AXIA Health Management Acquires QuitNet, Inc.

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Acquisition of smoking cessation company adds a key element to AXIA's preventive health programs

AXIA Health Management LLC, a national leader in preventive health care, has announced the acquisition of QuitNet, Inc., a Boston, Mass.-based company that has developed the world's largest smoking cessation support community which allows users access to a wide array of interactive and personalized services.

"QuitNet's proprietary model was a natural complement to our suite of products focused on reducing health care costs and improving health across all populations," said Hugh Lytle, President of AXIA. "Smoking cessation is one of the most essential components of preventive health and we are excited to be able to offer a premier solution."

QuitNet was created in conjunction with the Boston University School of Public Health as an interactive program of user engagement based on the best practices promoted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. This unique approach employs phone, Web-based and personal counseling based on an individual's needs and preferences.

QuitNet's participants have access to social support from peers around the world, interactive resources for medication and behavioral recommendations as well as guidance from certified tobacco treatment specialists. This highly individualized program assesses a person's readiness to quit smoking and employs a personalized approach from the early contemplation stage to cessation maintenance.

Relapse prevention is also a key component of the program to keep users engaged and compliant. The latest medical research shows that ongoing support is essential for long-term smoking cessation.

"Given AXIA's commitment to engage individuals in long-term behavioral change and better health, we believe that the synergy between our two companies will create the most comprehensive solution available in the market today," said Chris Cartter, President and CEO of QuitNet.

The transaction between AXIA Health Management and QuitNet, Inc. closed October 7, 2005 and is effective immediately. QuitNet will remain based in Boston, Massachusetts under current management with strategic and operational direction provided from AXIA's headquarters in Tempe.

About AXIA Health Management

AXIA Health Management, headquartered in Tempe, Ariz., is a leading national provider of integrated preventive health solutions that empower individuals to make positive lifestyle changes to improve their health and reduce the risk of disability and disease. AXIA's proprietary suite of prevention programs and custom-tailored networks engage individuals through high-touch community-based venues, telephone outreach, and Web-based tools that help our members easily engage in health improvement activities such as physical activity, weight management, complementary and alternative medicine, lifestyle and disease management, stress and depression, pain management, pre/post natal services, and smoking cessation. AXIA reduces health care costs for our plan sponsors through outcomes results driven by our industry-leading participation methodologies. For more information, call 480-763-5222 or visit www.axiahealth.com.

About QuitNet, Inc.

The QuitNet program, developed in 1995, was the nation's first science-based smoking cessation program on the Internet. It was initially launched as a project of Boston University School of Public Health and became a private company in January, 2000. The program is highly interactive and engaging; employing personalized content, social support and expert coaching to promote long-term relapse prevention and compliance. The program features one of a kind integration between Web, e-mail and telephonic support modalities and can be customized for health plans and employers. In 2004, QuitNet's web site was visited by over one million people from around the world. For more information, visit www.quitnet.com.