Document:

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             FIRST LOAN MODIFICATION AGREEMENT        EXHIBIT 10-P

         THIS FIRST LOAN MODIFICATION AGREEMENT ("MODIFICATION AGREEMENT"),
dated effective as of the 7th day of May, 2001 ("EFFECTIVE DATE"), is entered
into by and among ZILA, INC., a Delaware Corporation ("ZILA"), BANK ONE,
ARIZONA, NA, a national banking association ("BANK ONE"), and each of the
following subsidiary entities, directly or indirectly, of Zila (collectively,
the "SUBSIDIARIES"): (i) INTEGRATED DENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC., a California
corporation, (ii) RYKER DENTAL OF KENTUCKY, INC., a Kentucky corporation, (iii)
BIO-DENTAL TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION, a California corporation, (iv) ZILA
PHARMACEUTICALS, INC., a Nevada corporation, (v) ZILA TECHNOLOGIES, INC., an
Arizona corporation, (vi) INTER-CAL CORPORATION, INC., an Arizona corporation,
(vii) OXYCAL LABORATORIES, INCORPORATED, an Arizona corporation ("OXYCAL"),
(viii) OXYCAL EXPORT, INC., a Virgin Islands corporation, and (ix) ZILA SWAB
TECHNOLOGIES, INC., an Arizona corporation. Zila and its Subsidiaries are
collectively referred to herein as the "DEBTORS".

                                    RECITALS:

         A. Bank One and Zila have entered into the following credit facilities
(collectively, the "LOANS"): (i) a certain revolving line of credit in the
maximum principal amount of $9,000,000 (the "LINE OF CREDIT LOAN") pursuant to
the Loan Agreement between Zila and Bank One dated December 1, 2000 ("LOC LOAN
AGREEMENT") as evidenced by the Promissory Note dated December 1, 2000, in the
maximum principal amount of $9,000,000 executed by Zila in favor of Bank One
("LINE OF CREDIT PROMISSORY NOTE"); (ii) a certain construction loan ("PROJECT
LOAN"), as evidenced by a certain Project Note executed by Oxycal in favor of
Bank One in the principal amount of $5,000,000 ("PROJECT NOTE"), in connection
with those certain 1999A Bonds and Taxable 1999B Bonds in the principal amount
of $5,000,000 (collectively, the "BONDS") issued pursuant to a certain Trust
Indenture between The Industrial Development Authority of the County of Yavapai,
as Issuer, and Bank One, as Trustee, dated March 1, 1999 ("BOND TRUST
INDENTURE"), two Irrevocable Letters of Credit (No. STI 13306 and No. STI
13307), each dated April 14, 1999, issued by Bank One in favor of the owners of
the Bonds in an aggregate amount of $5,061,645.00 ("LETTERS OF CREDIT"), and a
certain Reimbursement Agreement between Bank One and Oxycal dated March 1, 1999
("REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT"); and (iii) a certain building loan in the initial
principal amount of $450,000 ("BUILDING LOAN"), as evidenced by a certain
Promissory Note in the amount of $450,000 executed by Zila in favor of Valley
National Bank of Arizona (Bank One was formerly known as Valley National Bank of
Arizona), as subsequently amended by a certain Modification Agreement between
Zila and Bank One dated April 15, 1996, and as further amended by a certain
Promissory Note Second Modification Agreement between Zila and Bank One dated
February 26, 1998 (as amended from time to time, the "BUILDING PROMISSORY
NOTE").

         B. The total amount of the Line of Credit Loan available to Zila for
the benefit of Zila and its Subsidiaries depends on the aggregate amount of
accounts receivable and inventory of Zila and its Subsidiaries from time to time
that are included in the Borrowing Base (as defined in the LOC Loan Agreement)
of Zila and its Subsidiaries. Each of the Subsidiaries has previously executed a
Commercial Guaranty dated on or about December 1, 2000 (or subsequent thereto)
pursuant to which each Subsidiary is guaranteeing all of Zila's liabilities,
obligations, debts and indebtedness to Bank One, whether then existing or
thereafter incurred, and Oxycal has previously executed an Unconditional
Guarantee of Payment dated March 1, 1999 with respect to the Reimbursement
Agreement (collectively, together with any other guarantees
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executed by the Debtors in favor of Bank One, the "GUARANTEES"). In addition,
the parties intended that each of the Subsidiaries would grant a security
interest in its assets to secure the Line of Credit Loan and to induce Bank One
to enter into the LOC Loan Documents, and Bank One understood that the LOC Loan
Documents provided Bank One with a perfected security interest in the assets of
each of the Subsidiaries as collateral for the Line of Credit Loan.

         C. Bank One has recently become aware, or has been made aware by Zila,
of the following: (i) the documentation executed by Zila and its Subsidiaries
for the Line of Credit Loan based upon a borrowing base consisting of the assets
of Zila as well as the assets of its Subsidiaries failed to provide for the
grant and perfection of security interests in the assets of its Subsidiaries,
contrary to the intention of the parties hereto at the time the Line of Credit
Loan was underwritten, approved and documented; (ii) the maturity date of the
Building Loan is April 1, 2001; and (iii) certain covenant defaults and/or
non-compliance events under the Line of Credit Loan have occurred
("NONCOMPLIANCE EVENTS"), as set forth in more detail on EXHIBIT A, attached
hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.

         D. Each of the Debtors desire that Bank One (i) forbear in exercising
any remedy with respect to the Noncompliance Events, (ii) extend the maturity
date of the Building Loan, and (iii) amend the Loan Documents in certain other
respects, and Bank One is willing to agree to such forbearance, extension and
amendments provided that (a) each of the Subsidiaries executes documentation to
provide Bank One with the perfected security interests that were intended at the
time the LOC Loan Documents were executed, (b) the Debtors agree to
cross-collateralize and cross-default all of the Loans, (c) the Debtors agree to
enter into a more comprehensive modification agreement, mutually acceptable to
the Debtors and Bank One, prior to the end of the Noncompliance Period (defined
below), and (c) such forbearance, extension and amendments are subject to the
terms and conditions set forth in this Modification Agreement.

