E-Z-EM Announces Strategic Alliance with 3CPM; Strategic Alliance Will Provide For Development and Marketing Of Non-Invasive Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Equipment.

Health/Medical Writers

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 17, 2003

E-Z-EM, Inc. (AMEX: EZM) today announced that it has entered into an agreement with 3CPM Company to market its Electrogastrogram Analyzer and to develop additional products.

This innovative, patented technology is the first FDA-cleared device for aiding the diagnosis of dysrhythmias associated with gastric motility disorders. Under the agreement, E-Z-EM will have exclusive manufacturing, sales, marketing and distribution rights to the device in the US, Europe, Africa and certain Asian markets. The two companies plan to introduce their alliance and product at the upcoming Digestive Disease Week (DDW) conference in Orlando, FL from May 18-21, 2003.

The Electrogastrogram Analyzer is a non-invasive test that measures myoelectrical activity of the stomach. The test can identify and analyze the presence of gastric dysrhythmias--disturbances in the stomach's natural myoelectrical activities. These dysrhythmias are associated with gastric motility disorders such as dyspepsia, unexplained nausea, vomiting, GERD+, and gastroparesis. Patients experiencing these disorders will often complain of vague but persistent symptoms, including; nausea, vomiting, bloating, and early satiety. The Analyzer, originally developed by Kenneth L. Koch, MD, G.I. Section Chief at Wake Forest University, is designed to provide physicians with objective information that can help guide the selection of therapy and patient management of these motility disorders. The device is currently used in a variety of clinical settings.

Commenting on the announcement, Brad Schreck, Senior Vice President Global Marketing & Product Development, said, "We are delighted to be working with 3CPM to bring this important diagnostic tool to the gastroenterology market, and we look forward to introducing the product at DDW next month. It is estimated that functional dyspepsia may affect between 25-30% of the population. Many of these patients may undergo standard diagnostic tests, such as upper GI series and endoscopy, and have normal results. This leaves the physician without a clear diagnosis while the patient still suffers from the symptoms. The Electrogastrogram Analyzer features proprietary, Windows(R)-based EGGSAS(C) software that records, analyzes and compares patient results with control values. If a dysrhythmia is identified, corrective action can be investigated and implemented. If the test shows that a dysrhythmia is not present, the physician is able to select a different course of action to diagnose and treat the condition."

Bernie DiDario, President of 3CPM, added, "I am very pleased that our company has formed an alliance with E-Z-EM. It represents a major milestone for 3CPM. E-Z-EM is a well known, highly respected manufacturer and supplier of products for GI radiology and diagnostic gastroenterology. They have a number of strategically advantageous strengths which will take our technology to the next level of success. We look forward to a mutually successful relationship."

About E-Z-EM

E-Z-EM, Inc. (www.ezem.com) is a leading supplier of products used by radiologists, gastroenterologists and speech language pathologists for the diagnostic imaging of diseases and disorders of the GI tract, ranging from swallowing disorders (dysphagia) to colorectal cancers. E-Z-EM also is a third-party contract manufacturer of diagnostic contrast media, pharmaceuticals, non-prescription healthcare products, and defense decontaminants.

About 3CPM

3CPM was founded in 1999. It was the first company to receive FDA clearance for its Electrogastrogram Analyzer. The device is protected by a US patent and is currently used in a number of medical centers and clinics, as well as private practices.

The statements made in this document contain certain forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Words such as "expects", "intends", "anticipates", "plans", "believes", "seeks", "estimates," or variations of such words and similar expressions, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that actual events or results may differ from the Company's expectations. In addition to the matters described above, the ability of the Company to develop its products, future actions by the FDA or other regulatory agencies, results of pending or future clinical trials, overall economic conditions, general market conditions, market acceptance, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, the effects on pricing from Group Purchasing Organizations, competition, including alternative procedures which continue to replace traditional fluoroscopic procedures, as well as the risk factors listed from time to time in the SEC filings of E-Z-EM, Inc., including but not limited to its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 1, 2003, as well as its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 1, 2002, may affect the actual results achieved by the Company.