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Cialis® (tadalafil) Joins BASS as Premiere Sponsor
-- Multi-Faceted Sponsorship Includes Unique Elements --
[January 24, 2005]
Contact: Kindra Strupp, Cialis
317/277-5170
Jamie Wilkinson, BASS
334/551-2457
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (January 24, 2005) - Cialis® (tadalafil), the erectile dysfunction drug marketed by Lilly ICOS
(NYSE: LLY and Nasdaq: ICOS), and BASS, the worldwide authority on bass fishing, today announced a one-year sponsorship
agreement. As a premiere sponsor, Cialis will have a major interactive presence at the majority of BASS events,
including the CITGO Bassmaster Tournament Trail, the Bassmaster Elite 50 Series and the CITGO Bassmaster Classic.
The agreement also includes presenting sponsorship of Bassmaster University and a heavy presence in BASS's television,
print and internet platforms. To support the sponsorship, Cialis will create Relaxation and Fan Experience tents
in key markets, develop angler tips with expert partners and establish a dedicated Web site. To enhance the Bassmaster
University TV show on ESPN2, Cialis will sponsor a "gear list" as part of the weekly programming, which
will highlight fishing equipment needed for each episode.
"Lilly ICOS is thrilled to be a premiere sponsor of BASS through our Cialis brand," said Matt Beebe,
Cialis U.S. Brand Team Leader. "BASS members are an important audience to us. An alliance with BASS allows
us to reach a targeted fan base that enjoys bass fishing because it's both relaxing and exhilarating."
Don Rucks, General Manager of BASS, said: "We are pleased Cialis chose to make BASS part of their marketing
program. We applaud the vision of Lilly ICOS in recognizing the significance of the brand-loyal BASS members and
fans."
Cialis and BASS have worked closely together to develop an integrated platform that will resonate with members
and fans and help enhance relaxation and enjoyment of the sport.
- Signage: Beginning at the season-opener on Lake Tohopekaliga in Kissimmee, Cialis will have a strong
signage presence at a total of 108 BASS events. This includes boat, truck and driver uniform signage during 12
televised events.
- Bassmaster University: Cialis is the presenting sponsor of Bassmaster University for the entire 2005
season. This includes opening and closing credits on each episode as well as a weekly "gear list" sponsored
by Cialis that highlights fishing equipment needed for each lesson. An online Bassmaster University page will link
to www.cialis.com. Bassmaster University airs on BASS Saturday
at 9:30 a.m. ET on ESPN2.
- Exhibition Tent: Spectators at select BASS events can experience the "Bassmaster University presented
by Cialis" tent, which will be stocked with angler-related interactive elements and seminars with expert anglers.
Highlights from ESPN2's Bassmaster University will also be featured in the Cialis tent.
- Relaxation Centers: Key viewing spots at the Bassmaster Elite 50, CITGO Bassmaster Tour and CITGO Bassmaster
Classic will be branded "Relaxation Centers presented by Cialis." The relaxing atmosphere will be designed
to help spectators unwind and enjoy the spectacular views of the weigh-in.
- Tips Booklet: A Cialis-sponsored tips booklet for fishing and men's health will be available at all
108 tournaments in which Cialis will have a presence.
- Interactive Web Site: Angling fans everywhere can soon visit www.bassmaster.com
to experience many of the innovative elements of the Cialis BASS sponsorship, including tips for relaxing and improving
their fishing skills.
Cialis BASS Sponsorship
For Lilly ICOS, the BASS sponsorship represents a unique opportunity to educate men in the United States about
a significant health issue - erectile dysfunction (ED) - and the role of Cialis as the only oral ED treatment option
shown to improve erectile function for up to 36 hours in most men. Through its partnership with BASS, Lilly ICOS
offers consumers information about ED and Cialis. Consumers may pick up brochures on ED or Cialis at the tents,
and visit the Cialis Web site, www.cialis.com, to get more
information about Cialis. Available by prescription, Cialis was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration
on November 21, 2003.
About BASS
BASS is the world's largest fishing organization, sanctioning more than 20,000 tournaments worldwide through
its Federation. The CITGO Bassmaster Tournament Trail, which includes the all-new Bassmaster Elite 50 series, is
the oldest and most prestigious pro bass fishing tournament circuit and continues to set the standard for credibility,
professionalism and sportsmanship as it has since 1968. For more information, contact BASS Communications at (334)
551-2375 or visit www.bassmaster.com.
About Cialis
Cialis, approved by the FDA in November 2003 for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, is the only oral ED
treatment shown to improve erectile function up to 36 hours in most men. Cialis can be taken without regard to
food. The absorption of Cialis is not reduced by food, including high-fat foods. Cialis is currently available
in approximately 100 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, the United States and countries throughout
Europe. More than 3.5 million patients worldwide have been treated with Cialis since its first introduction in
February 2003.
Cialis is available by prescription only and is not for everyone. Men taking nitrates, often used for chest pain,
or certain alpha-blockers for prostate problems or high blood pressure, should not take Cialis. Such combinations
could cause a sudden, unsafe drop in blood pressure.
Men should discuss their health status with their doctors to ensure Cialis is right for them and that they are
healthy enough for sexual activity. The most common side effects with Cialis were headache, upset stomach, delayed
backache or muscle ache. Although rare, men who experience an erection for more than four hours should seek immediate
medical attention. Men should not drink alcohol in excess with Cialis. Cialis does not protect a man or his partner
from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
Individual results may vary. Cialis studies were not designed to assess multiple intercourse attempts after a single
dose. For full patient information, visit www.cialis.com.
About Lilly ICOS LLC
Lilly ICOS LLC, a joint venture between ICOS Corporation (Nasdaq: ICOS) and Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY),
developed tadalafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
ICOS Corporation, a biotechnology company headquartered in Bothell, Washington, is dedicated to bringing innovative
therapeutics to patients. ICOS is marketing its first product, Cialis (tadalafil), through Lilly ICOS LLC. ICOS
is working to develop treatments for serious unmet medical conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
benign prostatic hyperplasia, cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation is developing a growing portfolio of first-in-class and best-in-class
pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations
with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers - through medicines
and information - for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Additional information about Lilly is available
at www.lilly.com.
P-LY
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Except for historical information contained herein, this press release contains forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements
are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the industry, management beliefs and certain
assumptions made by the management of ICOS and Lilly. Investors are cautioned that matters subject to forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties, including economic, competitive, governmental, technological, legal
and other factors discussed in the two companies' respective filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
which may affect the business and prospects of the two companies and Lilly ICOS. Results and the timing and outcome
of events may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press
release. More specifically, there can be no assurance that Cialis will achieve commercial success or that competing
products will not pre-empt market opportunities that might exist for the product.
Cialis is a registered trademark of Lilly ICOS LLC. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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