[0] DoctorSurf.com Announces the Formation of the First Internet-Based Institutional Review Board; Institutional Review Board Immediately Completes First Review.

Business Editors

LARGO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 7, 2000

DoctorSurf.com, the complete Internet medical resource for physicians, today announced the formation of the first Internet-based Institutional Review Board. The IIRB, which reviews phases I through IV pharmaceutical, SR, and NSR device studies, utilizes leading technologies to provide clinical researchers with immediate access to a diverse community of medical professionals for timely protocol review.

The Internet Institutional Review Board is a Central IRB comprised of a diverse group of scientific and non-scientific professionals. IIRB conducts the initial and ongoing review of clinical research studies involving human subjects according to FDA regulations and ICH guidelines. The mission of IIRB is to ensure the protection of the rights, safety, and well-being of the human subjects participating in these clinical trials. IRB members receive extensive training and continuing education on federal regulations and Good Clinical Practices. The members of IIRB have a combined experience of 26 years IRB and 77 years research experience.

"DoctorSurf.com is proud to have introduced the first Internet-based Institutional Review Board," stated George Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of DoctorSurf.com. "This service is an additional component of the unique features offered by DoctorSurf.com and completes our full-service clinical research environment."

The Internet Institutional Review Board received its first study protocol just days after launching the new service. The study protocol was submitted by Critikon, a global leader in non-invasive patient monitoring of vital physiological parameters with the DINAMAP brand. Critikon chose to submit a proposal with IIRB based on the timely and resourceful methods used for distribution of study materials. "At Critikon, we often have projects that need to be implemented in very short time frames. This means we need IRB approval ASAP. Many IRB's take a month or more to send an approval letter, even when the review gets approved the first time. We would never sacrifice research integrity for speed, but if you can get both, why not go for the faster IRB?" stated Diane Nehls Wasoff, Clinical Project Leader for Critikon. The study, entitled "Clinical Performance Study of the New DINAMAP(R) Non-Invasive Blood Pressure (NIBP) Technology," was reviewed by the IIRB members and received approval with quick document turnaround.

About DoctorSurf.com

DoctorSurf.com is a unique medical destination created by doctors for doctors. The Web site delivers a continuous stream of cutting-edge scientific information, educational programming, consumer and professional services to health care professionals. Member benefits of DoctorSurf.com include a library of the latest peer reviewed professional and medical information; a doctor's lounge that contains chat rooms, bulletin boards, and medical quotes; and a virtual office that provides office tools for billing and collection assistance, dictation services, and medical office purchasing.

About Critikon

Critikon is a global leader in non-invasive patient monitoring of vital physiological parameters with the DINAMAP brand. Its offerings include connectivity software for patient information systems and the most complete blood pressure cuff assortment in the industry. In addition to its Tampa world headquarters and operations center, Critikon also operates facilities in Juarez, Mexico and Basingstoke, UK. Additional information on Critikon can be found at www.critikon.com.