Baxter Announces FDA Approval of ARTISS Slow-Setting Fibrin Sealant in Treatment of Burn Patients

DEERFIELD, Ill. (Map) - DEERFIELD, Ill., March 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Baxter Healthcare Corporation announced today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of ARTISS (Fibrin Sealant (Human)), the first and only slow-setting fibrin sealant indicated for use in adhering skin grafts in adult and pediatric burn patients. ARTISS was developed using Baxter's proven fibrin sealant technology platform and is the newest agent in the company's expanding BioSurgery portfolio.

ARTISS allows for the delayed setting and controlled manipulation of skin grafts for approximately 60 seconds, relative to rapid-setting fibrin sealants, which set in five to 10 seconds. Skin grafts can be fixed without the use of staples or sutures, which may help reduce post-operative complications and patient anxiety about pain during staple removal. Baxter will launch ARTISS at the American Burn Association (ABA) 40th Annual Meeting held April 29 -- May 2, 2008 in Chicago.

"ARTISS is a safe and effective alternative to staples, reducing discomfort among burn patients requiring skin grafts," said Ron Lloyd, general manager, BioSurgery. "This is another example of Baxter's scientific leadership in specialty biologic products, serving needs of patients and physicians."

The FDA approval is based on Phase III study results, which were also published in the March/April 2008 issue of The Journal of Burn Care and Research. The multi-center, prospective, randomized, controlled and blinded study compared the use of ARTISS to staples in 138 burn patients requiring skin grafting. ARTISS is safe and effective for attaching skin grafts with outcomes as good as staple fixation.

Frequent adverse events, seen in both treatment groups, included bleeding and fluid collection in the tissues, both of which are common during skin grafting procedures.

ARTISS is a biologically active sealant consisting of human fibrinogen and low concentration human thrombin. It will be available in two forms: a pre- filled syringe (frozen) formulation and a lyophilized form. Both dosage forms, once prepared and ready to use, can be sprayed, thus enabling application in a thin and even layer.

Important Safety Information

ARTISS (Fibrin Sealant (Human))

ARTISS is indicated to adhere autologous skin grafts to surgically prepared wound beds resulting from burns in adult and pediatric populations.

ARTISS is not indicated for hemostasis.

Do not inject ARTISS directly into blood vessels. Intravascular application of ARTISS may result in life-threatening thromboembolic events.

Do not use ARTISS in individuals with a known hypersensitivity to aprotinin.

ARTISS is made from human plasma. It may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents, e.g., viruses, and theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent.

Apply ARTISS as a thin layer. Excessive clot thickness may negatively interfere with the product's efficacy and the wound healing process.

Adverse reactions occurring in greater than 1% of patients treated with ARTISS were skin graft failure and pruritus.

Please see ARTISS Prescribing Information for full prescribing details. http://www.baxter.com/products/downloads/ARTISS_PI.pdf

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 the 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.

ARTISS is a trademark of Baxter International Inc.