News Release

BAXTER LAUNCHES PULSE, NEW WATER + NUTRIENTS SUPPLEMENT

Global Health Care Company Answers Baby Boomers' Need to Make Nutrition Simple

Baxter Leverages Technological Expertise to Develop Innovative Product

DEERFIELD, IL, May 28, 2002 -- A subsidiary of Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX) today launched PULSE, a line of water + nutrients supplements. PULSE products are the first dietary supplements of this type to be developed and marketed by an established, global health care company.

"Baxter is uniquely positioned to launch this product given our knowledge and history in nutrition, and our experience developing health-related products," said Arline McDonald, Ph.D., senior project manager at Baxter. "PULSE is another first from a company that is a recognized innovator in the health care industry."

PULSE supplements are a convenient way to receive nutrients and other nutrient-related ingredients specifically targeted for areas of health and wellness. In particular, the PULSE supplements address key nutritional needs of Baby Boomers, ages 38-56. The initial PULSE product offering contains specific ingredients that provide benefits for women's health, men's health and heart health.

At the outset, PULSE water + nutrients supplements will be available in greater Chicago and Arizona. In Chicago, PULSE water + nutrients supplements will be available soon at Jewel, Dominick's, Costco, Walgreens, and other fine retailers. In Arizona, PULSE water + nutrients supplements will be available soon at Albertsons, Osco Drug, Safeway, Fry's, Bashas', Walgreens, and other fine retailers.

"Millions of Baby Boomers are now beginning to experience chronic health issues," said Dr. Pamela Peeke, assistant clinical professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and one of the leading nutritional experts in the country. "Boomer men are at higher risk for prostate cancer. Women in this age group are entering perimenopause and menopause. Both sexes are at increased risk for cardiovascular issues, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

"Improving nutrition can address many of the chronic health conditions facing Baby Boomers. However, many important nutrients, for example soluble fiber, are not consumed in adequate amounts in typical American diets. In addition, many Boomers have hectic lifestyles and say they don't have the time to pay attention to good nutrition," said Peeke, a Pew Foundation Scholar in Nutrition and Metabolism and author of Fight Fat After Forty.

NUTRITION MADE SIMPLE
According to a public opinion survey released in 2000 by the American Dietetic Association (ADA), nearly 60 percent of respondents pointed to the lack of time and inconvenience as major reasons for not focusing on proper nutrition and wellness. In addition, the number of survey respondents who say they know what healthy eating behavior is and feel they should eat a healthy diet, but for one reason or another have failed to implement that behavior, showed a significant upward shift.

"PULSE supplements offer Baby Boomers and others the nutrients they need in a convenient package," said McDonald. "The nutrients in PULSE supplements are all backed by solid research; they are scientifically demonstrated to promote health in targeted areas. The nutrients and nutrient-related ingredients were specifically selected to provide the amounts necessary to achieve targeted health benefits. These nutrients normally cannot be consumed in adequate amounts by eating food without substantially increasing calories."

LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGICAL EXPERTISE
The PULSE concept surfaced just last year through Baxter's innovation incubator, Non-Traditional Research and Innovation (NTRI). Baxter launched this formal program in early 2001 to incubate and harness non-traditional growth opportunities across its businesses and to leverage related technological expertise that does not neatly fit within Baxter's existing businesses. NTRI functions as an internal venture capital fund, making seed investments in opportunities that Baxter's existing businesses would not typically pursue.

"PULSE is an excellent example of how an innovative idea, nurtured with focused support and technological know-how, can yield exciting new growth opportunities," said Norbert Riedel, Baxter's chief scientific officer. "It also demonstrates the important role NTRI plays in incubating innovation-friendly business processes, for example processes that shorten the time to bring new ideas to market." The entire innovation process for PULSE, from initial concept to market, took only 14 months.

Baxter's entry into this market segment taps the company's extensive experience in nutritional solutions, particularly its expertise in formulating non-water soluble ingredients into a water-based solution and developing specialized containers to assure stability and shelf-life.

PULSE SUPPLEMENTS PRODUCT LINE
The PULSE water + nutrients supplements are being rolled-out initially in three formulations -- Heart Health Formula, Women's Health Formula and Men's Health Formula.

Heart Health Formula
One 16.9 fl. oz. (500 mL) bottle of PULSE Heart Health Formula contains 25 percent of the recommended daily value of dietary fiber, which helps maintain cholesterol levels already within the normal range.* Other ingredients include Vitamin C, an antioxidant important in maintaining heart health, and selenium, which helps maintain normal heart function.* PULSE Heart Health Formula is available in Mandarin Citrus and Strawberry Kiwi flavors. Each 16.9 fl. oz. bottle contains 36 calories.

Women's Health Formula
A nutritional supplement designed especially for women, PULSE Women's Health Formula contains nutrients that address the nutrition needs of women. It includes soy isoflavones, which help to reduce the occurrence of symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause; calcium, which promotes bone health; magnesium and vitamin D, which promote bone health by supporting calcium metabolism; vitamin B6, which helps to keep the nervous system, blood and skin healthy; folic acid, an important nutrient that helps support a healthy heart and blood vessels; and vitamin B12, which supports folic acid metabolism.* Flavors include Cranberry Raspberry, Cranberry Lime and Cranberry Green Apple. Each 16.9 fl. oz. bottle contains 18 calories.

Men's Health Formula
PULSE Men's Health Formula contains a blend of nutrients designed to support prostate health and address the nutritional needs of men. Key ingredients include lycopene, which helps promote prostate health and protects the body against free-radical damage; plus vitamins C and E, selenium, and green tea catechins, all antioxidants important in maintaining heart and prostate health.* PULSE Men's Health Formula is available in Pineapple Citrus, Tropical Fruit Blend and Melonberry flavors. Each 16.9 fl. oz. bottle contains 36 calories.

ABOUT BAXTER
Baxter International Inc. is a global health care company that, through its subsidiaries, provides critical therapies for people with life-threatening conditions. Baxter's bioscience, medication delivery and renal products and services are used to treat some of the most challenging medical conditions including cancer, hemophilia, immune deficiencies, infectious diseases, kidney disease and trauma. For more information, please visit www.baxter.com and www.pulsenutrition.com.

(PULSE and NUTRITION MADE SIMPLE are trademarks of Baxter International Inc.)

*The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

	Media Contacts: Ilke Arici, Weber Shandwick Healthcare, 312-397-6624 George Rafeedie, Baxter International Inc., 847-948-3675