, and marketing, including product testing, authorizations to market, labeling, promotion, manufacturing, and record keeping. All of Chembio’s FDA - and U.S. Department of Agriculture - regulated products require some form of action by that agency before they can be marketed in the United States, and, after approval or clearance, Chembio must continue to comply with other FDA requirements applicable to marketed products. Both before and after approval or clearance, failure to comply with the FDA’s requirements can lead to significant penalties.
 
Most of Chembio’s diagnostic products are regulated as medical devices, and some are regulated as biologics. There are two review procedures by which medical devices can receive FDA clearance or approval. Some products may qualify for clearance under Section 510(k) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, in which the manufacturer provides a pre-market notification that it intends to begin marketing the product, and shows that the product is substantially equivalent to another legally marketed product (i.e., that it has the same intended use and is as safe and effective as a legally marketed device and does not raise different questions of safety and effectiveness). In some cases, the submission must include data from human clinical studies. Marketing may commence when the FDA issues a clearance letter finding such substantial equivalence. An applicant must submit a 510(k) application at least 90 days before marketing of the affected product commences. Although FDA clearance may be granted within that 90-day period, in some cases as much as a year or more may be required before clearance is obtained, if at all.
 
If the medical device does not qualify for the 510(k) procedure (either because it is not substantially equivalent to a legally marketed device or because it is required by statute and the FDA’s implementing regulations to have an approved application), the FDA must approve a pre-market approval application before marketing can begin. Pre-market approvals must demonstrate, among other matters, that the medical device provides a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness. A pre-market approval is typically a complex submission, including the results of preclinical and clinical studies. Preparing a pre-market approval is a detailed and time-consuming process. Once a pre-market approval has been submitted, the FDA is required to review the submission within a statutory period of time. However, the FDA’s review may, and often is, much longer, often requiring one year or more, and may include requests for additional data.
 
Biologic products must be the subject of an approved biologics license application before they can be marketed. The FDA approval process for a biologic product is similar to the pre-market approval process, involving a demonstration of the product’s safety and effectiveness based in part on both preclinical and clinical studies.
 
Chembio’s HIV rapid tests are considered by FDA to be a biologic and will therefore be submitted to the biologics division of FDA, the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.
 
Every company that manufactures biologic products or medical devices distributed in the United States must comply with the FDA’s Quality System Regulations. These regulations govern the manufacturing process, including design, manufacture, testing, release, packaging, distribution, documentation, and purchasing. Compliance with the Quality System Regulations is required before the FDA will approve an application, and these requirements also apply to marketed products. Companies are also subject to other post-market and general requirements, including compliance with restrictions imposed on marketed products, compliance with promotional standards, record keeping, and reporting of certain adverse reactions or events. The FDA regularly inspects companies to determine compliance with the Quality System Regulations and other post-approval requirements. Failure to comply with statutory requirements and the FDA’s regulations can lead to substantial penalties, including monetary penalties, injunctions, product recalls, seizure of products, and criminal prosecution.
 
The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988 prohibits laboratories from performing in vitro tests for the purpose of providing information for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of any disease or impairment of, or the assessment of, the health of human beings unless there is in effect for such laboratories a certificate issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services applicable to the category of examination or procedure performed. Although a certificate is not required for Chembio, Chembio considers the applicability of the requirements of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act in the design and development of its products. A Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act waiver will remove certain quality control and other requirements that must be met for certain customers to use Chembio’s products, and this is in fact critical to the marketability of a product into the point of care diagnostics market.
 
