March 14, 2006 > Baxter Study Verifies Inactivation of Influenza H5N1 Virus

DEERFIELD, Ill. , March 6, 2006 _ Baxter Healthcare Corporation is the principal U.S. operating subsidiary of Baxter International Inc. The company through its subsidiaries assists healthcare professionals and their patients with the treatment of complex medical conditions, including cancer, hemophilia, immune disorders, kidney disease and trauma.

Baxter Healthcare announced the results of a study verifying the successful inactivation of H5N1 influenza (bird flu) virus during the processes routinely used in the production of its plasma-derived therapeutics.

Baxter initiated the verification study to address the rising public concern over the spread of the H5N1 virus outside of Asia, the recent demonstration that the H5N1 virus may occur in blood more widely than other strains of influenza, and the perceived threat of influenza virus transmission through the use of plasma derivatives.