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New B. Braun ONGUARD(TM) Contained Medication System Protects Healthcare Workers Against Hazardous Drug Exposure

Posted on: Monday, 8 October 2007, 09:00 CDT

B. Braun Medical Inc., a global leader in innovative healthcare products and services, today announced the launch of the ONGUARD™ Contained Medication System with TEVADAPTOR™ components, manufactured by Teva Medical Ltd. The innovative drug admixture and delivery system provides a new level of hazard protection and passive needlestick prevention to the nurses and pharmacists at the frontline of chemotherapy preparation and administration.

Studies have shown certain drugs, such as chemotherapy agents, can be associated with a variety of both short term and long term health effects.1 "Nurses and pharmacy personnel are most at risk, due to exposure during prescription preparation and administration, but exposure can also extend to other healthcare workers performing routine jobs, such as housekeeping staff," said Tim Richards, Senior Vice President, U.S. Marketing, B. Braun Medical Inc. "As a company dedicated to both patient and healthcare worker safety, partnering with Teva Medical Ltd. to add the ONGUARD Contained Medication System to our portfolio of safety products just makes sense."

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and USP<797>, have each recommended the use of protective devices for the preparation of hazardous medications. The ONGUARD System with TEVADAPTOR components provides protection from hazardous vapors, particles and aerosols, by means of a hydrophobic 0.2 micron sterilizing grade membrane and the TOXIGUARD™ activated charcoal drug binding matrix.

Independent lab studies using chemotherapy medications demonstrate this system effectively contains hazardous vapors from escaping by binding them within the activated charcoal matrix while also preventing non-sterile air from entering the medication vial. ONGUARD further protects workers and the patient care environment from admixture to delivery, by preventing liquid droplets from exiting the dispensing units during use. These combined attributes create a system that meets the NIOSH definition for a Closed System Drug-transfer Device.

"Investing in the ONGUARD System with TEVADAPTOR components is an opportunity for health facilities to invest in and protect their most valuable assets -- the health and well being of employees and patients," said Rob Albert, Vice President, Pharmaceutical Marketing, B. Braun Medical Inc. "The system's intuitive use design requires minimal changes to current practice making compliance with regulations and guidelines simple and achievable."

About B. Braun

B. Braun is the recipient of the 2007 Frost & Sullivan Medical Technology Global Excellence Award for its excellence in helping healthcare providers improve the lives of their patients. B. Braun Smart Pumps have achieved "Category Leader" in the KLAS Top 20 Mid-Year Report Card for Smart Pump Technology, 2007.

Since its founding in 1839, B. Braun has built an unparalleled store of knowledge and expertise in delivering innovative healthcare products, medical devices and programs that enhance working processes in hospitals, alternate care settings and medical practices--increasing safety for patients, doctors and nurses. Its 34,000 employees worldwide are proud of their commitment to translating customer needs into products with unmatched quality, superior technology, cost-effectiveness and environmental responsibility.

Through its "Sharing Expertise®" initiative, B. Braun promotes best practices for continuous improvement of healthcare products and services. For more information about B. Braun or its safety healthcare products, call 800-854-6851, email us at inquiry@bbraun.com or visit B. Braun at www.bbraunusa.com.

About Teva Medical Ltd.

Teva Medical is a manufacturer of specialized medical products and is the innovator of a few devices that led the market towards changing work systems bringing in added safety. Teva Medical recently added TEVADAPTOR to its list of innovative devices providing a safer environment while using hazardous drugs.

"The company is committed towards continued development of new safety and other devices for protection of medical professionals and patients," said Dan Danieli, Director Teva Medical Ltd.

Teva Medical is a subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

1 CDC. NIOSH Alert: Preventing Occupational Exposure to Antineoplastic and Other Hazardous Drugs in Health Care Settings. Page 1. September 2004.

Source: Business Wire

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