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In addition, the FDA regulates the export of medical devices that have not been approved for marketing in the United States. The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act contains general requirements for any medical device that may not be sold in the United States and is intended for export. Specifically, a medical device intended for export is not deemed to be adulterated or misbranded if the product: (1) accords to the specifications of the foreign purchaser; (2) is not in conflict with the laws of the county to which it is intended for export; (3) is labeled on the outside of the shipping package that it is intended for export; and (4) is not sold or offered for sale in the United States. Some medical devices face additional statutory requirements before they can be exported. If an unapproved device does not comply with an applicable performance standard or premarket approval requirement, is exempt from either such requirement because it is an investigational device, or is a banned device, the device may be deemed to be adulterated or misbranded unless the FDA has determined that exportation of the device is not contrary to the public health and safety and has the approval of the country to which it is intended for export. However, the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act does permit the export of devices to any country in the world, if the device complies with the laws of the importing country and has valid marketing authorization in one of several “listed” countries under the theory that these listed countries have sophisticated mechanisms for the review of medical devices for safety and effectiveness.
 
Chembio is also subject to regulations in foreign countries governing products, human clinical trials and marketing, and may need to obtain approval or evaluations by international public health agencies, such as the World Health Organization, in order to sell products in certain countries. Approval processes vary from country to country, and the length of time required for approval or to obtain other clearances may in some cases be longer than that required for U.S. governmental approvals. The extent of potentially adverse governmental regulation affecting Chembio that might arise from future legislative or administrative action cannot be predicted.
 
Chembio’s HIV rapid tests have been evaluated and approved for marketing in several foreign jurisdictions, including Mexico, India, and other nations in the developing world. Chembio has received an FDA Investigational Device Exemption to begin clinical trials for the Sure Check™ HIV and HIV 1/2 Stat Pak rapid tests and is currently beginning clinical trials as the initial step toward FDA approval of these products.
 
In October of 2004 the Company issued a voluntary recall of approximately 100,000 pregnancy tests. As a precautionary measure, the recall was expanded on November 3, 2004 to include approximately 215,000 additional pregnancy tests. These recalls resulted from a determination that we made that the seals on some of the pouches that were used for packaging pregnancy tests during a certain period from March through August were in many cases deficient, resulting in product degradation in certain cases. Although our investigation established that some of the lots pouched within this time period were within specification, we decided, as a precautionary measure, to recall all of them. The deficiency has been corrected, we have revalidated our entire pouching operation, and we also increased final product testing as well. As of December 31, 2004 the Company has estimated the total impact of this recall to be approximately $100,000 which includes an accrual of $60,264 as of December 31, 2004.

Environmental Laws
 
To date, we have not encountered any costs relating to compliance with any environmental laws.
 
Intellectual Property
 
Intellectual Property Strategy
 
Subject to our available financial resources, our intellectual property strategy is: (1) to pursue licenses, trade secrets, and know-how within the area of lateral flow technology, and (2) to develop and acquire proprietary positions to reagents and new hardware platforms for the development and manufacture of rapid diagnostic tests.
 
34

Trade Secrets and Know-How
 
We believe that we have developed a substantial body of trade secrets and know-how relating to the development of lateral flow diagnostic tests, including but not limited to the sourcing and optimization of materials for such tests, and how to maximize sensitivity, speed-to-result , specificity, stability and reproducibility.
 
Lateral Flow Technology and Reagent Licenses
 
Although we own no patents covering lateral flow technology, we have obtained a non-exclusive license from Abbott Laboratories to a portfolio of its lateral flow patents. The issue of potential patent challenges is ongoing for us as well as for our competitors, and we continue to monitor the situation, consult with patent counsel, and seek licenses and/or redesigns of products that we believe to be in the best interests of Chembio Diagnostics, Inc. and our stockholders. Because of the costs and other negative consequences of time-consuming litigation regardless of whether we would ultimately prevail, if we foresee a significant possibility of patent infringement litigation, our first priority will be to attempt to obtain a license on reasonable terms. Nevertheless there is no assurance that Abbott’s lateral flow patents may not be challenged or that licenses will be available on reasonable terms, if any.
 