                                   AGREEMENT:

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the
mutual covenants hereinafter stated, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the
parties hereto agree as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS. In addition to other defined terms as set forth in this
Modification Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth
below for purposes of this Modification Agreement:

         1.1 "BUILDING LOAN DOCUMENTS" means, collectively, the Building
Promissory Note and all of the other documents and instruments executed in
connection with the Building Loan.

         1.2 "LOAN DOCUMENTS" means, collectively, the LOC Loan Documents, the
Project Loan Documents and the Building Loan Documents.

         1.3 "LOANS" means, collectively, the Line of Credit Loan, the Project
Loan and the Building Loan.

         1.4 "LOC LOAN DOCUMENTS" means, collectively, the LOC Loan Agreement,
the Line of Credit Promissory Note and all of the other documents and
instruments executed in connection with the Line of Credit Loan.

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         1.5 "NONCOMPLIANCE PERIOD" means the period commencing on the date of
this Modification Agreement and ending on May 31, 2001.

         1.6 "OBLIGATIONS" means, collectively, all obligations of Zila and its
Subsidiaries under the Loan Documents.

         1.7 "PROJECT LOAN DOCUMENTS" means, collectively, the Bonds, the Bond
Trust Indenture, the Letters of Credit, the Reimbursement Agreement and all of
the other documents and instruments executed in connection with the Project
Loan.

All terms used with initial capital letters, but not otherwise defined in this
Modification Agreement, shall have the same meanings given such terms in the LOC
Loan Agreement for purposes of this Modification Agreement.

2. DEBTORS' ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF EXISTING INDEBTEDNESS.

         2.1 Each of the Debtors acknowledges and agrees that the total
outstanding amounts of each of the Loans as of May 1, 2001 are as follows: (i)
an outstanding principal balance of $6,100,000.00 with respect to the Line of
Credit Loan ("LINE OF CREDIT LOAN BALANCE"), (ii) an outstanding obligation
amount of $4,631,404.47 under the Letters of Credit issued in connection with
the Project Loan ("PROJECT LOAN BALANCE"), (iii) an outstanding principal
balance of $280,137.14 with respect to the Building Loan ("BUILDING LOAN
BALANCE"), plus (iv) any accrued and unpaid interest or fees on each of the
Loans and any other costs and expenses of Bank One to the extent due and owing
under the Loan Documents.

         2.2 Each of the Debtors acknowledges that Zila (and Oxycal in the case
of the Project Loan) is truly and justly indebted to Bank One in the amount of
the Line of Credit Loan Balance, plus the Project Loan Balance, plus the
Building Loan Balance, plus accrued and unpaid interest on each of the Loans,
plus all accrued and unpaid costs, fees and expenses that are, under the Loan
Documents, properly chargeable to Zila (or Oxycal) and that have been and in the
future may be incurred by Bank One in connection with the Loans.

         2.3 Each of the Debtors acknowledges that, as of the date hereof, it
has (i) no defense, counterclaim, offsets, cross-complaint, claim or demand of
any nature whatsoever which can be asserted as a basis to seek affirmative
relief or damages from Bank One or to reduce or eliminate all or any part of its
liability to repay the Loans, and (ii) no other claim against Bank One with
respect to any aspect of the transactions in respect of which the Loans were
made. If any such claims exist they are fully and irrevocably released as
provided in Section 11 hereof.

         2.4 Each of the Debtors agrees that Bank One has fully performed all
obligations that it may have had or now has to Zila and its Subsidiaries with
respect to the Loans, and that except as expressly set forth herein, Bank One's
obligation to make additional Advances under the Line of Credit Loan is
conditioned upon the satisfaction of all conditions precedent for such Advances
as set forth in the LOC Loan Agreement, as amended by this Modification
Agreement.

3. FORBEARANCE BY BANK ONE WITH RESPECT TO NONCOMPLIANCE EVENTS.

         3.1 Initial Forbearance Agreement. Each of the Debtors acknowledges and
agrees that Zila is in default under the LOC Loan Agreement as described in the
Noncompliance Events set forth on EXHIBIT A, attached hereto and incorporated
herein. Bank One hereby agrees to forebear in exercising any remedy with respect
to the Noncompliance Events during the

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Noncompliance Period, such forbearance to be effective upon full satisfaction by
Zila and its Subsidiaries of all conditions precedent set forth in Section 8 of
this Modification Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the
contrary in this Modification Agreement, the parties hereto agree that: (i)
during the Noncompliance Period, Zila and its Subsidiaries shall comply with all
other covenants and provisions of the Loan Documents except for the
Noncompliance Events; (ii) after the end of the Noncompliance Period, Zila and
its Subsidiaries shall strictly comply with all covenants and provisions of the
Loan Documents (as amended by this Modification Agreement), including, without
limitation, the covenants and provisions related to the Noncompliance Events;
and (iii) during the Noncompliance Period, Bank One reserves the right to refuse
to make additional Advances under the Line of Credit Loan if a further material
adverse change in the financial condition of Zila or its Subsidiaries shall
occur.

