CenterWatch and Velos Form Information and Co-Marketing Agreement.

Business/Technology Editors & Health/Medical Writers

SAN FRANCISCO--(BW HealthWire)--March 23, 2001

CenterWatch, a leading publisher of information about experimental treatments in clinical trials, and Velos, Inc., an eServices infrastructure company serving the healthcare community, have signed a multi-year license agreement that will enable Velos to launch an internet-based clinical trials management system called Velos eResearch. The Velos eResearch system will provide Investigator-centered, Internet-based software designed to expedite the research process by supporting the administration and execution of clinical research and trials.

As part of the agreement, Velos will provide a variety of CenterWatch clinical trials information to users of the Velos eResearch system. In addition, Velos and CenterWatch will co-promote their services to the clinical trials community.

"Most clinical trials automation initiatives today focus on activities related to electronic submission of trial data to sponsors and regulatory approval authorities," according to John McIlwain, Chairman of Velos. "The reality is that the activities leading up to such trial data submission, such as patient recruitment, study design, IRB approvals, and related trial project management, are by far the most time-consuming and costly aspects of trial execution. Velos has the technology and business model to significantly accelerate these time-consuming aspects of clinical trial execution. CenterWatch's extensive on-line clinical trial listings and other content significantly extend the value of Velos eResearch for investigators and trial sponsors."

Added Paul Molinari, Manager of Content Solutions for CenterWatch, the agreement will enable clinical research Investigators to take advantage of a powerful online tool. "CenterWatch research has shown that study initiation, patient recruitment and data collection are primary causes of delay in the clinical research process. Data collection activities, for example, account for the more than half of the cycle time in phase II and III trials. We're delighted to be collaborating with Velos eResearch as they target solutions designed to streamline areas in the clinical research process."

About CenterWatch

CenterWatch is a Boston-based information services company that focuses on the clinical trials industry. CenterWatch offers a variety of publications and services for clinical research and health professionals, patients and health consumers. In 2001, an estimated five million patients and their advocates will view more than 42,000 clinical trial listings on the CenterWatch web site. CenterWatch is a subsidiary of the Medical Economics Company, publishers of the Physicians Desk Reference(R).

About Velos

Velos is a leading designer and developer of next-generation healthcare information systems. Velos offers an integrated, production-tested suite of clinical, administrative, and financial products, bridging legacy and net-centric architectures. Velos licenses its technology, together with consulting and systems integration services, to healthcare systems vendors, service providers, and other industry suppliers. Velos also provides turnkey solutions for clinical research and the cardiovascular and renal/transplantation medical specialties. Velos is privately held with headquarters in Silicon Valley.

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements, including the anticipated benefits resulting from this agreement. Actual results may differ materially from those projected. These forward-looking statements represent these Companies judgment as of the date of this release. The Companies disclaim, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Information regarding the alliance may be obtained by contacting Paul Molinari (617-856-2991 / [e-mail]) or visit www.centerwatch.com), or John McIlwain (510-608-5747 / [e-mail]) or visit www.velos.com.