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

La Jolla, Calif. (January 24, 2008) – 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® Softcup®, 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®, 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.