FHI - June 17, 1999

FHI Acquires PharmaLink -- June 17, 1999

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC -- Family Health International, a health research and technical assistance organization with offices in 21 countries, has acquired PharmaLink, a contract research organization (CRO) specializing in Internet-based management of clinical trials conducted at multiple study sites.

"Web-based management of clinical trials reduces the time needed to bring new pharmaceuticals, medical devices or procedures to market," said Dr. Albert J. Siemens, FHI chief executive officer, who announced the acquisition today.

"This advanced technology, which assures confidentiality through encryption, offers secure, real-time access to clinical trials data at multiple research sites worldwide," he said. "From a study's inception through its completion, the PharmaLink Web-based processing system enhances the reliability and quality of data. It improves productivity and reduces the time required for each phase of work, and is an important evolutionary advancement for conducting clinical trials on a global basis."

FHI's clinical research focuses primarily on women's health and infectious diseases. Based near Research Triangle Park, FHI has more than 400 employees worldwide and has conducted clinical studies in more than 50 countries.

"Established in 1998, Durham-based PhamaLink was one of the first companies to offer Web-based clinical trials to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies," said Stephen D. Corman, who was PharmaLink's chief executive and previously was executive vice president, chief financial officer of Burroughs Wellcome Co. "Combining our specialized services with FHI's proven record for managing large-scale clinical trials on a global basis is an ideal match of complementary talents, creating a vigorous, full-service contract research organization," Corman said.

PharmaLink retains its name as a separate company under the FHI Group. Corman continues to serve as a member of PharmaLink's board of directors and as a consultant. Dr. Siemens serves as PharmaLink's president and chief executive officer. R. Peyton Woodson, III, of Raleigh-based Woodson Associates, a member of FHI's board of directors, is chairman of PharmaLink's board of directors.

Over the past 28 years, FHI and its affiliates have conducted hundreds of studies throughout the world, at times involving thousands of human volunteers at many study centers. These trials have resulted in the registration and introduction of medical devices and pharmaceuticals in the United States, Asia, Latin America, Africa and Europe. Many of FHI's current studies focus on reproductive tract infections, HIV/AIDS and women's health.

FHI provides clinical research services to pharmaceutical companies and other industry clients, and conducts research and technical assistance programs financed by government or private foundations.

PharmaLink was acquired using profits from FHI's work for private industry. Financial details of the acquisition, which was completed in early June, were not released.

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FHI Acquires PharmaLink -- June 17, 1999