In the event that it is determined that a license is required and it is not possible to negotiate a license agreement under a necessary patent, we may be able to modify our HIV rapid test products and other products such that a license would not be necessary. However, this alternative could delay or limit our ability to sell these products in the United States and other markets, which would adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and business.

In December 2004 and March 2005 Chembio submitted two lateral flow patent applications to the United States Office for Patents and Trademarks. We believe that if the patents are granted with all of the claims that we have incorporated into these patent applications, and if we are able to successfully complete the design and production of products incorporating such claims, that we will substantially improve the Company’s intellectual property position.
 
The peptides used in our HIV rapid tests are patented by Adaltis Inc. and are licensed to us under a 10-year license agreement dated August 30, 2002. We also have licensed the antigens used in our tuberculosis and Chagas disease tests.
 
Legal Issues
 
FTC Matter
 
On February 27, 2001, a “Stipulated Final Order for Permanent Injunction and Other Equitable Relief” was signed and entered by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The stipulation is a settlement agreement between Chembio Diagnostics, Inc. and the United States Federal Trade Commission arising out of certain events that occurred in 1999. The events resulted in allegations by the FTC that Chembio Diagnostics, Inc. misrepresented performance claims relating to a previous generation of its HIV test kits. Chembio Diagnostics, Inc. denied these allegations. Nevertheless, due to the nature of the product and other circumstances, this matter consumed a very substantial amount of Chembio Diagnostics, Inc.’s resources from mid-1999 through the beginning of 2001. Because an even greater expense would have had to be incurred in litigating this matter against an agency with virtually unlimited resources and because Chembio Diagnostics, Inc. was able to negotiate a settlement that it deemed acceptable and in Chembio Diagnostics, Inc.’s best interest, the settlement was concluded. The stipulation requires Chembio Diagnostics, Inc., among other things, to not misrepresent product performance claims, to not make any claims without “competent and reliable scientific evidence” as substantiation for such claims and to also comply with mandated record keeping, notification, and monitoring provisions. The settlement agreement further provides that Chembio Diagnostic Systems Inc. must provide all of its principals, officers, directors, managers and all other employees of Chembio Diagnostic Systems Inc. having responsibilities related to Chembio Diagnostic Systems Inc.’s business with a copy of the settlement agreement and must have them acknowledge the receipt of the settlement agreement. The settlement specifically states that Chembio Diagnostic Systems Inc. does not admit that it made any statements or took any other action that was a violation of law. The record-keeping, notification and monitoring provisions of the stipulation have a term of five years from the date of the stipulation, or February 27, 2006.
 
Our Business Prior to the Merger
 
We were incorporated on May 14, 1999 in the state of Nevada under the name “Trading Solutions.com, Inc.” We were originally organized to develop a trading school designed to educate people interested in online investing. We offered courses for beginners as well as experienced traders, consisting of theory sessions linked closely with practical hands-on training. We offered individual training, small group sessions and seminars focusing on online trading and various computer-related subjects.
 
We were not successful with our online trading school and on August 18, 2001, we entered into an exchange agreement with Springland Beverages, Inc., an Ontario, Canada corporation. Pursuant to the agreement, we exchanged 15,542,500 shares of common stock for all the issued and outstanding shares of Springland Beverages, Inc., making Springland our wholly-owned subsidiary. Concurrent with the agreement, there was a change in control and we changed our business plan to focus on developing and marketing soft drinks. Springland Beverages, Inc. was not able to implement its business plan and failed to achieve profitable operations. On March 28, 2003, we sold the subsidiary back to its president, leaving us with no immediate potential revenue sources.
 
35

Since the formation of Chembio Diagnostic Systems Inc. in 1985, it has been involved in developing, manufacturing, selling and distributing tests, including rapid tests, for a number of diseases and for pregnancy.
 
The Merger
 
On May 5, 2004, Chembio Diagnostic Systems Inc. completed the merger through which it became our wholly-owned subsidiary, and through which the management and business of Chembio Diagnostic Systems Inc. became our management and business. As part of this transaction, we changed our name to Chembio Diagnostics, Inc.
 
