Article
Date: 1/24/2005
Cialis® (tadalafil) Joins BASS as Premiere Sponsor
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Multi-Faceted Sponsorship Includes Unique Elements --
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.
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.
###
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.
Inside
Bass, Courtesy BASS
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