Gundersen Lutheran Health System is Recognized for Safe Lifting Leadership

Franklin, Mass. – August 20, 2008 –The pro bono healthcare injury prevention website, Safe Lifting Portal (http://www.safeliftingportal.com/),announced that its newly instituted Safe Lifting Leadership Award has been presented to Gundersen Lutheran Health System of La Crosse, Wisconsin. The award was given in recognition of Gundersen Lutheran’s outstanding accomplishments in safe patient handling, safe lifting, and caregiver injury prevention.

Gundersen Lutheran Health System includes a 325-bed teaching hospital and a Level II Trauma Center. As one of the leading medical facilities in the mid-west, the health system has received eleven top 100 designations. It serves patients throughout western Wisconsin, northeastern Iowa, and southeastern Minnesota, providing care in 19 counties.

In 2003, Gundersen Lutheran Health System initiated a patient and staff injury prevention program. Key components of the program included installation of ceiling lifts to transfer patients, an extensive staff orientation and training program, and on-going monitoring of usage compliance. The ceiling lifts were installed in units hospital-wide, including intensive care, coronary care, rehabilitation and PT, pediatrics, morgue, diagnostic areas, and the OB/GYN water birth room.

Among the more significant results of the program have been substantial decreases in injury rates, reduced workers’ compensation costs, and less employee lost time and restricted time. The program has also increased staff retention rates and proved to be an excellent staff recruitment tool.

Emphasizing Gundersen Lutheran’s firm commitment to patient and employee safety, Gary Brunslik, Manager of Safety, commented, “Preventing staff injury is good business from the financial standpoint, but also, it is the right thing to do." Kathy Weitekamp, RN, BSN, Care Manager, went on to say, “We’ve been able to show a 57% decrease in the number of patient handling claims, which we feel is pretty significant. Lost time has gone down 78% and restricted time has gone down 81%, so we’re very pleased. Our ceiling lift return on investment has been less than three years." Dr. William Scorby, Medical Director for Employee Health, added, "We also see the safe lifting program as playing an important role in staff retention and recruiting - keeping our experienced nurses safe and injury free while attracting new nurses trained in safe lifting techniques to Gundersen Lutheran."

The objective of the Safe Lifting Leadership Award is to encourage other institutions to follow the lead of “best practices” institutions in their attempts to instill permanent, sustainable culture change – a so-called “culture of safety” – within their organizations. Patient safety, advocacy for healthcare excellence, successful implementation of safe lifting initiatives, and willingness to share results and assist other institutions are among key evaluation criteria for the award.

For more information on the Safe Lifting Leadership Award or Liko’s sponsorship of the Safe Lifting Portal, contact Liko, 122 Grove Street, Franklin, MA 02038; telephone (888) 545-6671 or (508) 553-3993; fax (508) 528-6642; visit http://www.liko.com/, or http://www.safeliftingportal.com/

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RainDance Technologies Appoints Olex Vice President, System Development

LEXINGTON, Mass., Aug 13, 2008 -- RainDance Technologies, Inc., a provider of innovative microdroplet-based solutions for human health and disease research, today announced the appointment of Michael B. Olex as Vice President, System Development, effective immediately.

"As RainDance introduces its exciting RainStorm(TM) droplet-based technology to market, Mr. Olex will play a key leadership role in designing, developing, and integrating complete systems for commercialization, including instrumentation, consumables, and reagents," said Chris McNary, President and Chief Executive Officer, RainDance Technologies. "He will immediately focus on our Sequence Enrichment application for targeted genomic sequencing that will be launched later this year. With his deep experience in life sciences management, Mr. Olex will establish productive, efficient product transfer procedures from engineering to manufacturing, including the development of manufacturing processes," McNary said.

Olex joins RainDance from BioTrove, where he was Vice President, Manufacturing, and established the company's OpenArray(TM) consumable and instrumentation manufacturing departments. He also served as Senior Vice President at U.S. Genomics; President of International Light; Director, Business Projects at Applied Biosystems; and Vice President of Manufacturing at PerSeptive Biosystems. Olex holds a master of business administration degree from Case Western Reserve University, a master of science degree in electrical engineering from Cleveland State University, and a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Detroit.