         3.2 Subsequent Forbearance Agreement. Bank One and the Debtors are
entering into this Modification Agreement to implement the provisions set forth
herein while the parties negotiate a more comprehensive modification agreement
("SECOND LOAN MODIFICATION AGREEMENT") that will address additional issues as
well as provide for additional documentation of modifications set forth in this
Modification Agreement. Bank One's forbearance with respect to the Noncompliance
Events will terminate at the end of the Noncompliance Period if the Second Loan
Modification Agreement has not been executed prior to the end of the
Noncompliance Period. If the Second Loan Modification Agreement is executed
prior to the end of the Noncompliance Period, the forbearance terms in the
Second Loan Modification Agreement shall apply immediately upon satisfaction of
all conditions precedent to the effectiveness of the Second Loan Modification
Agreement as set forth therein.

4. AMENDMENTS TO LOAN DOCUMENTS. Each of the parties hereto agrees that the Loan
Documents are hereby amended in all respects to the extent necessary to
accomplish the following changes:

         4.1 Extension of Building Loan. The maturity date of the Building Loan
and the Building Promissory Note is hereby changed from April 1, 2001 to May 31,
2001, with any additional extension to be agreed upon in the Second Loan
Modification Agreement.

         4.2 Modifications to LOC Loan Documents. Effective on the Effective
Date of this Agreement (unless otherwise stated below), the following
limitations shall apply to all Advances under the LOC Loan Agreement:

                  (a) The total outstanding principal amount of all Advances
         under the LOC Loan Agreement shall not exceed $7,250,000.00.

                  (b) The definitions of "Account", "Eligible Accounts",
         "Inventory" and "Eligible Inventory" are not limited to such accounts
         and inventory of Zila, but shall also include such accounts and
         inventory of the Subsidiaries provided that all other conditions for
         eligibility are satisfied, and each reference to "Borrower" in such
         definitions shall be deemed to be a reference to Zila and the relevant
         Subsidiaries.

                  (c) "Borrowing Base" will mean the sum of (i) 80.0% of the
         aggregate amount of Eligible Accounts, plus (ii) the lesser of (a)
         50.0% of the aggregate amount of Eligible Inventory, (b) 50.0% of the
         aggregate amount of Eligible Accounts, or (c) $1,000,000.00.

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                  (d) The rate of interest charged by Bank One on the LOC Loan
         will be at the default rate of 3.000% over the Index, effective on
         April 30, 2001, and continuing until the earlier of (i) the expiration
         of the Noncompliance Period or (ii) the effectiveness of the Second
         Loan Modification Agreement; provided, however, if the Noncompliance
         Period has expired and the Second Loan Modification Agreement has not
         become effective, the foregoing provision does not in any way restrict
         or otherwise affect the right of Lender to collect a default rate of
         interest in accordance with the terms of the LOC Loan Documents.

                  (e) For the Noncompliance Period, Zila will deliver to Lender
         the following borrowing base certificates on the dates set forth below,
         in form and detail satisfactory to Lender and executed by the chief
         financial officer of Zila or other officer or person acceptable to
         Lender, together with such supporting documentation as Lender may
         request:

                  (i) a borrowing base certificate as of April 30, 2001 on May
         9, 2001;

                  (ii) a borrowing base certificate as of May 14, 2001 on May
         18, 2001; and

                  (iii) a borrowing base certificate as of May 28, 2001 on May
         31, 2001;

         Such supporting documentation will include, without limitation, an
         aging and listing of all accounts receivable, which itemizes each
         account debtor by name, states the total amount payable to Zila and its
         Subsidiaries and contains a breakdown indicating future amounts due and
         when due, current amounts due, amounts 30-59 days past due, amounts
         60-89 days past due, and amounts 90 or more days past due, and
         reflecting any credit adjustments, returns and allowances.

         4.3 Cross-Defaulting of Loans. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
in this Modification Agreement or any other Loan Document, each of the Debtors
agrees with Bank One that the Line of Credit Loan, the Project Loan and the
Building Loan shall be cross-defaulted, and a default under this Modification
Agreement (or any document executed in connection herewith) or any other Loan
Document shall be a default under all other such documents entitling Bank One to
exercise all remedies available under such documents, subject only to any
required notices and cure periods as expressly made applicable therein.

         4.4 Cross-Collateralization of Loans. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary in this Modification Agreement or any other Loan Document, each of the
Debtors agrees with Bank One that the Line of Credit Loan, the Project Loan, the
Building Loan and all other Obligations shall be cross-collateralized, the
collateral, and the liens and security interests therein, for each of the Loans
shall secure all of the Loans and all of the Obligations and shall constitute
collateral, and liens and security interests therein, with respect to all of the
Loans and all of the Obligations, and a default under this Modification
Agreement (or any document executed in connection herewith) or any other Loan
Document, subject only to any required notices, cure periods and procedures for
realization on collateral as expressly made applicable therein, shall entitle
Bank One to apply the collateral and the proceeds thereof to the Loans and other
Obligations as Bank One may determine in its sole and absolute discretion. Zila
and Oxycal agree to execute appropriate amendments to each of its deeds of trust
that secure any portion of the Loans ("DEEDS OF TRUST") to cause such Deeds of
Trust to secure all of the Loans, such amendments to be in form and substance
acceptable to Bank One ("AMENDMENTS TO DEEDS OF TRUST").

