News Release

CERUS AND BAXTER'S INTERCEPT DISPOSABLE SET FOR PLATELETS RECEIVES EUROPEAN REGULATORY APPROVAL

Companies Poised to Offer First Technology Available to Inactivate Pathogens in Platelets Intended for Transfusion

CONCORD, Calif. and DEERFIELD, Ill., June 4, 2002 -- Cerus Corporation (Nasdaq: CERS) and subsidiaries of Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX) today announced receipt of CE Mark approval for the INTERCEPT Blood System disposable set for inactivating pathogens in platelets prepared using the "buffy coat" method, the predominant approach for preparing platelets used for transfusion in Europe. As a result of this regulatory action, the companies are positioned to be the first to offer a revolutionary approach to inactivate a broad spectrum of pathogens that may be present in platelets, targeting both potential emerging pathogens and known pathogens that may escape detection by current testing systems.

The INTERCEPT Blood System for platelets is a pathogen inactivation system consisting of a disposable set containing a light-activated, nucleic acid-targeting compound and an illumination device. CE Mark approval of the disposable set represents the completion of regulatory review of the design dossier. The next step is completion of the CE Mark process for the illumination device.

"The approval of the disposable set for INTERCEPT Platelets is wonderful news, and sets the stage for the first commercial application of our technology," said Stephen T. Isaacs, president and chief executive officer of Cerus. "The final step prior to commercialization in Europe is to complete the CE Marking process for the illumination device, for which no further regulatory agency review is expected. In collaboration with Baxter, we expect to complete this process while we prepare to roll-out the first pathogen inactivation system for platelets."

Greg Young, corporate vice president and president of Baxter's Fenwal business said, "CE Mark approval of the INTERCEPT Platelets' disposable set represents more than a decade of collaboration between Cerus and Baxter. We look forward to working together to bring to market the first pathogen inactivation system for platelets. We are excited about the prospects of INTERCEPT Platelets to further enhance the safety of the blood supply."

Approximately 1.3 million platelet transfusions are performed annually in Europe to prevent bleeding in a variety of patients, including those undergoing high-dose chemotherapy, heart bypass surgery or general surgical procedures. While donated platelets are tested for certain known pathogens, current testing methods do not detect potential emerging pathogens or eliminate the risk of viral contamination. In addition, there are no tests routinely used to screen for bacteria, which is of particular concern as bacteria quickly grow in nutrient-rich platelet concentrates.

Cerus and Baxter are the only companies in clinical trials and undergoing regulatory review for pathogen inactivation systems for all three of the primary blood components -- platelets, plasma, and red blood cells. The companies have begun the regulatory submission process for INTERCEPT Platelets in the United States.

The INTERCEPT Blood System for platelets is designed to inactivate viruses, bacteria, other pathogens and white blood cells in platelets intended for transfusion. INTERCEPT Platelets use Cerus' light-activated Helinx® compound designed to permanently inactivate a broad array of pathogens while preserving the integrity and therapeutic value of the blood component.

The INTERCEPT disposable set for platelets contains the integrated plastic components for the pathogen inactivation and storage of INTERCEPT platelets. During the pathogen inactivation process, platelets are mixed in the disposable set with the Helinx compound. The platelet container is then placed in the illumination device, where it is exposed to UVA light that activates the compound.

The Helinx compound, when activated, binds to and crosslinks nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) in viruses, bacteria and other pathogens, rendering them unable to multiply. These proprietary compounds also prevent the proliferation of white blood cells, which are associated with a variety of adverse transfusion reactions. Following light exposure, the by-products of the pathogen inactivation process are removed and the INTERCEPT platelets are transferred to the final bag where they are stored under normal platelet storage conditions until transfusion. Mature platelets, plasma and red blood cells do not contain DNA or RNA, and therefore are not targeted by the INTERCEPT process.

Cerus Corporation is developing medical systems and therapeutics based on its proprietary Helinx technology for controlling biological replication. Cerus' most advanced programs are focused on systems to enhance the safety of blood products used for transfusion. The INTERCEPT Blood Systems, based on the Cerus Helinx technology, are being developed to inactivate viruses, bacteria, parasites and white blood cells. The Concord, California-based company also is pursuing therapeutic applications
of Helinx technology to treat and prevent serious diseases.

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 patients with some of the most challenging medical conditions including cancer, hemophilia, immune deficiencies, infectious diseases, kidney disease and trauma.

(Helinx is a U.S. registered trademark of Cerus Corporation)
(INTERCEPT is a trademark of Baxter International Inc.)

Statements in this news release regarding regulatory filings, product development and commercial potential are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from the above forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks and uncertainty of the timing and results of clinical trials and other development activities, actions by regulatory authorities at any stage of the development process, additional financing activities, manufacturing, market acceptance of any products, competitive conditions and other factors discussed in the companies' most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

	Media Contacts: Cerus Corporation Sylvia Wheeler, 925-288-6061 Baxter Healthcare Corporation Jed Weiner, 847-270-3928, North America Tanya Tyska, 847-948-3256, North America Patty O'Hayer, 011 32 2 650 1924, Europe Investor Contacts: Cerus Corporation Sylvia Wheeler, 925-288-6061 Baxter Healthcare Corporation Neville Jeharajah, 847-948-2875 Mary Kay Ladone, 847-948-3371