IGNITE HEALTH SCOOPS UP 8 MORE HEALTHCARE MARKETING AWARDS

Small, integrated agency makes a big splash in the health information community with award-winning work for Medtronic MiniMed, Merck, Refractec and ViroLogic.

San Juan Capistrano, CA (PRWEB) August 13, 2003 - Ignite Health, a healthcare marketing and communications agency, announced today it received 4 awards at the 19th Annual International Awards of Excellence (In-Awe Awards), and 4 more at the 9th biannual World Wide Web Health Awards, after winning 5 such awards in the fall of 2002. This was Ignite Healths first year entering the In-Awe Awards and their second year of participation in the World Wide Web Health Awards.

The In-Awe Awards recognize outstanding medical marketing in all media. Since the Medical Marketing Association (MMA) launched the In-Awe Awards in 1985, the competition has grown to be one of the largest of its kind in the industry. This year's competition attracted nearly 1,000 entries. The awards received by Ignite Health include:

- Gold Award for Interactive/Exhibit Kiosk - an interactive CD-ROM showcasing Virologic, Inc.s technology to guide and improve AIDS treatment
- Gold Award for Interactive/E-Blasts - an emercial to launch www.merial.com,
the online presence for the worlds leading animal health company
- Bronze Award for Interactive/E-Blasts - a 3D Fly Through of the Eye" trade show presentation for Refractec, Inc.s new farsightedness treatment
- Bronze Award for Public Service/Collateral - the Washington DC public awareness campaign for HIV drug resistance testing for Virologic, Inc.

Ignite Health also won awards in the Spring 2003 World Wide Web Health Awards, a program that recognizes the best health-related Web sites for consumers and professionals:

- Gold Certificate for www.virologic.com - a corporate Web site for the world leader in HIV drug resistance testing
- Silver Certificate for www.pumpexpeditions.com - a diabetes education site offering a download of the first simulation game about insulin pump therapy
- Silver Certificate for www.refractec.com - a vision correction company corporate Web site
- Bronze Certificate for www.merckvetmanual.com - a reference site providing comprehensive animal health information

Fabio Gratton, Director of Interactive Communications at Ignite Health said, Recognition from such prestigious associations not only affirms our position as a leader in healthcare communications, but shows how necessary an integrated approach to print and interactive media is in todays marketplace."

Our methodology is perhaps unique in the industry, said Mr. Gratton. 'First, we initiate an open dialogue with our clients to identify the requirements for the job at hand. Then, we work to provide the most appropriate integrated solution - one combining design artistry with the latest technology, strategic thinking and communications expertise - to help each client gain a competitive advantage.'"

About Ignite Health
Ignite Health is a new breed of agency integrating electronic and print media to provide complete solutions for clients in oncology, diabetes and HIV diagnostic testing and therapeutics. Ignite Health can support all of the traditional advertising needs of its clients, as well as extend their capabilities with online advertising and interactive tools.

Founded in early 2001, this unique independent agency has grown from a core group of 4 principals to a full-time staff of 30+ people. The Ignite Health offices are located in San Juan Capistrano, CA, approximately 60 miles south of Los Angeles.

To learn more about Ignite Health, visit www.ignitehealth.com.