Tampons, Pads and the Softcup: The Menstrual Cup Reaches Milestone in Expanding Choices...

Tampons, Pads and the Softcup: The Menstrual Cup Reaches Milestone in Expanding Choices for Women

Instead, Inc. Sells 100 Millionth Softcup
LA JOLLA, Calif.--(Business Wire)--In 1996, Instead, Inc. pioneered a new alternative to tampons and
pads with the development and release of its innovative Softcup. Now
in 2008, Instead is proud to announce that it has sold its 100
millionth Softcup.

Originally developed and introduced by a female athlete, for
female athletes, the Softcup has gained popularity for its many
advantages over traditional methods of feminine protection including
greater safety, longer wear-time, and clean sex during "that time of
the month." After hearing numerous accounts of mothers who had
successfully become pregnant using the Softcup as an aid to
conception, Instead filed for FDA clearance to market and sell the cup
for this purpose. Additionally, studies are now being conducted on the
use of the Softcup as a cervical barrier along with Instead's
candidate microbicide, Amphora.

"Because the Softcup was uniquely designed for the modern-day
woman, it has grown tremendously and developed staying power in the
market, proving an excellent alternative to tampons and pads," said
Joseph Pike, CEO of Instead. "Women have embraced the concept of the
Softcup because of the greater flexibility and control it gives them
over their lives." In fact, when the Softcup is not offered somewhere,
women seek it out rather than buy the alternatives.

The Softcup is an FDA-approved, disposable menstrual product made
from a non-absorbent, nonirritating polyethylene plastic that has been
used for over 20 years in medical devices and contains no latex. It
has undergone extensive toxicology, biocompatibility and
microbiological tests as well as human clinical testing, and contains
no drying chemicals or fibers. There is also little to no risk of
Toxic Shock Syndrome, since it collects rather than absorbs flow.

"We continue to hear from women who are just discovering the
Softcup, and are clamoring for it, both online and in their local
stores," Pike said. "The Softcup has become mainstream, sitting
comfortably next to tampons and pads in local supermarkets and drug
stores. We firmly believe that the Softcup has added benefits you
can't find anywhere else. For us, the fact that period products now
include tampons, pads and menstrual cups shows the Softcup has
expanded choices for women."

About Instead, Inc.

Instead, Inc. is dedicated to developing and marketing
over-the-counter products that focus on women's sexual health and
quality of life. Instead is best known for the Instead(R) Softcup(R),
a feminine hygiene product that collects, rather than absorbs,
menstrual flow. The Instead Softcup is sold at retail outlets
nationwide, including Target, Wal-Mart and Walgreens, as well as
select regional drug stores and groceries. The Instead Softcup is also
sold online at www.softcup.com. In addition to the new superior
personal lubricant Amphora(R), the company currently has under
development a vaginal itch cream. Instead is wholly owned by Akcess
Pacific Group, a private investment group whose principals have a long
history of investing in socially responsible products in the fields of
reproductive health. It is headquartered in San Diego, CA.

Michael Burns & Associates
Ariel Herr, 214-521-8596
acherr@mbapr.com
or
Susie Lomelino, 214-521-8596
slomelino@mbapr.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008