 
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
This prospectus and the materials incorporated herein by reference contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by forwarding-looking words such as “may,”“will,”“expect,”“intend,”“anticipate,”“believe,”“estimate,”“continue” and other similar words. You should read statements that contain these words carefully because they discuss our future expectations, make projections of our future results of operations or of our financial condition or state other “forward-looking” information. We believe that it is important to communicate our future expectations to our investors. However, there may be events in the future that we are not able to accurately predict or control. Our actual results could differ materially from the expectations we describe in our forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, as more fully described in the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus and elsewhere in the documents we file with the SEC that are incorporated herein.
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS AND PLAN OF OPERATION
 
This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes. Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of any contingent liabilities at the financial statement date and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. On an on-going basis we review our estimates and assumptions. Our estimates were based on our historical experience and other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results are likely to differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions, but we do not believe such differences will materially affect our financial position or results of operations. Our critical accounting policies, the policies we believe are most important to the presentation of our financial statements and require the most difficult, subjective and complex judgments, are outlined below in ‘‘—Critical Accounting Policies,’’ and have not changed significantly.

In addition, certain statements made in this report may constitute “forward-looking statements”. These forward-looking statements involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Specifically, 1) our ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals for our products; and 2) our ability to increase revenues and operating income, is dependent upon our ability to develop and sell our products, general economic conditions, and other factors. You can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,”“will,”“should,”“expects,”“intends,”“plans,”“anticipates,”“believes,”“estimates,”“predicts,”“potential,”“continues” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Although we believe that the expectations reflected-in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

OVERVIEW
 
The following management discussion and analysis relates to the business of Chembio Diagnostic Systems, Inc., our 100% wholly-owned subsidiary. Prior to our merger with Chembio Diagnostics Systems, Inc. in early May 2004, we had no assets or liabilities and no operations. As a result of the merger, we added the assets, liabilities and business and operations of Chembio Diagnostics Systems, Inc. We sold substantially all of the business related to our private label pregnancy test and we are focusing on developing products and then obtaining applicable clearances or approvals in the areas of rapid tests for HIV, tuberculosis, mad cow disease and dental disease. We either have or are pursuing collaborative agreements that may include distribution arrangements in each of these areas. We believe that our research and development, manufacturing overhead, selling, marketing and general and administrative costs will increase as we create the necessary infrastructure to focus in these new areas.
 
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004 AS COMPARED WITH THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003
 
Revenues were $3,305,932 for the year ended December 31, 2004 as compared with $2,818,351 for the year ended December 31, 2003, representing an increase of $487,581, or 17.3%. Revenues are comprised of $2,749,143 in net sales and $556,789 in grants and development income for the year ended December 31, 2004 as compared with $2,542,621 in net sales and $275,730 in grant and development income for the year ended December 31, 2003. The increase in revenues is primarily attributable to increased sales of our HIV products ($730,844 increase) as well as increased income from contracts and grants ($281,059 increase). The increases were partially offset by reduced pregnancy test kit sales ($383,313 decrease). A substantial portion of the grant-related income will recur in 2005.
 
Cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2004 was $2,485,593, or 90.4% of net sales, as compared with $2,153,454, or 84.7% of net sales, for the year ended December 31, 2003. The resulting decrease in gross margin is primarily attributable to ongoing under-utilization of manufacturing overhead as well as various charges and costs which were associated with the process of selling our pregnancy test business during 2004. These costs were higher than anticipated when we were required to continue to produce to maintain customers that were being transferred to the buyer after we had transferred labor cost-saving assembly equipment to the buyer. This occurred because of delays in product registration by the buyer that were not anticipated. The impact of these factors was particularly evident in the third quarter when we had very low product sales volume, an unfavorable product sales mix, and costs associated with the product line transfer. We also took a $41,000 reserve against certain inventory for product related to our pregnancy test business at year-end considered obsolete. In addition, charges aggregating $100,000 were taken in connection with the voluntary recall of pregnancy tests that we undertook during the fourth quarter. Finally, we had increased costs due to the creation of separate quality assurance and quality control departments and the hiring of a new manager to head up the quality assurance department.
 
