4.18.2006 ET

(CSRwire) DEERFIELD, Ill. - Baxter Healthcare Corporation announced today
that it has recently received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on
its new AVIVA premium line of intravenous solutions and plans to begin a limited launch of
the new line in the second half of 2006.

While providing similar functionality and benefits of the company's VIAFLEX flexible container systems, AVIVA containers are made of non-PVC (non-polyvinyl chloride) film, contain no latex and offer a DEHP-free [di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-free] fluid pathway to patients. The new AVIVA container line, which features Baxter's ENLIGHTENED HRBC bar code, includes the most common and widely used intravenous (IV) solutions and is complemented by a broad offering of non-DEHP IV administration sets.

Products packaged in AVIVA containers will initially be available to a limited number of pilot center sites for specialty use. Baxter will be conducting a targeted launch with a select group of customers in 2006 and anticipates broader availability of the product line in 2007.

"We look forward to offering our customers a premium line of products that complements and builds on the success of our current container portfolio," said David Bonderud, president of Baxter's U.S. Medication Delivery business. "Certain newer therapies are more complex and have the potential to be incompatible with existing container technology. Our new AVIVA line was developed to better accommodate these niche applications, and help clinicians better meet the needs of sensitive populations, such as neonatal, pediatric and oncology patients."

"We are pleased children's hospitals have the opportunity to be among Baxter's first group of sites to evaluate this new generation of IV containers," said John VanEeckhout, Pharm.D., vice president of Clinical Services, Child Health Corporation of America. "We support the company's efforts in developing and deploying environmentally responsible products."

Baxter has been a leader in the development and production of flexible container systems for the delivery of medication, pioneering the world's first flexible blood collection containers, flexible intravenous solution containers and containers for bioprocessing and biologic drugs. The company offers a broad range of materials and products to meet specific clinical needs, including nearly 250 intravenous medications, parenteral nutrition and access systems and administration devices that use non-DEHP materials.

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

AVIVA, VIAFLEX and ENLIGHTENED HRBC are trademarks of Baxter International Inc.

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