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         4.5 Release of Collateral. The cross-collateralization set forth in
Section 4.4 above shall continue so long as either (a) any of the Loans are
outstanding, or (b) Bank One has any continuing commitment to advance funds
under any of the Loans; provided, however, the collateral for the Line of Credit
Loan will be released (and the security agreements and UCC financing statements
executed in connection with the Line of Credit Loan will be terminated, except
for the Oxycal Security Agreement defined below and UCC financing statements
executed by Oxycal) once the LOC Loan and all obligations related thereto have
been paid and performed in full and Bank One has no further commitment under the
LOC Loan Agreement, but only if no event of default, and no event which with
notice and the passage of time would constitute an event of default ("INCIPIENT
DEFAULT"), has occurred under the Project Loan Documents or the Building Loan
Documents (other than an event of default or incipient default under the LOC
Loan Documents that has triggered an event of default or incipient default under
the Project Loan Documents or Building Loan Documents solely due to the
cross-defaulting of the Loans). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
Modification Agreement or in any of the other Loan Documents, (a) the Deeds of
Trust, and the real property pledged as collateral thereunder, and the Security
Agreement dated March 1, 1999, executed by Oxycal in favor of Zila ("OXYCAL
SECURITY AGREEMENT"), and the personal property pledged as collateral
thereunder, shall continue to secure the Line of Credit Loan so long as any
amounts are owed to Bank One under the LOC Loan Documents even after full
payment and performance of the Building Loan and the Project Loan, and (b) the
Deeds of Trust, and the real property pledged as collateral thereunder, shall
continue to secure and cross-collateralize the Project Loan and the Building
Loan until full payment and performance of both the Project Loan and the
Building Loan and Bank One has no further obligation under the Letters of
Credit; provided, however, Bank One agrees to release its lien with respect to
the building securing the Building Loan (as such building is more specifically
described on Exhibit "A" to the Deed of Trust dated March 8, 1991 executed by
Zila, the "BUILDING") upon either: (i) the repayment in full of all amounts due
under the Building Loan and the Line of Credit Loan with no further commitment
of Bank One to advance under the Line of Credit Loan, or (ii) the refinance,
sale or sale/leaseback of the Building in which (A) the proceeds of such
refinance, sale or sale/leaseback are paid to Bank One to be applied to the
repayment of the Building Loan in full with any excess to be applied to pay down
the Line of Credit Loan, and (B) if a refinance, the amount of such refinance is
at least 75% of the appraised valued of the Building based upon an appraisal
acceptable to Bank One, or if a sale or sale/leaseback, the amount of such sale
is at least the amount of the appraised value of the Building based upon such an
appraisal.

         4.6 Further Documentation. The items in this Section 4 and additional
issues will be addressed more fully in the provisions of the Second Loan
Modification Agreement and other documents executed in connection therewith;
provided, however, if the Second Loan Modification Agreement is not executed or
does not become effective for any reason, such failure to execute or become
effective shall not affect the effectiveness of this Modification Agreement and
the documents executed in connection herewith.

5. REAFFIRMATION OF EXISTING SECURITY INTERESTS AND GRANT OF SECURITY INTERESTS.

         5.1 Reaffirmation of Existing Security Interests. Each of the Debtors
hereby confirms and agrees that Bank One's security interests in the assets of
Zila and its Subsidiaries and all of the collateral previously pledged to Bank
One pursuant to the Loan Documents shall continue to secure the payment and
performance of all of the Obligations to Bank One.

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         5.2 Grant of Security Interests in Assets of Subsidiaries as Initially
Intended. Without affecting any security interests previously granted to Bank
One with respect to the Loans, each of the Subsidiaries hereby grants to Bank
One, to secure the Line of Credit Loan as well as all of the other Obligations
under the Loan Documents, a security interest in all of such Subsidiary's right,
title and interest in and to the personal property described on EXHIBIT B,
attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. Each of the
Subsidiaries agrees to execute such documents as are necessary to document and
perfect the security agreements granted to Bank One under this Section 5.2,
including, without limitation, all security agreements, UCC financing statements
and other documents and instruments requested by Bank One. Such documents and
instruments requested by Bank One shall be executed by each of the Subsidiaries
and delivered to Lender on or prior to the Effective Date of this Agreement.

6. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND AGREEMENTS OF DEBTORS. As
material inducements to Bank One to enter into this Modification Agreement, and
acknowledging Bank One's reliance upon the truth and accuracy thereof, each of
the Debtors represents, warrants, acknowledges and agrees that:

         6.1 The recitals set forth above are true and correct, including,
without limitation, Recital B stating that it was the intent of the parties that
each of the Debtors would grant to Bank One a perfected security interest in
certain assets of each of the Debtors at the time that Zila and Bank One entered
into the Line of Credit Loan.

         6.2 All financial statements and other information delivered to Bank
One by or on behalf of Zila or its Subsidiaries in connection with this
Modification Agreement were true and correct in all material respects as of the
respective dates thereof.

         6.3 The Loans are just and owing.

         6.4 The obligation of Zila to repay the Loans, together with all
accrued and unpaid interest thereon, and all other amounts properly chargeable
to the Debtors under the Loan Documents, is absolute and unconditional, each of
the Guarantees with respect to the indebtedness owed to Bank One is absolute and
unconditional, and there exists no claim, right of set off or recoupment,
counterclaim or defense of any nature whatsoever to the payment and performance
of the Obligations nor the Subsidiaries' guarantees with respect to the
Obligations. The Loan Documents, including, without limitation, the Line of
Credit Promissory Note, the Project Note, the Building Promissory Note and the
Guarantees, represent valid, enforceable and collectible obligations of the
Debtors, subject to general principles of equity and bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or similar laws relating to or affecting the rights
of creditors generally.

         6.5 As of the date hereof, and after giving effect to this Modification
Agreement and the other documents to be executed in connection herewith, (i)
such Debtor is solvent and will not be rendered insolvent by the transactions
contemplated hereunder, (ii) the fair saleable value of the assets of such
Debtor exceeds and, to such Debtor's knowledge, will continue to exceed such
Debtor's liabilities (both fixed and, except for any Guarantee executed by such
Debtor if it is a Subsidiary, contingent), (iii) such Debtor is and, to such
Debtor's knowledge, will continue to be able to pay its debts as they mature,
(iv) such Debtor has and, to such Debtor's knowledge, will continue to have
sufficient capital to carry on its business and all businesses in which it is
about to engage, and (v) the fair saleable value of the assets of the Debtors
taken as a whole exceeds and, to such Debtor's knowledge, will continue to
exceed such Debtors' liabilities (fixed and contingent).

