Oncology Therapeutics Network and CancerEducation.com to Provide First Full Service Online Oncology Drug Distribution and Information Solution

Business Wire, Oct 19, 1999

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 19, 1999--

Oncology Therapeutics Network (OTN), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY), and CancerEducation.com www.cancereducation.com today announced a business alliance that will link their websites to provide medical professionals with the first fully-integrated, comprehensive on-line source for oncology pharmaceuticals, education and information. OTN's complete and convenient oncology drug ordering system will be directly linked to CancerEducation.com's web site for the exclusive provision of cancer-related educational presentations and extensive informational services for oncology professionals. OTN will also become CancerEducation.com's exclusive oncology pharmaceutical ordering and distribution channel, focusing on the supply and service needs of office-based oncologists. In addition, the Companies are exploring additional e-commerce opportunities for collaboration.

"Our mission has always been to support office-based oncologists in their effort to effectively and efficiently offer cancer patients the best possible care," said Tom Ludlam, President of OTN. "Over the last year, it has become increasingly apparent that office-based oncologists are under tremendous time constraints from increased caseloads making it ever more difficult to stay abreast of the latest treatment modalities and diagnostic procedures. By partnering with CancerEducation.com we are able to provide convenient access to up-to-the-minute information and educational programming, as well as other resources and tools customized for the oncology professional. CancerEducation.com, with its disease-specific focus, special understanding of the oncology marketplace and proprietary streaming video educational content, was clearly the best fit for OTN and our customers."

Michael S. Weiss, CEO of CancerEducation.com, said, "OTN's leadership position in the oncology marketplace, dedication to customer service and the clear technical superiority of OTN's web-based drug distribution solution over competitive systems made OTN the perfect partner." Weiss continued, "OTN's on-line drug ordering system is user-friendly, yet highly sophisticated, and OTN continues to set the standard for cost containment and customer service. Together we can provide office-based oncologists with the most complete choice of pharmaceuticals and the latest information they need to deliver the very best patient care."

OTN's online drug ordering service features secure 24 hour access to online ordering from OTN's extensive catalog of products, along with pricing and product availability information, as well as additional clinical information from OTN's Oncology Online Web site. Order forms are customized for each practice. Current invoices and credit memos and up-to-date reimbursement information are always available and the system is fully searchable for order, invoice and credit information in real time.

CancerEducation.com's professionally-focused MedClipsTM video educational content brings users Grand Rounds from major cancer centers, round table discussions with thought leaders, symposia and medical conferences and other live and archived multimedia educational events. This content is supported by a vast suite of on-line resources and tools to assist oncology professionals in their day-to-day practices, including a drug information database, MedLine(R), Reuters Health News(R), on-line access to medical journals and other frequently consulted professional references, medical conference schedules, treatment guidelines and a clinical trials search engine.

About Oncology Therapeutics Network

Oncology Therapeutics Network is a healthcare services and distribution firm focused on the needs of office-based oncology practices. Through the development of innovative programs, products and services to help oncology practices achieve bottom line savings, OTN can help oncology practices prosper in a changing healthcare environment. In addition to their competitive pricing on more than 700 oncology drugs and supplies (available on their website) and reliable on-time delivery, OTN offers choice of payment terms, customized fax order forms, extended ordering hours, reimbursement support, non-biased clinical information and legislative updates as essential services.

About Bristol-Myers Squibb

Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) is the global leader in oncology therapies. The company has a broad portfolio of discovery and development programs that encompass many novel oncology targets. Among these are oncogene signaling pathways and the development of cancer vaccines, matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors, second-generation taxane-like molecules, novel chemotherapeutic agents and hormonal therapies.

Bristol-Myers Squibb is a diversified worldwide health and personal care company whose principal businesses are pharmaceuticals, consumer medicines, nutritionals and medical devices. It is a leading maker of innovative therapies for cardiovascular, metabolic, and infectious diseases, central nervous system and dermatological disorders, and cancer. The company is a leader in consumer medicines, orthopaedic devices, ostomy care, wound management, nutritional supplements, infant formulas, and hair and skin care products.