Baxter Announces Dosing of First Patient in Phase I Clinical Trial of Recombinant Therapy for von Willebrand Disease

DEERFIELD, Ill., December 4, 2008 – Baxter Healthcare Corporation today announced the dosing of the first patient in a Phase I clinical trial of its recombinant von Willebrand Factor (rVWF), an investigational drug for the treatment of von Willebrand Disease (VWD), the most common type of inherited bleeding disorder. The multicenter, controlled, randomized, single-blind prospective trial will evaluate the pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of rVWF in Type 3 VWD patients. The study will be conducted in North America and Europe.

“Baxter is pleased to begin clinical testing of the first recombinant, plasma and albumin-free treatment for von Willebrand Disease, a clinically-challenging bleeding disorder with unmet needs in therapeutic options,” said Bruce Ewenstein, MD, PhD, vice president, clinical affairs, Baxter’s BioScience business.

“All current therapies for von Willebrand Disease are derived from human plasma. A plasma- and albumin-free recombinant therapy would eliminate the potential risk of transmitting blood-borne pathogens since no blood components are added at any stage of manufacturing. Achieving this milestone is significant in supporting our commitment to improve care for the bleeding disorder community,” said Hartmut Ehrlich, MD, vice president of global research and development for Baxter’s BioScience business.

Recombinant VWF is currently in development for the treatment of patients diagnosed with severe VWD and for other patients with VWD who are unresponsive or otherwise unable to receive desmopressin, a synthetic hormone that promotes the release of natural VWF. To learn about enrollment, patients and caregivers may go to www.clinicaltrials.gov, where details will soon be posted.

About VWD

According to the World Federation of Hemophilia, VWD is the most common type of bleeding disorder and affects both men and women. Patients with VWD either produce insufficient VWF or carry defective VWF and may experience problems with primary hemostasis (stopping of bleeding), secondary hemostasis or a combination of both. It is estimated that up to one percent of the world’s population suffers from VWD, but because many people have only mild symptoms, only a small number of them may know they have it. Research has suggested that as many as nine out of 10 people with VWD have not been diagnosed.

There are three major subtypes of VWD. Type 3 VWD is usually the most severe form as patients have very little or no VWF. Patients with Type 3 VWD experience primarily mucosal bleeds, such as nosebleeds, and in women severe menstrual bleeding, but can also suffer from bleeding into muscles and joints.

About VWF

Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) is the largest protein present in plasma, platelets and vascular endothelial cells and plays several essential roles in the normal hemostatic process. When a blood vessel is injured, VWF mediates the binding of platelets to the vessel wall and to each other. VWF also binds Factor VIII, an essential component in the normal formation of fibrin that serves to stabilize this platelet plug and ensure normal coagulation.

Baxter Hemophilia Research and Development

Baxter is a global leader in hemophilia therapy, with innovations that span 50 years. Through its own scientific expertise and strategic collaborations, Baxter is applying novel technologies that will pioneer the next generation of hemophilia and bleeding disorders therapies. The company is investigating ways to provide less invasive dosing techniques, longer acting therapies that require less frequent infusions, and reduce the potential for inhibitor formation to help improve the lives of people with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders.

About Baxter

Baxter Healthcare Corporation is the principal U.S. operating subsidiary of Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX). Baxter International Inc. develops, manufactures and markets products that save and sustain the lives of people with hemophilia, immune disorders, infectious diseases, kidney disease, trauma, and other chronic and acute medical conditions. As a global, diversified healthcare company, Baxter applies a unique combination of expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to create products that advance patient care worldwide.