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         6.6 Except as disclosed in Zila's most recent 10-Q filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and delivered to Bank One, and except as
otherwise disclosed by the Debtors to Bank One in writing, there are no
proceedings pending or, to such Debtor's knowledge, threatened against or
affecting any Debtor in any court, before any governmental authority, or
arbitration board or tribunal which may now or in the future materially
adversely affect any Debtor.

         6.7 The Subsidiaries executing this Modification Agreement constitute
all subsidiaries owned directly by Zila or indirectly through one or more
subsidiaries of Zila that have any active business operations or own any assets.
Zila covenants and agrees that it will (i) immediately notify Bank One as soon
as it is aware that any other subsidiary of Zila or the Subsidiaries will begin
business operations or own any assets, and (ii) immediately provide the names,
corporate formation documents, federal tax numbers, places of business and other
information requested by Bank One for such additional subsidiaries, and (iii)
and deliver security agreements, UCC financing statements, guarantees and other
documentation requested by Bank One executed by such subsidiary prior to the
time such subsidiary begins any business operations or acquires any assets.

         6.8 Subject to the effect of the Noncompliance Events and to such other
matters that have been disclosed by the Debtors to Bank One in writing, all of
the representations and warranties of Debtors contained in the Loan Documents
are true and correct as of the date hereof and are hereby reaffirmed and
ratified.

         6.9 This Modification Agreement and any documents and instruments
executed in connection herewith have been authorized by all necessary action and
when executed will be the legal, valid and binding obligations of each of the
Debtors enforceable against the Debtors in accordance with the respective terms
thereof, subject to general principles of equity and bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or similar laws relating to or affecting the rights
of creditors generally.

         6.10 To such Debtor's knowledge, the execution, delivery and
performance of this Modification Agreement (and the documents related hereto) by
the Debtors do not and will not (i) violate any law, rule, regulation or court
order to which any Debtor is subject, (ii) conflict with or result in a breach
of the articles of incorporation or bylaws of any Debtor or any agreement or
instrument to which any Debtor is a party or by which its properties are bound,
or (iii) result in the creation or imposition of any lien, security interest or
encumbrance on any property of any Debtor, whether now owned or hereafter
acquired, other than liens in favor of Bank One.

         6.11 Such Debtor has consulted with counsel and with such other experts
and advisors as it has deemed necessary in connection with the negotiation,
execution and delivery of this Modification Agreement and the related documents.
This Modification Agreement and the related documents shall be construed without
regard to any presumption or rule requiring that it be construed against the
party causing this Modification Agreement or any part hereof to be drafted.

         6.12 All terms, conditions and provisions of the Loan Documents are
hereby reaffirmed, ratified and continued in full force and effect and shall
remain unaffected and unchanged except as specifically amended by this
Modification Agreement and the other documents and instruments executed in
connection herewith.

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7. COSTS AND EXPENSES OF LOAN MODIFICATION. Zila agrees to pay to Bank One
all costs and expenses incurred by Bank One in connection with this Modification
Agreement, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees, recording
fees, filing fees and all other costs and expenses incurred. Such fees, costs
and expenses may be paid to Bank One from the proceeds of an Advance under the
Line of Credit Loan.

8. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EFFECTIVENESS. The effectiveness of this Modification
Agreement is subject to the full and complete satisfaction of all of the
following conditions precedent:

         8.1 Bank One shall have received this Modification Agreement duly
executed by Zila and each of the Subsidiaries.

         8.2 Bank One shall have received security agreements duly executed by
each of the Subsidiaries except for Oxycal, in form and substance satisfactory
to Bank One, to further document the security interests granted under Section 5
of this Modification Agreement.

         8.3 Bank One shall have received a modification agreement duly executed
by Oxycal with respect to the Oxycal Security Agreement, such amendment to be in
form and substance satisfactory to Bank One.

         8.4 Bank One shall have received UCC-1 financing statements, in form
and substance satisfactory to Bank One and in all jurisdictions requested by
Bank One, duly executed by each of the Subsidiaries to give notice to third
parties as to the security interests granted under Section 5 of this
Modification Agreement.

         8.5 Bank One shall have received the Amendment to Deed of Trust for the
Building Loan, duly executed by Zila, with the notary block duly completed and
notarized.

         8.6 Bank One shall have received the Amendment to Deed of Trust for the
Project Loan, duly executed by Oxycal, with the notary block duly completed and
notarized.

         8.7 The closing of this Modification Agreement shall occur on or before
May 7, 2001.

9. DEFAULT. Each of the following occurrences shall constitute an Event of
Default hereunder and under the other Loan Documents:

         9.1 Any representation or warranty of Debtors herein or in the Loan
Documents shall be false, misleading or incorrect in any material respect;

         9.2 Any of the Debtors shall fail to keep or perform any of the
covenants or agreements contained herein or in any of the documents or
instruments executed in connection herewith; or

         9.3 The existence of any Event of Default (other than the Noncompliance
Events during the Noncompliance Period) under any of the Loan Documents.

10. NO WAIVER OF DEFAULTS. This Modification Agreement in no way acts as a
waiver of any default of any Debtor (other than the Noncompliance Events during
the Noncompliance Period) or as a release or relinquishment of any of the
existing liens, security interests, rights or remedies securing payment and
performance of the Obligations or the enforcement thereof.

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Such liens, security interests, rights and remedies are hereby ratified,
confirmed, preserved, renewed and extended by each of the Debtors in all
respects.

11. RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS AND WAIVER. Each of the Debtors hereby releases,
remises, acquits and forever discharges Bank One and Bank One's employees,
agents, representatives, consultants, attorneys, fiduciaries, servants,
officers, directors, partners, predecessors, successors and assigns, subsidiary
corporations, parent corporations, and related corporate divisions (all of the
foregoing hereinafter called the "RELEASED PARTIES"), from any and all actions
and causes of action, judgments, executions, suits, debts, claims, demands,
liabilities, obligations, damages and expenses of any and every character, known
or unknown, direct and/or indirect, at law or in equity, of whatsoever kind or
nature, whether heretofore or hereafter arising, for or because of any matter or
things done, omitted or suffered to be done by any of the Released Parties prior
to and including the date and execution hereof, arising out of or in any way
connected with the Loans, this Modification Agreement or the other Loan
Documents (all of the foregoing hereinafter called the "RELEASED MATTERS"). Each
of the Debtors acknowledges that the agreements herein are intended to be in
full satisfaction of all or any alleged injuries or damages arising in
connection with the Released Matters. Each of the Debtors represents and
warrants to Bank One that it has not purported to transfer, assign or otherwise
convey any of its right, title or interest in any Released Matter to any other
person and that the foregoing constitutes a full and complete release of all
Released Matters.

12. COMPLETE AGREEMENT; NO FUTURE FORBEARANCE OR MODIFICATION GRANTED.

         12.1 Complete Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained herein or in any other instrument executed by the parties and
notwithstanding any other action or conduct undertaken by the parties on or
before the date hereof, the agreements, covenants and provisions contained
herein shall constitute the only evidence of Bank One's agreement to forbear or
to modify the Loan Documents. Accordingly, no express or implied consent to any
further forbearances or modifications shall be inferred or implied by Bank One's
execution of this Modification Agreement. The Loan Documents and this
Modification Agreement, together with any documents executed in connection
herewith, constitute the entire agreement and understanding among the parties
relating to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior proposals,
negotiations, agreements and understandings relating to such subject matter. In
entering into this Modification Agreement, each of the Debtors acknowledges that
it is relying on no statement, representation, warranty, covenant or agreement
of any kind made by Bank One or any employee or agent of Bank One, except for
the agreements of Bank One set forth herein.

         12.2 No Future Forbearance or Modification Granted. Further, Bank One's
execution of this Modification Agreement shall not constitute a waiver (either
express or implied) of the requirement that any future forbearance under or
modification of any Loan Document shall require the express written approval of
Bank One. No such approval (either express or implied) has been given as of the
date hereof.

13. EFFECT AS A MODIFICATION AGREEMENT. Other than as specifically set forth
herein, the remaining terms of the Loan Documents shall remain in full force and
effect, including, without limitation, all Guarantees executed by the
Subsidiaries in favor of Bank One. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained in the Loan Documents, in the event of a conflict between the terms of
this Modification Agreement (on the one hand) and any Loan Document (on the
other hand), the terms of this Modification Agreement shall control. Nothing

                                       10
<PAGE>   11
contained in this Modification Agreement is intended to or shall be construed as
relieving any person or entity, whether a party to this Modification Agreement
or not, of any of such person's or entity's obligations to Bank One.

14. CONSENT AND RATIFICATION BY GUARANTORS. Each of the Subsidiaries
acknowledges that, on or about December 1, 2000 (or subsequent thereto), it
executed a Commercial Guaranty for the benefit of Bank One pursuant to which it
absolutely and unconditionally guaranteed payment of all indebtedness of Zila to
Bank One, whether then existing or later incurred or created, and Oxycal
acknowledges that on or about March 1, 1999, it executed an Unconditional
Guarantee of Payment with respect to obligations under the Reimbursement
Agreement. Each of the Subsidiaries acknowledges, agrees and warrants that: (i)
Bank One's rights under the Guarantees shall not be adversely affected by the
execution of this Modification Agreement or the other documents related hereto;
(ii) the Guarantees shall remain in full force and effect, and all references in
the Guarantees to the Loan Documents (regardless of the precise form of such
references) are deemed amended to refer to the Loan Documents as amended; and
(iii) such Subsidiary's Guarantee, as amended, is hereby ratified and reaffirmed
by such Subsidiary.

15. APPLICABLE LAW; JURY WAIVER.

         15.1 Applicable Law. This Modification Agreement has been delivered to
Bank One and accepted by Bank One in the State of Arizona. This Agreement shall
be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arizona
without regard to any conflict of laws or provisions thereof.

         15.2 JURY WAIVER. EACH OF THE UNDERSIGNED PARTIES HEREBY VOLUNTARILY
WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO HAVE A JURY PARTICIPATE IN RESOLVING ANY DISPUTE (WHETHER
BASED UPON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) BETWEEN OR AMONG BANK ONE AND THE
UNDERSIGNED PARTIES ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO THIS MODIFICATION
AGREEMENT, OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR ANY OTHER RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BANK
ONE AND THE UNDERSIGNED PARTIES. THIS PROVISION IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT TO BANK
ONE TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE THE FINANCING DESCRIBED HEREIN AND IN THE OTHER LOAN
DOCUMENTS.

16. FACSIMILE AND COUNTERPART EXECUTION. Any signature delivered by a party by
facsimile transmission shall be deemed an original signature hereto, and this
Modification Agreement may be executed in counterparts, all of which shall
constitute one agreement.

17. BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT. This Modification Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their
respective successors and assigns.

No other person or entity is entitled to claim any right or benefit hereunder,
including, without limitation, the status of a third-party beneficiary of this
Modification Agreement.

                                       11
<PAGE>   12
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Modification Agreement
effective as of the day, month and year first above written.