Research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2004 were $1,433,403, or 43.4% of revenues, compared with $313,891, or 11.1% of revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2003. Clinical & Regulatory Affairs, which totaled $846,969 for the year ended December 31, 2004, accounted for most of this increase. This cost category includes costs incurred for regulatory approvals, clinical studies, product evaluations and registrations. The HIV rapid test clinical studies were completed in December 2004 and these costs are expected to return to substantially reduced levels in the first quarter of 2005. The balance of the increase in expense and associated percentage of revenues is due primarily to increased salaries and wages and related costs of each of the members of the research and development group subsequent to September 30, 2003, as new grants and development contracts were awarded and also due to the addition of an R&D Technician hired in late 2003 for the purpose of fulfilling obligations under grants from the National Institute of Health and World Health Organization as well as other product development contracts.
 
Selling, general and administrative expense increased $1,288,113 to $2,490,298 for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared with $1,202,185 for the year ended December 31, 2003. This increase is primarily attributable to $305,198 of non-cash expenses reflecting the fair value of common stock and options issued as compensation to employees during the first and second quarters of 2004, $62,450 for recruiting expenses incurred in the hiring of quality, manufacturing and regulatory personnel and $186,485 additional costs for marketing consultants. Also driving this increase were $164,000 in cash salary increases to employees (the addition of a new Chief Financial Officer as well as general increased salary to administrative and marketing personnel), and increased legal and accounting expenses of $188,400 relating to the merger, registration process and required quarterly SEC filings. Increased commissions relating to the Bio-Manguinhos contract totaled $271,300. The balance of the increase, or $110,280, is primarily attributable to increased travel costs related to HIV rapid test marketing efforts.
 
Components of other income and expense include the following; interest expenses decreased by $17,974 for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared with the year ended December 31, 2003. This was primarily attributable to the conversion of $1,332,292 of existing debt of Chembio Diagnostic Systems, Inc, at the time of the merger which reduced interest expense by $78,624. This was offset by a non-cash expense related to the issuance of 140,000 warrants to existing debt holders of Chembio Diagnostic Systems, Inc. which increased interest expense by $60,650. Additional components of other income and expense include the retirement and transfer of assets in the fourth quarter of 2004 which resulted in a loss of $22,469. In addition, approximately $209,000 is attributable to settlements of old outstanding payables due that were settled during the second quarter of 2004 are reflected in other income as forgiveness of debt.
 
37

 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2005 AS COMPARED WITH THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2004
 
Revenues are comprised of $346,125 in net sales, $250,000 in license revenue and $135,760 in grants and development income for the three months ended March 31, 2005 as compared with $493,970 in net sales, no license revenue and $91,342 in grant and development income for the three months ended March 31, 2004. The decrease in sales is attributable to decreased sales of our HIV product of $86,022, decreased sales of our pregnancy test kit of $67,696 and increased other product sales of $5,873. The increase in license revenue was $250,000 and is due to a technology transfer agreement. The Company does not expect that this revenue will continue in the future. The increase in grant and development income was $44,418 and was due to increased activity in our non-human primate project. A substantial portion of the grant-related income is expected to recur until the third quarter of 2005.
 
Cost of goods sold for the three months ended March 31, 2005 was $464,550, or 134.2% of net sales, as compared to $465,402, or 94.2% of net sales, for the three months ended March 31, 2004. The decrease in gross margin is primarily attributable to underutilization of manufacturing capacity as sales volume for the quarter decreased. We also had increased costs due to the creation of separate quality assurance and quality control departments and the hiring of a new manager to head up the quality assurance department. Decreased sales of our HIV products, which were at a higher margin than our other product lines, contributed to the decreased gross margin. We anticipate that we will receive significant orders from our customer in Brazil to be delivered over the next three quarters. These additional sales of our HIV product should generate increased gross margins for the balance of 2005.
 
