BIOTONE Awards $50,000 to Touch Research Institute Breast Cancer Study

Biotone's Annual Charitable Program Advances the Use of Massage Therapy in Preventing and Treating Major Illnesses

SAN DIEGO, CA - February 10, 2003 - Biotone, a leading provider of massage lubricants for massage therapy, health and spa professionals, today announced it has contributed $50,000 to the Touch Research Institute (TRI) of the University of Miami School of Medicine. The contribution will fund TRI's study this year to determine the effects of massage therapy for enhancing immune function in breast cancer patients.

Biotone made the contribution under its annual charitable program to support organizations that are advancing the knowledge, research and use of massage therapy in the prevention and treatment of major healthcare issues.

In presenting the $50,000 check to Dr. Tiffany Field, TRI director, Biotone president Monica Fraser said, "I strongly believe that we are at the beginning of a new era in which massage therapy will assume a more mainstream role in the prevention and treatment of major illnesses. As such, we are very pleased to support organizations such as the Touch Research Institute whose research efforts are advancing this progress.

"We are extremely pleased to be the recipient of Biotone??s annual charitable program," said Dr. Field. "Over the years, we have conducted research on the value of massage therapy to enhance growth, alleviate depression and anxiety, and bolster the immune system at all stages of life: from newborns to senior citizens. With Biotone's contribution, we now can expand our research to explore the benefits of massage therapy in the very critical area of breast cancer."

TRI's research study will begin in March and will include 40 women with breast cancer, according to Field. She said that TRI plans to measure the effects of massage therapy on immune functions, such as natural killer cells and natural killer cell activity, as well on psychological factors, including anxiety, depression, denial, body image, coping behaviors and relationships with significant others.

About the Touch Research Institute

The Touch Research Institute out of the University of Miami School of Medicine is the first center that devotes its efforts solely to the study of touch and its applications in science and medicine for health promotion and the treatment of disease. Research at the center began in 1982. More information about TRI is available at www.miami.edu/touch-research.

Contact: Barbara Kohn
650-342-9853

About Biotone

Biotone, headquartered in San Diego, Calif., was founded in 1984 to provide massage therapy, health and spa professionals with professional massage and body treatment products, and complimentary supplies. Today the company sells its products throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. More information about the company and its products is available at www.biotone.com.