About RainDance Technologies, Inc.
RainDance Technologies is a provider of innovative droplet-based solutions for human health and disease research. The speed and simplicity of the company's exciting new technology enable researchers to design experiments in ways that were previously unaffordable or unimaginable.
The company's technology produces picoliter-volume droplets at a rate of 10 million per hour. Each droplet is the functional equivalent of an individual test tube and can contain a single molecule, reaction, or cell. This versatile technology can adapt highly referenced assays for high-speed workflows with minimized process-induced bias or error.
RainDance's initial application will focus on the targeted resequencing of the human genome -- one of the fastest-growing segments of the $1 billion DNA sequencing market. This application will enable the high-resolution analysis of genetic variation between individuals and populations at a level unmatched by current methodology.

RainDance was founded in 2004 by scientists from Harvard University; the Medical Research Centre in Cambridge, England; and the ESPCI in Paris. The promise of this technology has attracted an outstanding Scientific Advisory Board. RainDance advisers include three Nobel Prize winners: Jean-Marie Lehn (Chemistry, 1987), Aaron Klug (Chemistry, 2002), and Sir Richard Roberts (Physiology or Medicine, 1993), as well as Sir Gregory Winter, joint head of the British Division of Protein and Nucleic Acids Chemistry at the Medical Research Council's Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge.

For more information, please visit http://www.raindancetechnologies.com/. For more information, please visit http://www.raindancetechnologies.com/.

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White Paper Explains Aspects of Testing From Purified Bulk Drug Substance to Sterile Liquid Final Drug Product

AGAWAM, MASS. – August 12, 2008 – Biopharmaceutical manufacturers, responsible for an extensive repertoire of products – including recombinant proteins, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccines – are faced with many aspects of testing specific to the type of product being assessed.

A new whitepaper from Microtest Laboratories discusses the typical routine sampling and testing requirements associated with the aseptic processing of a biopharmaceutical from the perspective of a contract aseptic manufacturer and provider of contract manufacturing testing services.

The white paper, “Where and What to Test: From Purified Bulk Drug Substance to Sterile Liquid Final Drug Product” focuses what many consider the most critical part of a biological drug product’s manufacturing life cycle: going from the purified bulk drug substance (“PBDS”) to the sterile final drug product (“FDP”). It is available for download at: http://www.microtestlabs.com/control-environment.

Specifically, the white paper discusses establishing the testing “where and when” (and in some instances the “why”) for manufacturing formulation and fill/finish activities and how the approach is also applicable, for the most part, to small molecule drug products formulation and fill/finish.

In the white paper, the authors:

• Warn to test only when necessary to reduce interventions.
• Explain to test using methods that give data as quick as fittingly possible to condense processing times.
• Discuss how to utilize a client’s knowledge of the product, the contractor’s knowledge of formulation and aseptic manufacturing to develop the most appropriate formulation and F/F process.

The white paper is authored by John Dobiecki, Vice President of Manufacturing Operations, and Alex Mello, Director of Project Management, Manufacturing, both of Microtest Laboratories (www.microtestlabs.com), a contract manufacturer and provider of contract manufacturing testing services.

To download the white paper, “Where and What to Test: From Purified Bulk Drug Substance to Sterile Liquid Final Drug Product,” visit: http://www.microtestlabs.com/control-environment.

About Microtest
Microtest is a leader in aseptic processing contract manufacturing and contract manufacturing testing services for the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries. Based in Agawam, Massachusetts, USA, the company's expertise and flexible processes enhance product safety and security, accelerate time to market, and minimize supply chain disruption. For more information, visit www.microtestlabs.com or call 1-413-786-1680 or toll-free 1-800-631-1680.

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Liko raises the bar for intelligence in patient lifts

Franklin, MA – August 12, 2008 -- Liko North America, a major supplier of patient lifts, repositioning aids and clinical educational services for the healthcare industry, has added intelligent self diagnostics to its Viking family of multi-purpose mobile floor lifts. The new Viking M (www.liko.com/na/viking_m.asp) incorporates numerous intelligence features designed to help customers better manage their Safe Lifting initiatives. Among these features is a smart diagnostics system that enables customers to manage service and more easily evaluate their lifting practices. In turn, this encourages more efficient use of each individual lift.