Research and development expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2005 were $334,750compared with $138,329for the three months ended March 31, 2004. Expenses for Clinical & Regulatory Affairs, totaled $138,767 for the three months ended March 31, 2005, an increase of $125,701 over the three months ended March 31, 2004, and accounted for most of this increase. This category includes costs incurred for regulatory approvals, clinical studies, product evaluations and registrations. These costs are expected to continue in the 2nd quarter of 2005 when the HIV rapid test applications and review will be completed. We expect this category to be reduced in the third quarter of 2005. Increased salaries and wages and related costs of the R&D group and recruitment charges to hire additional staff has contributed to the increase in R&D costs and the balance is due to hiring of a vice-president of regulatory affairs.
 
The status of each of our major research and development projects is as follows:
 
Project
 
Rapid Test for Mad Cow Disease
 
Current status
 
We believe that this project is now in substantial doubt. We are waiting for technology transfer from Prionics AG in order to begin production scale-up, validation and regulatory submission. In February 2005 we entered into a license agreement with Prionics AG related to our licensing certain technology that Prionics desired in order for Prionics to complete the technology transfer to Chembio. The agreement provides for additional contingent payments based upon our attainment of certain milestones relating to product performance specified in the agreement. If the milestones are not achieved, there may be a significant reduction or complete elimination of any additional payments under this license agreement. Moreover, the manufacturing agreement we signed with Prionics AG in 2004 would be of no further force or effect.
 
Nature, timing and estimated costs of the efforts necessary to complete
 
Prionics has informed us that they believe that our technology has not produced the desired result and that there is no activity related to this project.
 
Anticipated completion date
 
Not known.
 
Risks and uncertainties associated with completing development on schedule, and the consequences to operations, financial position and liquidity if not completed timely
 
We were relying on technology and product specifications developed by Prionics, including certain changes they have made to their formulation since the product underwent a successful evaluation. As stated above, there is substantial doubt now that the technology transfer from Chembio will be completed and therefore the Manufacturing agreement will be of no further force and effect. The risks associated with the product involve regulatory and technology risks. We had anticipated that we would start to see revenues form this program in 2005. This is now in substantial doubt. The Manufacturing Contract provides for a minimum purchase of one million units during the first year following approval in the EU. We understand that the product has in fact been approved in the EU based upon the above-referenced evaluation but because of the problems described herein, Prionics has been unable to complete the production specifications for this product.
 
Timing of commencement of expected material net cash inflows
 
It is not known or estimable when net cash inflows from this project will commence due to the uncertainties associated with the completion of the product, regulatory submissions, and the nature and timing of Prionics’ distribution network
 
 
38

 
Project
 
Dental Bacteria Test
 
Current status
 
We expected to complete Phase 2 of the Project Plan (Optimization of Test) and move into Phase 3 (Scale Up of Production and validation) in 2005. However, one of the monoclonal antibodies has sensitivity and specificity problem with lateral flow test system. We are therefore discussing strategies in order to overcome this technical problem. We are also considering another detection system, which could be applied instead of the lateral flow system. Such a system could be based on antibodies labeled with fluorescence markers. However, a correspondent reader would have to be used for an analysis of the risk of caries (dental decay).
 
Nature, timing and estimated costs of the efforts necessary to complete
 
In April 2004, Chembio received 80% of the Phase 2 project funding of $65,000, or $52,000 and this reflected the estimate of the costs anticipated to be incurred to complete Phase 2 during a three to five month period. It is now assumed that Phase 2 will not be satisfactorily completed and that any additional funding from Ivoclar-Vivadent will be pursuant to a new development contract, which is under discussion. Chembio has completed the level of effort needed to earn the 80% funded.
 