                  "ZILA":                 ZILA, INC.,
                                          a Delaware corporation

                                          By: /s/ Joseph Hines
                                          Name: Joseph Hines
                                          Title: President

                  "SUBSIDIARIES":         Integrated Dental Technologies, Inc.,
                                          a California corporation

                                          By: /s/ Bradley C. Anderson
                                          Name: Bradley C. Anderson
                                          Title: Treasurer

                                          Ryder Dental of Kentucky, Inc.,
                                          a Kentucky corporation

                                          By: /s/ Bradley C. Anderson
                                          Name: Bradley C. Anderson
                                          Title: Treasurer

                                          Bio-Dental Technologies Corporation,
                                          a California corporation

                                          By: /s/ Bradley C. Anderson
                                          Name: Bradley C. Anderson
                                          Title: Treasurer

                                          Zila Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,
                                          a Nevada corporation

                                          By: /s/ Bradley C. Anderson
                                          Name: Bradley C. Anderson
                                          Title: Treasurer

                                       12
<PAGE>   13
                  "SUBSIDIARIES":         Zila Technologies, Inc.,
                       (Cont'd)           an Arizona corporation

                                          By: /s/ Bradley C. Anderson
                                          Name: Bradley C. Anderson
                                          Title: Treasurer

                                          Inter-Cal Corporation, Inc.,
                                          an Arizona corporation

                                          By: /s/ Bradley C. Anderson
                                          Name: Bradley C. Anderson
                                          Title: Treasurer

                                          Oxycal Laboratories, Incorporated,
                                          an Arizona corporation

                                          By: /s/ Bradley C. Anderson
                                          Name: Bradley C. Anderson
                                          Title: Treasurer

                                          Oxycal Export, Inc.,
                                          a Virgin Islands corporation

                                          By: /s/ Bradley C. Anderson
                                          Name: Bradley C. Anderson
                                          Title: Treasurer

                                          Zila Swab Technologies, Inc.,
                                          an Arizona corporation

                                          By: /s/ Bradley C. Anderson
                                          Name: Bradley C. Anderson
                                          Title: Treasurer

                  "BANK ONE"              Bank One, Arizona, NA,
                                          a national banking association

                                          By: /s/ Hope Berman Levin
                                          Name: Hope Berman Levin
                                          Title: Vice President

                                       13
<PAGE>   14
                                    EXHIBIT A

                              NONCOMPLIANCE EVENTS

         The following events have been identified by Bank One or reported to
Bank One by Zila, and Bank One, Zila and each of its Subsidiaries agree that
such events constitute "Noncompliance Events" for purposes of the foregoing
Modification Agreement:

1.       The Addendum to the LOC Loan Agreement contains an affirmative
         financial covenant with respect to the debt service coverage ratio,
         which requires that Zila will maintain on a consolidated basis, as of
         the end of each fiscal quarter, a ratio of (a) net income plus
         Depreciation and Amortization plus nonrecurring merger related expenses
         for the twelve month period then ending, to (b) current maturities of
         long term debt for the same such twelve month period, of not less than
         1.25 to 1.0. Zila and its Subsidiaries did not meet the minimum
         required debt service coverage ratio as of quarter ended April 30,
         2001. The section of the LOC Loan Agreement entitled "Events of
         Default" states that the failure of Zila or any Subsidiary to comply
         with or perform when due any term, obligation, covenant or condition
         contained in the LOC Loan Agreement constitutes an Event of Default
         under the LOC Loan Agreement.

2.       The conditions precedent to Advances set forth in the LOC Loan
         Agreement include the requirement that no material adverse change in
         the financial condition of Zila or any of the Subsidiaries since the
         effective date of the most recent financial statements furnished to
         Bank One shall have occurred and be continuing. As of April 30, 2001,
         there has been a material adverse change in the financial condition of
         Zila and its Subsidiaries since the effective date of the previous
         financial statements provided to Bank One by Zila.

                                       14
<PAGE>   15
                                    EXHIBIT B

                            DESCRIPTION OF COLLATERAL

All of each Subsidiary's right, title and interest in and to the following
described personal property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, whether
now existing or hereafter arising, and wherever located:

         All inventory, chattel paper, accounts and general intangibles,

together with all of the following, whether now owned or hereafter acquired,
whether now existing or hereafter arising, and wherever located:

                  (a) all attachments, accessions, accessories, tools, parts,
         supplies, increases, and additions to and all replacements and
         substitutions for any property described above;

                  (b) all products and produce of any of the property described
         above;

                  (c) all proceeds (including, without limitation, insurance
         proceeds) from the sale, lease, destruction, loss, or other disposition
         of any of the property described above; and

                  (d) all records and data relating to any of the property
         described above, whether in the form of a writing, photograph,
         microfilm, microfiche, or electronic media, together with all of such
         Subsidiary's right, title and interest in and to all computer software
         required to utilize, create, maintain, and process any such records or
         data on electronic media.

                                       15<PAGE>   1

                                  Exhibit 10-Q

March 15, 2001

Mr. Curt Rocca
Chief Executive Officer
Douglas, Curtis & Allyn, LLC
9712 Merriweather Court
Granite Bay, CA   95746

Dear Curt,

In follow up to our recent meeting and subsequent conversations, this engagement
letter ("Agreement") shall define the terms of our agreement under which
Douglas, Curtis & Allyn, LLC ("DCA") will provide Business Development and
certain other related services for Zila, Inc. and subsidiaries thereof ("Zila"),
subject to the approval of the Zila Board of Directors on March 14, 2001.

DCA shall, effective March 15, 2001, take on the role as non-exclusive business
development representative for Zila, pursuing strategic partnerships,
acquisitions, divestitures, etc. on behalf of the Company, in accordance with
directions from Joe Hines and/or Brad Anderson. It is understood that this is an
independent contractor relationship and will be for approximately 600 hours per
year, with certain periods of time requiring a heavier concentration of effort
than others. DCA shall primarily focus its efforts on the Professional Dental
market, but shall also be available to assist Zila on other strategic
initiatives as may be requested by Zila.

