For Immediate Release SALIX VENTURES ANNOUNCES INVESTMENT IN VANTAGE ONCOLOGY SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA (September 30, 2002) -- Salix Ventures announced today a $2.5 million investment as part of a $9.0 million Series A Preferred Stock financing in Vantage Oncology of Los Angeles, California. Versant Ventures of Irvine, California, and Conning Capital Partners of Hartford, Connecticut also participated in the financing. As a result of this investment, Marty Felsenthal, a General Partner of Salix Ventures, will join Vantage Oncology's Board of Directors. Vantage Oncology develops and operates state-of-the-art radiation oncology centers providing advanced services for the treatment of cancer. Radiation therapy is performed with a linear accelerator, which uses high-energy photons and/or electrons to destroy the tumor over a five to six week treatment course. It is estimated that approximately 60% of cancer cases will require treatment with radiation, one of three major modalities in cancer treatment along with surgery and chemotherapy. The current market for radiation treatment is estimated at approximately $7.5 billion (13.5% of total direct medical costs of cancer). Vantage's strategy is to provide high quality care and superior customer service in technologically advanced treatment facilities close to patients' homes on an outpatient basis. Recent advances in technology have increased the success, efficacy, and utilization of radiation in cancer treatment by enabling more targeted destruction of cancer cells. Vantage also affiliates with well trained and highly regarded radiation oncologists, while offering them the opportunity to expand their expertise in advanced treatment procedures and clinical research. Mike Fiore is founder and Chief Executive Officer of Vantage Oncology. Mike has a proven track record in the cancer market - he is the former Chief Operating Officer of Salick Health Care, a publicly traded company, and President of its Cancer Center subsidiary, with eleven years of experience in the development and operation of cancer treatment facilities, including radiation therapy. Salick's revenue reached $200 million, with operations at over 30 sites, prior to its sale to Astra-Zeneca in 1997 for $450 million. "The large and growing market opportunity and the seasoned healthcare services management team are two of the major factors why Vantage was a compelling investment opportunity for us," says Felsenthal. "Furthermore, Vantage has an initial platform in place that makes it extremely well positioned to take advantage of this market opportunity." About Salix Ventures Salix Ventures manages two venture capital partnerships with approximately $180 million in capital commitments from limited partners. Salix invests primarily in early-stage healthcare services and healthcare information technology companies. With offices in Andover, Nashville and San Francisco, Salix Ventures assists companies across the country through all stages of development.