TORONTO, Jan. 18, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Swiss Medica Inc. (OTCBB:SWME) is pleased to announce the Rite Aid Corporation, the third largest U.S. drugstore chain by store count, will begin carrying the Company's flagship pain relief product, the O24 Essential Oil Pain Neutralizer, across its national store footprint. Swiss Medica will commence its marketing, public relations and sampling campaign in conjunction with the arrival of the Company's pain relief product on Rite Aid shelves. Swiss Medica will use its proven marketing and sampling strategies, which had been fine-tuned during the national Canadian launch of the O24 product in the fall of 2004. Multi-media advertising will be launched nationally to provide full coverage in all Rite Aid markets, especially major metropolitan areas such as New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., San Francisco and Detroit.
A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1376
Tom Quinn, Swiss Medica's VP of U.S. Operations said, "We are proud to have Rite Aid as our newest customer and our first U.S. national drugstore chain. Rite Aid's 3,300 plus stores gives them strong presence in many of the country's largest markets and will give millions of Americans the opportunity to buy O24 -- the new, patented, effective and safe way to relieve their pain and resume more normal lives."
About Rite Aid Corporation
Rite Aid Corporation operates retail drugstores in the United States. During the fiscal year ended February 28, 2004 (fiscal 2003), the Company operated 3,382 stores located in 28 states across the country and in the District of Columbia. According to Chain Drug Review magazine, Rite Aid's revenues stood at $16.87 billion for FY2003.
About Swiss Medica Inc.
Swiss Medica commercializes proprietary bioscience products that relieve chronic ailments. We increase our market share through focused distribution strategies in multiple sales channels. Swiss Medica's mission is to be a world leader in the commercialization of life enhancing bioscience products that improve quality of lives. Please visit our websites at www.swissmedica.com and www.O24zone.com
Swiss Medica's flagship product, the O24(TM) Essential Oil Pain Neutralizer, holds U.S. Patent #6,444,238B1. The O24(TM) pain relief solution has been used, recommended and praised for its fast-acting and long-lasting benefits by healthcare professionals in the United States, Canada and in Europe. O24 is widely available throughout Canada in leading pharmacies and natural food stores. It is currently available in Happy Harry's Discount Drugstores in the United States, or by visiting www.O24zone.com, for ordering details and store locators.
The Swiss Medica logo is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1375
Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "Safe Harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks relating to the ability to close transactions being contemplated, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, continued acceptance of Swiss Medica's products, increased levels of competition, technological changes, dependence on intellectual property rights and other risks detailed from time to time in Swiss Medica's periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory authorities.
