To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: Bristol-Myers Squibb Acquires Exclusive Rights to the COMPASS System URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/622E.htm Doctor's Guide February 12, 1996
PRINCETON, N.J., Feb. 12, 1996 -- Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) today announced an agreement with Compass Information Services, Inc., King of Prussia, Pa., for the exclusive pharmaceutical rights to distribute the COMPASS(R) system, a scientific method for measuring the outcome of ongoing treatment of mental illness. COMPASS is currently used in programs covering more than 4 million people. According to the Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) study of Prevalence Rates of Mental Disorders supported by the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 40 million adults in the United States suffer from a mental disorder during any one year. As part of its disease management program, Bristol-Myers Squibb will offer the COMPASS system to providers who treat patients with mental illness. The COMPASS system allows objective measurement of response to treatment in both outpatient and inpatient mental health care settings. COMPASS is based on outcomes research sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health and the "dose-response" research of Kenneth Howard, Ph.D., Professor and Director of Clinical Programs, Northwestern University. This research demonstrated the relationship between patient improvement and treatment. COMPASS measures a patient's progress during treatment by gathering information from the patient and clinician at regular intervals. The systematic analysis of these data provides an objective measurement of response to treatment, which enables the provider, managed care company and third-party payor to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. Therapeutic adjustments can be made which result in improved quality of care and lower costs. "COMPASS is a major step forward in validating the effectiveness of treatment for anxiety and depressive illness," said Sharon A. Henry, M.D., Vice President, Health Care Management, U.S. Pharmaceutical Group, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. "This type of information will facilitate the delivery of therapy specifically targeted to a patient's clinical response." The undertreatment of mental disorders is a major health problem throughout the world. "Our Central Nervous System business is dedicated to the development and marketing of drug therapies which provide effective and affordable treatment for all people suffering from these illnesses," said Sam L. Barker, Ph.D., President, U.S. Pharmaceutical Group, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. Bristol-Myers Squibb provides therapies for the treatment of depression, Serzone(R) (nefazodone HCl), and anxiety, BuSpar(R) (buspirone HCl). Clinical studies show that many depressed patients treated with Serzone experience effective antidepressant response within several weeks. Serzone also has a low incidence of certain troublesome drug-induced side effects including tremor, anxiety, agitation, sexual dysfunction and insomnia. BuSpar (buspirone HCl) is a nonhabit-forming medication that works progressively over a matter of weeks to relieve persistent anxiety (or Generalized Anxiety Disorder). The clinical benefits of BuSpar include a side-effect profile that allows patients to maintain a normal lifestyle and is not associated with withdrawal symptoms. Compass Information Services was founded by Peter L. Brill, M.D. "The COMPASS system was designed to be valid, reliable, and easy to administer," said Dr. Brill. "In addition, COMPASS provides the clinician with clinically actionable data that leads to outcomes desired by the patient, managed care companies and third-party payors." Dr. Brill, chairman of Compass Information Services, is also a member of the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and is a Senior Fellow of the Wharton School of Business. Bristol-Myers Squibb is a diversified worldwide health and personal care company whose principal businesses are pharmaceuticals, consumer products, nutritionals and medical devices. It is a leading maker of innovative therapies for cardiovascular, metabolic and infectious diseases, central nervous system and dermatological disorders, and cancer. The company is also a leader in consumer medicines, orthopaedic devices, ostomy care, wound management, nutritional supplements, infant formulas, and hair and skin care products. CONTACT: Patrick D. Donohue of Bristol-Myers Squibb, 609-252-5685, or Kimberly Veitch of Compass Information Services, 610-992-7076/ /Bristol-Myers Squibb press releases available through Company News On-Call by fax, 800-758-5804, ext. BMYFAX (269329) or at http://www.prnewswire.com/cnoc/exec/menu?269329 (BMY) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 1999 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. 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