Magic Johnson Joins Board of Alameda, Calif. Firm

Earvin "Magic" Johnson has agreed to join the board of directors of Calypte Biomedical Corp. to raise awareness about its new HIV testing product. Alameda-based Calypte has developed a system to test urine samples for HIV-1. "The fear of a blood test is one of the biggest reasons why more people don't get tested," Johnson said. "Now, with Calypte's urine test, there are no more excuses." Calypte CFO Richard Brounstein said, "Magic Johnson's decision is very significant to us. When we have been out to talk about our urine test, everybody likes the story. Our biggest problem is a little-known company getting that story told. I can't think of a more recognizable spokesman or figure to tell our story." Johnson, who led the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA championships in the 1980s, shocked the world in 1991 when he announced he was quitting basketball because he was HIV-positive.

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