ADVANCES IN HEALTH-CARE SHOWCASED AT FREE FAIR

SAN DIEGO, CA - (June 21, 2001) - Looking for a way to get healthy? Announcing HealthFest, a fun-filled afternoon highlighting health-care advances that are improving and extending people’‘s lives.

This free event takes place at the Embarcadaro Park North on Sunday, June 24, from noon to 4 p.m. and will feature a variety of activities geared towards healthier lifestyles for all ages. HealthFest, a joint effort of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and the San Diego life sciences industry, will kick-off the BIO 2001 International Biotechnology Convention and Exposition.

"The theme of this year’‘s conference is ‘‘Partnering For Life,’‘" said BIO President Carl B. Feldbaum. "It highlights the dramatic advances being made in biotechnology, including the more than 100 biotech drugs and vaccines on the market today for heart disease, various cancers, diabetes and many other serious conditions. HealthFest is a celebration of these advances as well as a forum where people can learn about lifestyle changes they can make in order to live longer, healthier and more productive lives," said Feldbaum.

While enjoying music, HealthFest attendees will learn firsthand from health advocacy associations, life sciences companies and San Diego researchers about exciting new developments that are shaping the future of health care. Local entities such as Pfizer Inc., Agouron Pharmaceuticals, IDEC Pharmaceuticals, Sharp Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Hollis-Eden Pharmaceuticals and Idun Pharmaceuticals will share vital health-related information alongside national organizations such as the American Liver Association, American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association.

Youth activities include:

The opportunity to participate in a scientific experiment with Bayer Corporation

A tour of Planet Express - a mobile oceanography lab

Arts and crafts with the San Diego Museum of Art

The Astro jump and climbing wall

Face painting, clowns, magic and many other fun activities

Adult and senior activities include:

Health screenings: Cholesterol, blood-pressure, stroke susceptibility and grip strength

Drawings for great prizes - including two airline tickets anywhere in the continental U.S. and time in the KyXy 96.5 FM cash machine

Other activities to be featured at HealthFest: the announcement of the Sav-On Drugs children’‘s poster contest winner, the opportunity to participate in aerobics demonstrations and donate blood to the American Red Cross. For more information regarding HealthFest 2001, please contact Jennifer Andrews at (619) 525-6243.

HealthFest is sponsored by Pfizer Inc., Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Baxter Healthcare Corporation, San Diego Port Authority and Soft Rock KyXy 96.5 FM.

BIO represents more than 950 biotechnology companies, academic institutions and biotech centers in all 50 states and 33 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of health-care, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.