Intelligence – The Operations Console of the new Viking M houses the Liko Diagnostic System™, a pioneering new advancement in intelligence for patient lifts. The system helps customers manage their safe lifting initiatives and determine unit needs by tracking lift usage frequency. It also identifies workload for patients of size. In addition to managing on the nursing unit, the new Viking M comes equipped to provide additional key servicing information, including a Service LED that can be calendar- or usage-based. By identifying service issues before they happen, users can generate, for example, reports such as those required by Joint Commission standards. According to Gunnar Liljedahl, president and chief design engineer at Liko, “The intelligent control unit, which includes our own Liko Diagnostic System, allows the customer to see just how the lift has been used. In turn, this knowledge can be used to establish procedures that maximize the use of the lift, thereby providing the best total economy.”

Functionality – With the Viking M’s new ergonomically designed wireless Hand Control, the task of helping patients becomes easier and more convenient. For example, the wireless hand control means there are no more cumbersome cords to detangle, thus the caregiver can now work unhindered and in closer proximity to the patient. All new Viking Ms within a facility will be able to use the same hand control, and in the unlikely event a wireless hand control is not immediately available, the lift can be run directly from the operations panel on the control box. A powerful new NiMH battery pack lowers the lift’s overall weight even more and has a SmartCharge indicator that provides a continuous view of charging status. Finally, wireless control encourages caregivers to use the lift more frequently and gives patients a greater sense of security.

Safety – A handy on-board two-language Quick Reference Guide helps lower the chances of operator errors; an Outer Tube on the actuator helps ensure trouble-free operation; and a new wheel design avoids collecting dirt or other foreign matter in order to ensure caregivers low push, pull and rotational stressors.

Lightweight and Environmentally Friendly -- All of the components of the Viking lift frame are constructed of strong, aircraft-grade aluminum, up to 40% of which is from recycled aluminum products. This means the Vikings are much lighter than steel frame lifts of corresponding size and patient lifting capacities, plus they are safer for the environment.

For more information on the new Viking M, write to Liko at 122 Grove Street, Franklin, MA 02038, e-mail info@liko.com, call 1-888-545-6671, or visit www.liko.com/na/viking_m.asp.

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The Parent Company to Extend eToys, BabyUniverse, My Twinn Websites Internationally with FiftyOne Global Ecommerce Solution

DENVER, CO and NEW YORK NY – August 12, 2008 – The Parent Company (Nasdaq: KIDS) has entered into a contract to utilize the FiftyOne global ecommerce solution from E4X, Inc. (http://www.fiftyone.com/), and plans to kick off its 2008 holiday sales season by extending three of its flagship brands –- eToys, BabyUniverse and My Twinn -- internationally to reach 500 million shoppers in 34 countries, including Canada and most of Europe.

“We're very excited to introduce our eToys, BabyUniverse and My Twinn brands to a half-billion new consumers around the world, powered by the FiftyOne solution from E4X" said Michael J. Wagner, CEO of The Parent Company. "It's an incredible opportunity for us to offer a seamless shopping experience to a global audience."

“The FiftyOne solution will act like a ‘lens’ over our existing U.S. websites that will automatically generate customized views for international shoppers. They will experience the same high quality online shopping experience that we offer our U.S. customers, but tailored to their location,” said Jim Scherman, Vice President, Business Development and Customer Service.

International market is untapped revenue opportunity

“Enabling a U.S. retailer’s ecommerce operation for overseas sales is a major step in introducing the retailer’s brand internationally – and to a previously untapped revenue opportunity,” said Michael DeSimone, Chief Executive Officer, E4X, Inc.

“Ecommerce outside the U.S. is growing at more than 50 percent. And the historically low U.S. dollar is driving even more overseas consumers to shop U.S. retailer sites – as the 2008 holiday shopping season approaches,” he said. “Meanwhile, U.S. retailers are seeing decreasing demand and increased competition for a domestic online market that’s continuing to mature.”

The Parent Company joins Overstock.com, Anthropologie, drugstore.com, and others employing FiftyOne as their global ecommerce solution.

The FiftyOne solution will extend the existing eToys, BabyUniverse, and My Twinn websites with key international capabilities including:

• Local Country Merchandising: Website localization, guaranteed local currency product pricing, restricted product screening, and guaranteed lowest possible landed costs make international customers feel welcome.
• Multi-currency Payments: Multicurrency credit card processing, international credit card fraud protection, currency management, and USD settlement ensure customers are charged and pay in their own currency, while retailers are paid in U.S. dollars at the time of order – without foreign exchange risk.
• Global Logistics and Delivery: U.S. retailers ship to a U.S.-based hub and FiftyOne handles the customs clearance, international shipping, package tracking, and return shipping. International customers receive the lowest guaranteed landed cost for delivery to their door – with no surprise fees or surcharges.
• Post-Sale Support: FiftyOne returns management and customer service tools allow U.S. retailers to provide international shoppers with the same level of customer service provided to domestic shoppers.

