DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX), a leader in innovative technology for medication delivery, today announced a distribution agreement for the U.S. launch of the Arisure Closed System Transfer device, which consists of several components that work together to help prevent contaminants from entering the intravenous (IV) medication delivery system and the escape of hazardous substances out of the system during drug preparation and administration.

The Arisure Closed System Transfer device is designed to be easy to use with an emphasis on safety. The device includes a closed vial adapter that helps provide closed access to liquid or powder vials for reconstitution; an intravenous dry spike that helps provide closed access to an IV bag for addition and removal of a drug or solution; and a closed male Luer valve that helps provide closed transfer of a diluent or drug from a standard male Luer tip in a syringe or administration set. The Arisure Closed Male Luer locks with a simple Luer lock motion on a syringe or administration set, helping reduce the exposure of healthcare professionals to sharp needles. In addition, the Arisure Closed Male Luer components are compatible with Baxter’s ONE-LINK Needle-free IV Connector and CLEARLINK Luer Activated Valve to help create a mechanically and microbiologically closed system.

“The Arisure Closed System Transfer device helps address multiple concerns of both healthcare professionals and patients, helping ensure safer drug preparation, transportation, administration and disposal, and helping reduce the risk of accidental exposure or contamination,” said Scott Luce, general manager, U.S. Hospital Products, Baxter. “In addition, this technology will help hospitals comply with professional standards for safe handling of hazardous drugs.”

Currently, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends closed-system drug transfer devices, and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is expected to introduce USP General Chapter <800>, detailing its standards for safe handling of hazardous drugs, in December 2019.

The Arisure Closed System Transfer device is the latest addition to Baxter’s broad portfolio of products designed to help enhance the safe delivery of medication across the patient continuum of care, from the pharmacy to the bedside. These products include but are not limited to pharmacy software and automation that helps promote dose preparation safety and reduce waste; the Sigma Spectrum Infusion System that includes pioneering safety features to help minimize patient risk when administering vital fluids and medications; and needle-free connector product lines that can contribute to reducing hospital infections.

About Baxter

Baxter provides a broad portfolio of essential renal and hospital products, including home, acute and in-center dialysis; sterile IV solutions; infusion systems and devices; parenteral nutrition; surgery products and anesthetics; and pharmacy automation, software and services. The company’s global footprint and the critical nature of its products and services play a key role in expanding access to healthcare in emerging and developed countries. Baxter’s employees worldwide are building upon the company’s rich heritage of medical breakthroughs to advance the next generation of healthcare innovations that enable patient care.

This release includes forward-looking statements concerning the Arisure Closed System Transfer device, including potential benefits associated with its use (including helping to ensure safer drug preparation, transportation, administration and disposal). The statements are based on assumptions about many important factors, including the following, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements: satisfaction of regulatory and other requirements; actions of regulatory bodies and other governmental authorities; product quality, manufacturing or supply, or patient safety issues; changes in law and regulations; and other risks identified in Baxter's most recent filing on Form 10-K and other SEC filings, all of which are available on Baxter's website. Baxter does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements.

Rx Only. For safe and proper use of this device, refer to the full Instructions for Use.

Baxter, ONE-LINK, CLEARLINK and Sigma Spectrum are trademarks of Baxter International Inc.

Arisure is a trademark of Yukon Medical, LLC.

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