News Release

MINNEAPOLIS, January 25, 1999 -- Chronimed Inc. (Nasdaq: CHMD), announced today that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the Lasette™ laser finger perforator system for use in drawing blood for screening purposes. Previously cleared for blood glucose testing purposes, the Lasette is now also cleared for performing tests for screening purposes such as cholesterol, electrolytes, lipids, CBC (blood cell counting, including hematocrit and hemoglobin) and prothrombin (PT or bloodclotting).

Developed by Cell Robotics International, Inc. (OTC: CRII), and exclusively distributed by Chronimed, Lasette laser technology products allow for obtaining a capillary blood sample in a nearly painless manner. The Lasette is the first medical laser device ever to receive FDA clearance for consumer use. The currently available professional Lasette model, designed for use by healthcare professionals in clinical and institutional settings, received FDA clearance in early December for at-home use by consumers, with prescription and proper training. The personal Lasette -- a smaller, more portable model specifically designed and priced for consumer use -- is still in development and expected to be available in mid-1999.

The Lasette was recently featured on national television on CBS's This Morning News Show as one of several products that represent the growing area of "painless medicine."

Chronimed Inc. is a leading integrated healthcare company specializing in diagnostic products, specialty pharmacy services, and disease management for people with chronic health conditions. The Company develops, manufactures, markets, and distributes pharmaceuticals, medical diagnostic products, and provides specialized patient management services nationwide for people with long-term chronic conditions such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, organ transplants, and diseases treated with injectable medications. Chronimed works directly with patients, providers, and payors to improve clinical and cost-of-care outcomes. Chronimed's web site address is www.chronimed.com.

As a cautionary note to investors, certain matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such matters involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the following: changes in economic conditions; general competitive factors; the Company's ability to execute its sales and marketing plans; changes in the status of managed care contracts; and the risks described from time to time in the Company's SEC reports.