For more information about the FiftyOne Global eCommerce Solution, visit www.fiftyone.com, or call 1-212-299-3577.

About E4X, Inc.
E4X, Inc. is the leading provider of technology and services that simplify global ecommerce for both retailers and consumers. The company’s FiftyOne Global Ecommerce solution manages local country merchandising, multi-currency payments, global logistics, and international customer service complexities enabling a U.S. retailer to sell to 500 million new international consumers using its existing ecommerce infrastructure. Founded in 1999, E4X is based in New York with offices in Toronto, Canada and Tel Aviv, Israel. For further information, visit http://www.e4x.com/.

About The Parent Company
The Parent Company (Nasdaq: KIDS) is a leading commerce, content and new media company for growing families. The Parent Company provides comprehensive eCommerce and eContent resources to help families plan, play and grow. The company's toy business offers thousands of toys and children's products through its eToys (http://www.etoys.com/) website, catalogs and strategic retail partnerships; and personalized dolls and accessories on its My Twinn (http://www.mytwinn.com/) brand. Through its baby business, the company is a leading online retailer of brand-name baby, toddler and maternity products sold through the BabyUniverse (http://www.babyuniverse.com/) and DreamtimeBaby (http://www.dreamtimebaby.com/) web sites. The company's luxury brands, PoshTots (http://www.poshtots.com/) and PoshLiving (http://www.poshliving.com/), reach the country's most affluent consumers with luxury baby apparel and furnishings. With its content sites, BabyTV (http://www.babytv.com/), PoshCravings (http://www.poshcravings.com/) and ePregnancy (http://www.epregnancy.com/), The Parent Company has established a recognized platform for the delivery of content and new media resources to a national audience of expectant parents. The Parent Company is a market-leading digital content and eCommerce company focused on parents.

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Free White Paper: Hospital Tests Patient Lift Technologies; Improves Quality of Care

Franklin, Mass. – August 6, 2008 – A new, free white paper details how a Michigan hospital improved patient care - and reduced manual lifting injuries – by testing new products and designs utilizing a mock-up patient room in an effort to implement forward-looking patient handling technologies.

The white paper, titled “Michigan Hospital Leads the Way with Patient-Focused Environments and Leading-Edge Patient Lifting Technologies,” is available for free download at: www.safeliftingportal.com/hospital-patient-lifting.

The white paper details how the advanced planning, product research and equipment testing at Saint Joseph Mercy Health System (SJMHS) in Ann Arbor, Michigan have resulted in a facility-wide success story and increased patient quality of care by decreasing lifting injuries through out the hospital.

“What really aided in the success of this project is the complete mock-up patient room that was built on-site to run tests and functional simulations,” said Tom Tocco, director of facilities and plant operations at SJMH. “That enabled us to select the best systems and products for our patients. Now, we have taken the tried-and-true mock-up room and re-created it 356 times in the new tower.”

The new state-of-the-art tower includes facility-wide wireless internet access and inter-hospital overhead rail systems which has greatly decreased patient lifting injuries and significantly reduced worker’s compensation claims. – Do we have proof?

Download the white paper at: www.safeliftingportal.com/hospital-patient-lifting or call toll-free 1 888-545-6671 to request a copy. The paper is authored by Liko North America (www.liko.com/na), sponsor of the Safe Lifting Portal injury prevention site (www.safeliftingportal.com).

About Liko North America
Liko North America is one of the world’s leading suppliers of patient lifts, including mobile, overhead rail, sit-to-stand, and bariatric lifts, as well as a selection of more than 250 slings and accessories. The company is also the exclusive sponsor of the pro bono “Safe Lifting Environment” campaign designed to help prevent caregiver injuries (visit www.safeliftingportal.com for more details). For more information on Liko’s complete line of patient lifts, contact Liko North America, 122 Grove Street, Franklin, MA 02038. Telephone (888) 545-6671 or (508) 553-3993; fax (508) 528-6642, or visit the Liko website at www.liko.com.

