Biex Wins MAMSI Support for New Test.

DUBLIN, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Aug. 4, 1999--

Biex, Inc. announced today that Mid Atlantic Medical Services, Inc's (MAMSI) subsidiaries will cover a new test to help identify women at risk for preterm delivery.

Biex, Inc. is the provider of the SalEst(R) System. The test represents the most recent advance in the national effort to reduce the consequences of preterm birth. Research found that a surge in the hormone, estriol, occurs two to three weeks before the onset of spontaneous preterm labor. The SalEst System detects this surge in saliva samples which patients provide during a routine office visit or at home. It is the only noninvasive test proven to be superior to traditional methods for assessing risk.

"I am pleased to make this state-of-the-art test available to the members and participating physicians of our health plans," said Vera Dvorak, M.D., MAMSI's chief Medical Director. "The conventional approach to determining prenatal risk fails more women than it helps. By using SalEst testing, there will be more time and resources available for women who are at risk for preterm delivery."

MAMSI, www.mamsi.com, is one of the largest managed care companies in the Mid-Atlantic region. The test will be covered for members of MAMSI's three health maintenance organizations; MD-Individual Practice Association, Inc. (M.D. IPA), Optimum Choice, Inc. (OCI) and Optimum Choice of the Carolinas, Inc. (OCCI) and its life and health insurance company, MAMSI Life and Health Insurance Company (MLH). Physicians treating patients covered by these companies may order this exciting new test.

"MAMSI was among the first managed care companies in the country to implement a truly comprehensive maternity management program and to demonstrate outcomes at each step," Biex Chief executive Officer, James Edlund, said. "MAMSI's success in reducing the incidence and cost of preterm birth should become a model for many other health plans. We believe the incorporation of SalEst testing reflects MAMSI's determination to ensure that its program keeps pace with the most recent advancements in maternal-newborn health and that this too will become a model for the nation."

Biex, Inc., www.biex.com, develops new products and services to address the compelling needs of women's health care, particularly in the area of maternity management.