Press releases

Cangene to Continue Manufacturing; Baxter Gains Exclusive U.S. Rights to Market Treatment for Bleeding Disorder

DEERFIELD, Ill., TORONTO and WINNIPEG, Manitoba, March 28, 2005 – Baxter Healthcare Corporation and Cangene Corporation announced today that, effective immediately, Baxter has assumed exclusive rights to market and distribute Cangene's WinRho ® SDF [Rho(D) Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human)] in the United States. WinRho SDF is used to treat a critical bleeding disorder called immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Baxter currently markets WinRho   SDF for Cangene in the United Kingdom and intends to launch the therapy in 10 other European countries.

“Baxter's knowledge and experience in distributing WinRho SDF in the United Kingdom, along with the company's expertise in marketing bleeding disorder products in the United States, make this partnership a good fit,” said Dr. John Langstaff, president and chief executive officer of Cangene Corporation.

“WinRho SDF leverages Baxter's expertise in hematology and complements our product portfolio,” said Joy Amundson, president of Baxter's BioScience business. “We look forward to working with Cangene to enable a smooth transition to physicians and ITP patients in need of additional treatment options.”

ITP is an autoimmune bleeding disorder caused by an abnormally low level of platelets. In ITP, the immune system produces antibodies against platelets causing their premature destruction. Platelets are components of the blood that are necessary for blood to clot properly. Individuals who suffer from ITP may have symptoms such as bruising on skin and gums, nosebleeds, or mucosal bleeding. The most serious risk in patients who develop ITP is intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding into the brain).

“It is estimated that approximately 30,000 people develop ITP in the United States every year, and about half of those affected are children,” said Joan Young, president of the Platelet Disorder Support Association (PDSA). “Given the severity of this condition, it is critical for patients to have access to therapies like WinRho SDF.”

WinRho SDF, which is used to elevate the platelet level in patients with ITP, is derived from human plasma and administered intravenously for the treatment of ITP. In 1995, the Food and Drug Administration approved WinRho SDF for the treatment of chronic ITP in Rh-positive adults (those with A, B, AB and O-positive blood) and acute and chronic ITP in Rh-positive children who have not had a splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen).

More information about WinRho SDF is available at www.winrho.com or by phone at 1-800-4WINRHO.

About WinRho SDF

WinRho SDF [Rh o (D) Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human)] is recommended for the treatment of nonsplenectomized, Rh o (D)-positive children with chronic or acute ITP, adults with chronic ITP, and children and adults with ITP secondary to HIV infection in clinical situations requiring an increase in platelet count to prevent excessive hemorrhage.

Individuals known to have had an anaphylactic or severe systemic reaction to human globulin should not receive WinRho SDF or any other Immune Globulin (Human). Individuals who are deficient in immunoglobulin A (IgA) may have the potential for developing IgA antibodies and have anaphylactic reactions.

Products made from human plasma may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents. To treat ITP, WinRho SDF must be administered intravenously. WinRho SDF should not be administered to Rh o (D)-negative or splenectomized individuals as its efficacy in these patients has not been demonstrated.

Following administration of WinRho SDF, Rh o (D)-positive ITP patients should be monitored for signs and/or symptoms of intravascular hemolysis (IVH), clinically compromising anemia, or renal insufficiency.

About Cangene

Cangene is one of Canada's largest biotechnology companies. It was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Cangene has been listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange since 1991 under the symbol CNJ. Cangene carries out research and development in Mississauga, Ontario and Winnipeg. It uses patented manufacturing processes to produce plasma-derived and recombinant therapeutic proteins in addition to offering contract R&D and manufacturing services to the biopharmaceutical industry. For more information about Cangene, please visit www.cangene.com.

About Baxter

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 treatment of complex medical conditions, including cancer, hemophilia, immune disorders, kidney disease and trauma. The company applies its expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives.  For more information about Baxter, please visit www.baxter.com.

Statements in this press release including but not limited to Baxter's ability to enable a smooth transition to physicians and ITP patients in need of additional treatment options, and WinRho SDF complementing the company's product portfolio 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 risk and uncertainty related product quality and/or patient safety concerns leading to product recalls, withdrawals, launch delays or declining sales; product development risks; technological advances in the medical field, demand for and market acceptance risks for new and existing products and other technologies; internal and external factors that could impact commercialization; and other risks detailed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The companies do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events, changed assumptions or otherwise, and all forward-looking statements speak only as of the time when made.  Actual results or experience could differ materially from the forward-looking statements.