About Saint Joseph Mercy Health System
Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, a member of Trinity Health, is a health care organization serving Washtenaw, Livingston, Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe, western Wayne and southwestern Oakland counties. It includes 537-bed St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Saint St. Joseph Mercy Saline Hospital with 74 beds, Saint St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital in Howell, featuring with136 beds and St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia with 304 beds. Combined, the four hospitals are licensed for 1,051 beds, employ more than 8,400 individuals and have a medical staff of nearly 1,500 physicians.

For more information on health services offered at Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, please visit www.sjmercyhealth.org.

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Creating a Healthy Home Environment: Mold and Mildew Free

Atlanta, Georgia – July 30, 2008 – Each summer, as temperature and humidity rise, mold invades thousands of homes. Some 10% of the U.S. population is sensitive to mold, and invisible mold spores cause countless allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and sinus infections, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Mold also wreaks havoc on building materials. In nature, mold breaks down decaying organic matter, but in a home, it can decompose floors, walls, and other structures.

Fortunately, mold growth can be controlled. "The key to mold control is moisture control," says Steven Hong, home health specialist and president of Sylvane.com.

Hong offers the following tips for creating a healthy home environment that's mold and mildew free:

Detecting Mold

• Recognize Visible Mold – Mold grows in damp, dark environments. Commonly found in bathrooms and basements, it's usually slimy or fuzzy in appearance, and its color may be green, black, orange, or purple.
• Be Aware of Hidden Mold – Mold can grow behind walls and wallpaper, above ceiling tiles, and under sinks. If you notice a musty odor in a particular room, it's likely coming from hidden mold. You can check for mold with a Mold Test Kit.

Preventing Mold

• Clean Up Spills Immediately – If you have a spill, leak, or any kind of water damage in your home, clean and dry out the area immediately. Mold starts growing within 24-48 hours.
• Keep Indoor Humidity Low – Dehumidifiers keep the humidity low by removing excess moisture from the air. Keep your home's relative humidity below 50% to prevent mold growth.
• Protect Your Basement – Basements are notorious for mold and mildew. Use a basement dehumidifier to prevent mold and mildew growth.
• Defend Your Crawlspace – Crawlspaces are dark and damp – ideal environments for mold. Place a plastic vapor barrier on open earth to reduce moisture. Many crawlspaces require a crawlspace dehumidifier to keep the mold at bay.

Cleaning Up Mold

• Carefully Clean Visible Mold – If you see visible mold growth, carefully clean it up with water and detergent. It's impossible to completely remove mold from a porous surface such as drywall; this material will have to be removed and discarded.
• Protect Yourself While Cleaning – The Environmental Protection Agency recommends wearing an N-95 respirator mask, gloves, and goggles while cleaning mold. Black mold or toxic mold (usually found in buildings with severe water damage) produces dangerous toxins that can cause neurological symptoms and even death. If you encounter extensive mold growth, or if you suspect that it may be toxic mold, contact a mold remediation professional.

"Indoor mold is a major cause of sinus infections, allergies, and asthma attacks, not to mention structural damage to buildings," says Hong. "But if you control your home's humidity, then mold doesn't stand a chance."

Sylvane.com is a leading online supplier of dehumidifiers and other products for creating a healthy, safe and comfortable home environment.

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drugstore.com to Expand Sales Internationally -- E4X FiftyOne Global Ecommerce Solution to Provide Access to 500 Million Consumers

Bellevue, WA, and New York, NY - July 28, 2008 – drugstore.com, inc. (NASDAQ:DSCM), a leading online retailer of health, beauty, vision and pharmacy products has entered into a contract to utilize E4X, Inc.’s FiftyOne Global Ecommerce Solution (http://www.fiftyone.com/) to power the expansion of sales internationally. drugstore.com (http://www.drugstore.com/) expects to be able to provide a wide selection of over-the-counter products to customers in 34 countries before year end.

“drugstore.com is one of the top 50 online retailers in the United States, the time is right to accelerate our growth by adding international markets,” said Dawn Lepore, CEO and chairman of drugstore.com, inc. “We’re seeing increasing demand for our over-the-counter products from outside of the US and we believe the FiftyOne Global Ecommerce solution from E4X will enable a cost-effective expansion opportunity in a short period of time.”

“This is an unprecedented opportunity for U.S. retailers to extend their ecommerce sites internationally, and gain access to an entirely new and previously untapped market of 500 million consumers in 34 countries,” said Michael DeSimone, Chief Executive Officer, E4X, Inc.

