AIM- and Nasdaq-listed healthcare equipment firm Akers Biosciences has signed a three-year distribution agreement to sell its products in Australia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Dubai-based procurement company, 36S, will immediately begin marketing Aker's PIFA PLUSS infectious disease rapid assay test product line and its Tri-Cholesterol rapid test.36S has a large customer base which includes including hospitals, paramedic and emergency services, non-governmental organizations and military forces.Executive Chairman Raymond F Akers said: "Cardiovascular disease and related risk-factors like high cholesterol are on the rise globally. The Middle East, Australia and Singapore are no exception and, in fact, recent studies in the UAE categorized the cardiovascular health risk as being on the edge of a potentially serious epidemic."The geographies covered in the 36S distribution agreement are therefore a natural extension for the company's rapid cholesterol tests."As of 11:30, Akers's share price had risen 1.82% to 270p.WS