In this capacity, DCA will, among other things, perform the following functions,
as requested:

         [ ]  Consult with Joe Hines and division heads to understand the
              strategic plan for the Professional Products Group, and to
              identify potential partner / acquisition opportunities which may
              be consistent with such strategic plan(s)

         [ ]  Prospect (through direct mail, e-mail, telephone, and personal
              meetings) potential acquisitions or strategic partners within the
              professional dental market

         [ ]  Attend industry trade shows or other events as Zila may reasonably
              request

         [ ]  Assist in the disposition of any assets or business units, as
              appropriate

         [ ]  Sell Zila within the professional dental industry as a company
              that others would like to be a part of

         [ ]  Help to negotiate transaction terms

         [ ]  Help to coordinate (but not conduct) the due-diligence process

         [ ]  Develop financial analyses related to potential transactions,
              including ROI, ROE and dilution analysis

         [ ]  Develop Board level presentations for deals on which we have
              successfully negotiated terms

         [ ]  Assist with the documentation process of all transactions

         [ ]  Assist in developing a post-closing integration strategy

         [ ]  Assist Zila pursue corporate transactions in other areas of its
              business, as requested

CONFIDENTIAL                         PAGE 1
<PAGE>   2
In exchange for the provision of these services, DCA will receive a monthly
retainer of $5000 per month, paid in advance on the first of each month. In
addition, DCA will be reimbursed for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
incurred in performing its services for Zila within 10 days of the submission of
such expenses for reimbursement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any such
expenses over $500 shall require pre-approval by Joe Hines or another authorized
Zila representative.

In addition to the retainer described above, DCA shall also earn a Success Fee
equal to 1% of each Transaction Value paid in cash at the time of the closing of
such Transaction. For the purposes of this Agreement, a Transaction shall be
defined as any acquisition, divestiture, merger, change of control, sale of
substantial assets, consolidation, reorganization, or recapitalization where (i)
Zila has requested the assistance of DCA to find, solicit, or negotiate such
Transaction, or (ii) DCA has first introduced such proposed Transaction to Zila.

For purposes of this agreement, the term Transaction Value shall mean (a) the
total amount of cash paid; plus (b) the fair market value of any assets,
securities or other property or rights transferred (including, without
limitation, payments to be made under non-competition, employment, or similar
arrangements), except debt instruments which are issued, assumed or forgiven,
which shall be valued at the face amount thereof. For purposes of calculating
the Success Fee, the fair market value of securities for which there is an
established trading market shall be the closing sale price of the securities on
the trading day preceding the closing of the transaction. The fair market value
of any assets, securities, property or rights (other than as provided above)
will be mutually agreed upon by Zila and DCA. If the parties can not agree on
the fair market value of such assets, securities, property or rights, then they
will choose a qualified appraiser of national standing to conclusively determine
such fair market value. DCA and Zila will share equally the expense of any such
qualified appraiser.

The term of this agreement shall be for a period of one year, after which time
it shall automatically renew for subsequent one-year terms. This agreement may
be terminated at any time following the end of the first year, with or without
cause, by DCA or Zila upon receipt of written notice to the other party to that
effect. However, following termination, DCA shall be entitled to receive the
Success Fee outlined above for any Transaction initiated during the term of this
Agreement which closes within one year following such termination.

Zila agrees to indemnify and hold harmless DCA and its affiliates, and their
respective members, officers, directors, shareholders, employees, agents, and
all other parties affiliated with DCA ("Indemnified Person") from and against
any losses, claims, damages or liabilities relating to, arising out of, or in
connection with the engagement hereunder and the performance of the services
contemplated hereunder. Accordingly, Zila will reimburse each Indemnified Person
for all expenses (including fees and expenses of counsel) as they are incurred
in connection with investigating, preparing, pursuing, or defending any action,
claim, suit, investigation, or proceeding relating to the engagement hereunder,
whether pending or threatened, and whether or not any Indemnified Party is a
party. HOWEVER, in no event shall Zila be responsible for any such
indemnification where it is judicially determined that any such losses, claims,
damages, or liabilities resulted from the bad faith, gross negligence, or fraud
of any Indemnified Person; provided, however, that if it is judicially
determined that Zila's losses, claims, damages or liabilities resulted from the
bad faith, gross negligence or fraud of DCA, DCA shall promptly reimburse Zila
for any expenses incurred (including fees and expenses of counsel) to obtain the
judicial determination.

Mr. Rocca, the Chief Executive Officer of DCA, also serves as a director of
Zila, Inc. Mr. Rocca agrees to comply with any conflict of interest procedures
instituted by Zila's Board of Directors.

CONFIDENTIAL                         PAGE 2
<PAGE>   3
DCA shall perform the Services as an independent contractor to the Company, and
DCA shall serve as an advisor to, and not an agent of, Zila. Liability of DCA
under this Agreement shall be limited to the greater of $200,000 or the amount
of fees paid hereunder, and further limited pursuant to the terms of
indemnification contained herein. DCA will exercise diligence in rendering its
advice and performing the Services, however the final decision and sole
responsibility for all decisions and actions shall remain with Zila. This
Agreement shall be construed, interpreted and applied in accordance with the
laws of the State of Arizona, without regard to principles of conflicts of law.
Any dispute arising as a result of this Agreement shall be settled by
arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association
("AAA"), Maricopa County, Arizona.

                                                Sincerely,

                                                /s/ Joseph Hines
                                                Joseph Hines
                                                President/CEO

                  ACCEPTED:

/s/Curtis M. Rocca
Curtis M. Rocca III for Douglas, Curtis & Allyn, LLC        Date: March 15, 2001

CONFIDENTIAL                         PAGE 3

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