“International shoppers are streaming to U.S. ecommerce websites to buy virtually all categories of consumer products, and for good reason. The low U.S. dollar means they’re going to save significantly--as much as 40% in some instances--even when shipping costs, import tariffs, and taxes are included.”

The FiftyOne Global Ecommerce solution from E4X simplifies international ecommerce for both retailers and consumers. Shoppers visiting a retailer’s U.S. based ecommerce site from outside the U.S. are shown only the merchandise, pricing, and delivery options available in their country. Meanwhile, to the retailer, international sales are managed to look the same as any domestic sale. The FiftyOne solution addresses all aspects of an international transaction – including local country merchandising, multi-currency payments, global logistics and delivery, and post-sale customer support.

This solution will enable drugstore.com to facilitate market expansion with:

· Local Country Merchandising: Website Localization, Guaranteed local currency product pricing, Restricted product screening, and Guaranteed lowest possible landed costs make international customers feel welcome.

· Multi-currency Payments: Multicurrency Credit Card Processing, International credit card fraud protection, Currency management, and USD settlement ensure customers are charged and pay in their own currency, while retailers are paid in U.S. dollars at the time of order – without foreign exchange risk.

· Global Logistics and Delivery: U.S. retailers ship to a U.S.-based hub and FiftyOne handles the customs clearance, international shipping, package tracking, and return shipping. International customers receive the lowest guaranteed landed cost for delivery to their door – with no surprise fees or surcharges.

· Post-sale Support: FiftyOne returns management and customer service tools allow U.S. retailers to provide international shoppers with the same level of customer service provided to domestic shoppers.

About drugstore.com, inc.
drugstore.com, inc. (NASDAQ:DSCM) is a leading online retailer of health, beauty, vision and pharmacy products. Our portfolio of brands include: drugstore.com™, Beauty.com™ and VisionDirect.com™. All are accessible from http://www.drugstore.com/ and provide a convenient, private, and informative shopping experience while offering a wide assortment of more than 30,000 products at competitive prices.

The drugstore.com pharmacy is certified by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) as a Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site (VIPPS) and operates in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations in the United States.

About E4X, Inc.

E4X, Inc. is the leading provider of technology and services that simplify global ecommerce for both retailers and consumers. The company’s FiftyOne Global Ecommerce solution (http://www.fiftyone.com/) manages local country merchandising, multi-currency payments, global logistics, and international customer service complexities enabling a U.S. retailer to sell to 500 million new international consumers using its existing ecommerce infrastructure. Founded in 1999, E4X is based in New York with offices in Toronto, Canada and Tel Aviv, Israel. For further information, visit http://www.e4x.com/.

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and expectations of drugstore.com, inc. Words such as "believe," "may," "will," and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, are not guarantees of future performance and involve assumptions, risks, and uncertainties. Actual performance may differ materially from those contained or implied in such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that could lead to such differences could include, among other things: effects of changes in the economy, changes in consumer spending, fluctuations in the stock market, changes affecting the Internet, online retailing and advertising, changes in senior management, risks related to systems interruptions, possible governmental regulation and the ability to manage a growing business. Additional information regarding factors that potentially could affect the business, financial condition and operating results of drugstore.com, inc. is included in the company's periodic filings with the SEC on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. drugstore.com, inc. expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as otherwise specifically stated by it.

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Microtest Offers New Services, Free Facility Audit, for Compounding Pharmacies Seeking USP 797 Compliance

AGAWAM, MASS. – July 29, 2008 – Microtest Laboratories has launched a suite of services to assist the numerous compounding pharmacies in the U.S. that have yet failed to meet mandatory United States Pharmacopeia Chapter 797 (USP 797) regulations. Microtest also announced its offer of a free facility-gap-analysis audit to help compounding pharmacies determine their USP 797 compliance level and corresponding preparation.

Pharmacies failing to comply with USP 797 risk exposure to patient lawsuits as well as the potential loss of The Joint Commission’s (JCAHO) accreditation.

Microtest’s launch of the new services, and its free audit offer, are timed with moves by the FDA to prompt more pharmacies to achieve USP 797 compliance. “As the FDA relaxes some restrictions, we expect overall enforcement efforts to increase. We’re recommending that any pharmacy not now in full compliance move quickly to achieve full compliance,” said Steve Wieczorek, supervisor of environmental services at Microtest (http://www.microtestlabs.com/usp797).

