SPI to Distribute Test Kits in Mexico

SPI Pharmaceuticals Inc., the chief subsidiary of world conglomerate ICN Pharmaceuticals Inc., said Wednesday it is distributing a new line of test kits in Mexico for detection of a wide range of diseases.

The kits, which detect, among other illnesses, German measles, some types of hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), will be distributed to about 4,000 clinics in Mexico.

SPI, which has been focusing on foreign sales, employs about 800 people in its Mexico City facilities, making it one of the largest U.S. pharmaceutical companies in Mexico. The company already sells antiviral, antibiotic and cardiovascular drugs and injectable multiple vitamins in that country.