Anticipated completion date
 
It is not known at this time whether or how long it will take to develop the product or obtain regulatory approvals in the US, Europe, Japan and other potential markets.
 
Risks and uncertainties associated with completing development on schedule, and the consequences to operations, financial position and liquidity if not completed timely
 
Technical challenges remain that must be overcome in order for this product to meet the performance specifications that Ivoclar-Vivadent had set forth in the Agreement. If we do not achieve the performance specifications, the product will not be completed.
 
Timing of commencement of expected material net cash inflows
 
It is not known or estimable when net cash inflows from this project will commence due to the uncertainties associated with the completion of the product, regulatory submissions, and the nature and timing of Ivoclar-Vivadent’s distribution network and strategy.
 

 
Project
 
Rapid Test for the detection of antibodies to active
 
pulmonary tuberculosis in non-human primate whole blood samples
 
Current status
 
Product validation completed.
 
Nature, timing and estimated costs of the efforts necessary to complete
 
We submitted the initial documentation required to commence our application to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the approval of the product and of our facility where it will be manufactured.
 
Anticipated completion date
 
We anticipate that we could have USDA approval by the end of 2005.
 
Risks and uncertainties associated with completing development on schedule, and the consequences to operations, financial position and liquidity if not completed timely
 
The requirements for clinical testing and the outcomes of such clinical testing can not be known at this time, and this information poses substantial risk and uncertainty as to whether or when this product will contribute to the operations, financial position and liquidity.
 
Timing of commencement of expected material net cash inflows
 
It is not known or estimable when net cash inflows from this project will commence due to the uncertainties associated with the completion of the product, regulatory submissions, and without further progress on a distribution strategy.
 

The other tuberculosis products that are under development, as well as the combination HIV/tuberculosis rapid test and the New Generation Rapid HIV Test, are either at an early stage of research and development, have a limited amount of resources being applied, and/or involve a substantial amount of uncertainty as to the completion of the product. There is no expectation of material revenues in 2005 from any of these products.
 
Selling, general and administrative expense increased $200,338 to $556,061 in the three months ended March 31, 2005 compared with the same period in 2004. This increase was attributable to $15,000 of recruiting expenses incurred in the hiring of sales and marketing personnel, $34,550 for marketing consultants (including $17,986 non-cash amortization of options issued to consultants), costs relating to investor relations of $50,000 (including $15,000 non-cash Common Stock issued to consultant), insurance coverage for Directors & Officers of $10,812 and increased legal and accounting expenses of $103,780 relating to patent applications, patent litigation, the filling of a registration statement and other required year-end filings.
 
39

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
We began to improve our liquidity and capital resources position during the first quarter of 2004 as a result of the completion of a $1,000,000 convertible bridge note offering in March in anticipation of our merger. As a result of the completion of the merger, $328,000 of the $1,000,000 of convertible bridge notes was converted into 826,741 shares of common stock at $.40 per share, and the balance of $672,000 was converted into 33.83682 shares of series A preferred stock. Simultaneous with that conversion, 73.33330 shares of series A preferred stock were issued for $2,200,000 in cash, and an additional $1,332,292 of debt to our note holders was converted into 44.40972 additional shares of the series A preferred stock. The values mentioned above for the series A preferred stock have been allocated between the series A preferred stock and the detachable warrants. Together, before accounting for costs and expenses associated with these transactions, these events resulted in recording new redeemable preferred stock and equity capital of approximately $4,532,292 ($2,200,000 cash, $1,000,000 from converted bridge debt and $1,332,292 from converted existing debt). In addition on December 29, 2004 the balance of debt to our note holders, $361,559, was converted into 12.05199 shares of the series A preferred stock.
 
During the year ended December 31, 2004, we used $2,647,807 cash in operatio