Baxter Announces FDA Approval of ADVATE (Antihemophilic Factor [Recombinant]) with BAXJECT III Reconstitution System

DEERFIELD, Ill.--()--Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new reconstitution system for ADVATE (Antihemophilic Factor [Recombinant]). ADVATE and the diluent come pre-packaged in the new BAXJECT III reconstitution system.

''ADVATE has the widest range of dosage formulations, allowing for more precise customized dosing, and with the ADVATE with BAXJECT III reconstitution system, patients can prepare their treatment with fewer steps,'' said Ludwig Hantson, Ph.D., president of Baxter BioScience. ''This latest approval reflects Baxter’s ongoing leadership in investing and bringing new and innovative therapies to the market that meet the evolving needs of the hemophilia community.''

The new reconstitution system was developed to reduce the number of steps in the reconstitution process for hemophilia A patients and caregivers, compared to the previous process with the BAXJECT II needle-less transfer device. The new system will be commercially available with ADVATE in the coming months. Baxter has also filed for approval of ADVATE with BAXJECT III system in Europe and expects to launch in 2015.

A human factors study was performed with 44 participants, including patients, caregivers and healthcare providers, to evaluate the usability of ADVATE with BAXJECT III reconstitution system. The BAXJECT III reconstitution system successfully met its performance goals in the study, as it was considered adequately safe and effective for its intended use.

About ADVATE

ADVATE (Antihemophilic Factor [Recombinant]) is indicated for the control and prevention of bleeding episodes in adults and children (0-16 years) with hemophilia A. ADVATE is also indicated for routine prophylaxis to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes in adults and children (0-16 years) with hemophilia A. The product is not indicated for the treatment of von Willebrand disease.

ADVATE has a demonstrated efficacy and safety profile. ADVATE is a full-length (derived from the complete FVIII gene) recombinant FVIII product that is processed without any blood-based additives. Because no blood-derived components are added at any stage of the manufacturing process, the potential risk of transmitting pathogens that may be carried in blood-based additives is eliminated. There have been no confirmed reports of transmission of HIV, HBV or HCV with rFVIII treatments.

ADVATE is approved in 61 countries worldwide including the United States, Canada, 27 countries in the European Union, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Iceland, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Puerto Rico, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Suriname, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Detailed Important Risk Information for ADVATE

ADVATE is contraindicated in patients with known anaphylaxis to mouse or hamster protein or other constituents of the product.

Allergic-type hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, are possible and have been reported with ADVATE. Symptoms have manifested as dizziness, paresthesias, rash, flushing, face swelling, urticaria, dyspnea, and pruritus. Discontinue use if hypersensitivity symptoms occur and administer appropriate emergency treatment.

Carefully monitor patients treated with AHF products for the development of FVIII inhibitors by appropriate clinical observations and laboratory tests. Inhibitors have been reported following administration of ADVATE predominantly in previously untreated patients (PUPs) and previously minimally treated patients (MTPs).

If expected plasma FVIII levels are not attained, or if bleeding is not controlled with an expected dose, perform an assay that measures FVIII inhibitor concentration.

The serious adverse reactions seen with ADVATE are hypersensitivity reactions and the development of high-titer inhibitors necessitating alternative treatments to FVIII.

The most common adverse reactions observed in clinical trials (frequency greater than or equal to 10 percent of subjects) were pyrexia, headache, cough, nasopharyngitis, vomiting, arthralgia, and limb injury.

Please see full prescribing information for ADVATE at: http://www.baxter.com/downloads/healthcare_professionals/products/ADVATE_PI.pdf

About Baxter in Hemophilia

Baxter has more than 60 years experience in hemophilia and has introduced a number of therapeutic firsts for hemophilia patients. Baxter has the broadest portfolio of hemophilia treatments in the industry and is able to meet individual therapy choices, providing a range of options at each treatment stage. The company’s work focuses on optimizing hemophilia care and improving the lives of people worldwide living with bleeding disorders.

About Baxter International Inc.

Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures and markets products that save and sustain the lives of people with hemophilia, immune disorders, cancer, 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.

This release includes forward-looking statements concerning the ADVATE with BAXJECT III reconstitution system, including expectations with regard to regulatory filings and commercial availability. The statements are based on assumptions about many important factors, including the following, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements: satisfaction of regulatory and other requirements; actions of regulatory bodies and other governmental authorities; additional clinical results; changes in laws and regulations; product quality or supply or patient safety issues; and other risks identified in Baxter's most recent filing on Form 10-K and other SEC filings, all of which are available on Baxter's website. Baxter does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements.

Contacts

Baxter International Inc.
Media Contact
Brian Kyhos, (224) 948-5353
media@baxter.com
or
Investor Contacts
Mary Kay Ladone, (224) 948-3371
Clare Trachtman, (224) 948-3085

Contacts

Baxter International Inc.
Media Contact
Brian Kyhos, (224) 948-5353
media@baxter.com
or
Investor Contacts
Mary Kay Ladone, (224) 948-3371
Clare Trachtman, (224) 948-3085