B. Braun Launches PINNACLE(TM) TPN Management System.

Breakthrough Technology Increases Efficiency, Helps Reduce Errors

BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- B. Braun Medical Inc., a global leader in innovative healthcare products and services, announced today the launch of the PINNACLE([TM]) TPN Management System. The PINNACLE system accelerates TPN productivity while enhancing patient safety and improving USP <797> compliance through advanced software and barcode technology.

"The pharmacy admixture environment requires speed, strict attention to detail, and a high degree of accuracy - yet most pharmacists would agree that these compounding demands have far outpaced available technology," said Rick Allen, R.Ph., President and CEO, Paragon Infusion Care. "The new PINNACLE system enables pharmacists to efficiently manage the entire TPN process and streamline all functional areas of operation, helping reduce compounding errors and protect patient safety."

PINNACLE developers worked closely with national drug compatibility expert Lawrence Trissel, R.Ph., to incorporate a simple method of addressing calcium/phosphate compatibilities in order to reduce potential errors.

"The patient safety information software was designed to protect patients from inadvertent calcium precipitation into parenteral nutrition solutions - which can result in patient harm," said Mr. Trissel. "The program provides health professionals with a convenient and reliable method to access concise and readily-understood data in an easy-to-read graphical format," he added.

PINNACLE's safety-enhancing software works in conjunction with fast, accurate hardware that prepares one liter of TPN formulation in less than one minute. To help streamline the TPN process further, the PINNACLE system incorporates computerized physician order entry and pharmacist approval capabilities, as well as barcoded TPN containers that work with barcode-compatible infusion devices, such as the B. Braun Outlook([R])Safety Infusion System - helping to ensure delivery of the right TPN formula to the right patient. PINNACLE also produces extensive compounding reports indicating specific user and facility productivity.

"Hospital and outpatient pharmacies alike continue to face intense IV formulary needs under strict compounding requirements and guidelines," said Rob Albert, Vice President, Marketing, Pharmaceutical and Drug Delivery, B. Braun Medical. "The PINNACLE system enables institutions to meet this rising demand - addressing the need for efficiency and accuracy, as well as USP <797> compliance, with automatic quality control checks throughout the TPN process."

USP <797> guidelines are designed to provide standards of care in sterile pharmaceutical compounding. PINNACLE enhances compliance with these guidelines through customizable daily checklists requiring completion of standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure proper environmental checks during compounding, and the ability to monitor and track the entire TPN process.

About B. Braun

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 both patient and health-professional safety. Its 30,000 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([R])" 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 [e-mail] or visit B. Braun at www.bbraunusa.com.