Chronimed To Manage Fda Clinical Trials For Visible Genetics' Hiv Genotyping Test
Henry F. Blissenbach, Pharm.D., president and chief operating officer of Chronimed, said "the Clinical Partners acquisition was made to expand Chronimed's level of clinical expertise in HIV disease management. Visible Genetics' decision to select Chronimed to participate in this study clearly shows that we are well on our way to achieving those goals. In addition, our willingness to be involved with this study shows our desire to provide the best and most current treatment options for the patients we manage."
According to Dean Winslow, M.D., VGI's vice-president of Regulatory and Clinical Affairs, "studies have shown that over time the HIV virus will develop resistance to a given drug treatment strategy. As a result, it is important to change the patient's drug treatment regimen as the virus changes. We are pleased to be at a point where we can show that understanding how and when the virus mutates will lead to improved quality of life for people with HIV." Dr. Winslow went on to say "we are equally pleased to have Clinical Partners involved with our trial. Their long history in dealing with HIV disease management, and their expansive database of patients and physicians, made them the perfect partner as we validate our test."
Chronimed Inc. is a healthcare company specializing in services, products, and case management for patients with chronic health conditions. Such conditions include diabetes, HIV/AIDS, organ transplantation, and complex diseases treated with self-injectable drugs. The Company develops, manufactures, markets, and distributes pharmaceuticals, medical diagnostic products, and patient education materials nationwide directly to individuals, patients of managed care organizations, and to institutions that serves these patients.
Visible Genetics Inc. manufactures and markets high-performance automated DNA sequencing systems and complete kits for the analysis of genes linked to disease. The Company's OpenGene™ system employs proprietary stratified DNA testing and single-tube, single-step sequencing methods to significantly reduce the time and cost involved in identifying clinically relevant genetic information. VGI is a leader in the emerging field of pharmacogenomics, which will use genetic information in the identification and analysis of genes to improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs. For more information on VGI visit www.visgen.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 service and product sales plans; changes in the status of managed care contracts; and the risks described from time to time in the Company's SEC reports.
March 13, 2000
Contacts:
Paul S. Dunn
Investor Relations
or
Maurice R. Taylor, II
Chairman and CEO
Chronimed Inc.
(612) 979-3600