EXHIBIT 99.1

                        IVAX DIAGNOSTICS COMPLETES MERGER

         MIAMI, Florida, March 15, 2001--IVAX Diagnostics, Inc., a leading
developer, manufacturer and marketer of diagnostic products completed its
previously announced merger with b2bstores.com (NASDAQ Small Cap:BTBC) after
approval by the shareholders of b2bstores.com, Inc. on Wednesday. Following the
shareholders' meeting, the company's Board of Directors met and elected Dr.
Phillip Frost, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of IVAX Corporation, as
Chairman and Mr. Giorgio D'Urso, President of IVAX Diagnostics before the
merger, as Chief Executive Officer of the new company. IVAX Corporation
(AMEX:IVX) owns approximately 70% of the new publicly traded company, which will
be called "IVAX Diagnostics, Inc." and will trade under the symbol "IVD" on the
American Stock Exchange beginning today.

         Dr. Frost commented, "With the completion of this transaction, IVAX
Diagnostics has in excess of $24 million of cash, no debt, access to the capital
markets and is well positioned to aggressively pursue its business plan through
internal and external growth. Our primary goals at this point are to become a
dominant player in the segment of the diagnostics market that we currently serve
and to expand through strategic acquisitions and collaborations. With its
significant ownership, IVAX Corporation is committed to helping IVAX Diagnostics
meet its goals."

         Mr. Giorgio D'Urso, CEO, commented, "The management team of IVAX
Diagnostics is looking forward to working diligently to grow our business and
enhance shareholder value. We intend to immediately take steps to implement our
internal expansion plans by establishing several new sales territories
domestically. We will also hire a new vice president of marketing and sales to
oversee our international expansion."

         Randall K. Davis, a Director of IVAX Diagnostics, Inc. and a former
director of b2bstores.com, stated, "This merger presents great opportunities to
the shareholders of b2bstores.com. I believe that the move to the American Stock
Exchange will provide a more attractive and liquid market for our shares, and
that the leadership of our Chairman, Dr. Frost, will enable us to share in his
vision. The new Board of Directors is committed to the long-term growth of the
business, while enhancing the value of the company to our shareholders. I
believe this merger presents a unique opportunity for our shareholders to
participate in the future growth of the healthcare diagnostics marketplace."

About IVAX Diagnostics, Inc.

         IVAX Diagnostics, Inc., headquartered in Miami, Florida, develops,
manufactures and markets proprietary diagnostic reagents, instrumentation and
software in the United States and Italy through its three subsidiaries: Diamedix
Corporation, Delta Biologicals S.r.l. and ImmunoVision, Inc.



- --  Diamedix Corporation develops and manufactures in vitro diagnostic kits,
    which it markets in conjunction with its Mago(R) instruments for use in
    clinical and hospital laboratories.

- --  Delta Biologicals, S.r.l. develops scientific instrumentation, manufactures
    the Mago(R) instruments and distributes in vitro diagnostic products to
    public hospitals and private medical laboratories in Italy.

- --  ImmunoVision, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets autoimmune reagents
    and research products for use in clinical laboratories, research
    laboratories and other diagnostic manufacturing companies.

About IVAX Corporation

         IVAX Corporation, headquartered in Miami, Florida, is a holding company
with subsidiaries engaged in the research, development, manufacturing, and
marketing of branded and generic pharmaceuticals and veterinary and diagnostic
products in the U.S. and international markets.

         Except for the historical matters contained herein, statements in this
press release are forward-looking and are made pursuant to the safe harbor
provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are
cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that
may affect the business and prospects of IVAX Corporation and IVAX Diagnostics,
Inc. (the "Companies"), including but not limited to the risks that IVAX
Diagnostics, Inc. may not achieve internal or external growth or improved
profitability; that IVAX Diagnostics, Inc may not be able to raise additional
capital on favorable terms, or at all; that the Companies' shareholder value may
not be enhanced following the merger; and other risks and uncertainties that may
cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking
statements. In addition to the risk factors set forth above, investors should
consider the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other
factors discussed in the Companies' Annual Reports on form 10K and 10KA and
other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 CONTACT:
            Tabitha H. Licea
            Investor Relations
            www.ivax.com
            305/575-6043