One example of the FDA’s easing of regulations is that as of June 1st, in-house audits are no longer required monthly, but only twice a year, he noted. “But this could prove a double-edged sword, and pharmacies should look twice before loosening their internal controls -- despite the regulations.”

“While the FDA may not require such audits monthly, reducing their frequency is contrary to what’s needed given the demands – and risks – of operating compounding pharmacies today – including the increasing intricacies of compounding prescriptions, and demands on pharmacy resources and personnel,” Wieczorek said.

“Think of the risks involved – and the possible consequences that could result – from a situation that may not be discovered until the next audit – perhaps six months later,” he said.

Complimentary Audit

Microtest’s free facility-gap-analysis audit includes an examination of the compounding pharmacy service’s physical facility footprint, drug compounding procedures, operational policies and training programs. Microtest experts will determine the level of compliance achieved, existing level of risk exposure, and recommendations to achieve compliance to USP 797. The audit will recommend the designated sterile compounding risk level of the pharmacy service as well as establish an accurate baseline for compliance program next-action development. With the audit in hand, pharmacy directors can then create a service plan.

Complete USP 797 Compliance Solutions

Microtest offers pharmacy directors a single source of complete USP 797 compliance solutions – as advice, assistance, or complete implementation – available in an incremental approach or as a comprehensive, turnkey solution. Microtest’s services include:

• Program Implementation
• Onsite Training
• Custom SOP Documentation
• Clean Room Design
• Environmental Monitoring
• CSP Product Testing

“Microtest delivers professional, compliance-specific experience and expertise, comprehensive in-house capabilities, and full follow-through,” Wieczorek said. “Our veteran team includes a full-range of expertise: microbiologists, chemists, clean room specialists, and project managers – many of whom have spent years working for the FDA.”

To learn more, on the Web, visit http://www.microtestlabs.com/usp797 or call toll-free 1-800-631-1680.

About Microtest
Microtest is a leader in testing services and contract manufacturing for the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries. Based in Agawam, Massachusetts, USA, the company's expertise and flexible processes enhance product safety and security, accelerate time to market, and minimize supply chain disruption. For more information, visit www.microtestlabs.com or call 1-413-786-1680 or toll-free 1-800-631-1680.

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Technorati tags: Microtest, USP797, USP 797, compounding pharmacy, USP 797 compliance, USP797 compliance, United States Pharmacopeia Chapter 797

Safe Lifting “Toolkit” Provides Free Resources for Healthcare Injury Prevention

Franklin, Mass. – July 25, 2008 – Liko North America has announced the launch of a new “Toolkit” section of its popular Safe Lifting Portal Web site.

The new portal section is designed to assist hospitals and nursing homes with the start-up, development, and on-going support of their safe lifting initiatives.

The Liko-sponsored Safe Lifting Portal is a pro bono injury prevention site designed to help nurses avoid musculoskeletal injuries caused by lifting and repositioning patients.

According to Melissa Nowitz, administrator of the Safe Lifting Portal, “Over the course of the three or more years of our portal’s existence, many customers have contacted us and asked for individual items to promote safe lifting in their facilities – ranging from posters to pamphlets – and this new section allows us to make them available in one convenient location. Also, we are always looking for additional suggestions on how to improve the efficacy of safe lifting programs, and now we have a more direct means of sharing those ideas among healthcare workers and safe lifting committee members.”

The Safe Lifting Portal cover topics such as how to start and deploy a program, how to achieve caregiver buy-in, tracking legislative activities, and calculating projected savings using an interactive return-on-investment calculator. It also includes a monthly electronic newsletter and a question-and-answer column called “Ask the Lift Doctor.”

To access the Toolkit section of Safe Lifting Portal, visit http://www.safeliftingportal.com/toolkit or call 888-545-6671.

About Liko
Liko is one of the world’s leading suppliers of patient lift and transfer solutions. The company’s products include mobile lifts, overhead ceiling mounted systems, and a variety of injury prevention solutions. For more information on Liko’s sponsorship of the Safe Lifting Portal, contact Liko North America, 122 Grove Street, Franklin, MA 02038; telephone (888) 545-6671 or (508) 553-3993; fax (508) 528-6642; or visit the Liko website at www.liko.com/na.

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Public Relations contact: Tiziani Whitmyre Inc., http://www.tizinc.com/

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Technorati tags: Liko, Safe Lifting, patient safety, hospital, healthcare, nurse, caregiver, injury prevention, risk manager, safety officer, safety official risk management