DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Baxter Healthcare Corporation has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on its upgraded Ipump Pain Management System 510(k) notification.

Baxter plans to resume selling the upgraded Ipump Pain Management System, which is used primarily in hospitals for controlled delivery of pain medicines, in the U.S. and international markets in second quarter 2007. Baxter also plans
to launch the Ipump system in two new geographies.


"We are pleased to be able to meet the growing need for electronic infusion pumps for pain management with the reintroduction of the Ipump system," said Peter J. Arduini, president of Baxter's Medication Delivery business. "The
Ipump system allows patients to actively participate in managing their pain while in the hospital. After a clinician programs the pump, patients have the ability to control administration of their pain medicine at regulated intervals resulting in improved pain management."

Baxter placed Ipump Pain Management Systems on hold in July 2005 and subsequently developed upgraded hardware and software for the product. Existing and new Ipump systems will receive updated hardware and software that reduces the occurrence of certain error codes and improves the programming process to better match clinical application. In addition, the pumps will receive new Patient-Controlled Analgesia user controls designed to be more durable with a comfortable ergonomic shape. Upgrades to Ipump systems outside the U.S. have begun and customers in the U.S. will begin receiving upgrades in second quarter 2007.

About the Ipump System
The Ipump Pain Management System is indicated for the controlled delivery (continuous, intermittent, and continuous plus intermittent) of analgesic, sedative, and anesthetic solutions through clinically acceptable routes of administration including intravenous, subcutaneous, and epidural, and for regional or local analgesia applications.

About Baxter
Baxter Healthcare Corporation is a subsidiary of Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX). Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, assists healthcare professionals and their patients with treatment of complex medical conditions, including cancer, hemophilia, immune disorders, kidney disease and trauma. The company applies its expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives.

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