BD Acquires Saf-T-Med Advanced Safety Needle Technology.

FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 30, 1999--

New Design Will Significantly Advance Clinical Performance and

Functionality of Syringe and Other Sharps Devices

Becton, Dickinson and Company, (NYSE: BDX) announced today that it has acquired Saf-T-Med, Inc. (STM), a Chicago-based developer of patented needle technology designed to protect health care workers against accidental needlestick injuries.

Under the terms of the agreement, BD will acquire the rights to a FDA-approved safety-engineered syringe, as well as all patents held by STM for a variety of other needle-based medical devices. The STM design employs a unique spring-based mechanism that offers significant advantages over other spring-based devices (often referred to as "retractable") currently on the market.

"We believe that the STM design, when coupled with the work BD has done internally, meets every criteria for a spring-based syringe that enhances safety without compromising patient care or quality, " said Kevin Seifert, director, Policy and Business Development, BD Advanced Protection Technologies. "It is superior to any spring-based syringe presently on the market and we are working rapidly to finalize the commercial product and to build production."

Seifert explained that while BD is the supplier of the leading spring-based safety device, (the BD Insyte Autoguard(TM) shielded catheter), until now the company had not identified a design for a spring-based syringe that could meet the unique performance requirements for syringe use.

"Customers tell us there are concerns with first-generation spring-based syringes, particularly related to proper medication dosage and ease-of-use for multiple procedures. In response, BD launched an extensive review of all available products and their limitations. We looked at everything, and there is no question, STM has the functional solution the spring-based syringe market needs."

James E. Erbs, president of SAF-T-Med, said, "We are pleased to partner with BD, the industry leader in sharps safety, to bring our technology to fruition. This design represents a significant advance in health care and safety, and BD is the ideal company to develop, manufacture and bring the final product to market."

BD manufactures and sells a broad range of medical supplies, devices, and diagnostic systems for use by health care professionals, medical research institutes, industry and the general public. The company pioneered the development of advanced protection sharps devices over ten years ago and today provides over 200 products for injection, blood collection, infusion therapy and disposal, as well as extensive clinical training and education programs.

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements (as defined under Federal securities laws) regarding the company's performance, including future revenues, products and income, which are based upon current expectations of the company and involve a number of business risks and uncertainties. Actual results could vary materially from anticipated results described in any forward-looking statement. Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially include, but are not limited to, competitive factors, changes in regional, national or foreign currency exchange rates, delays in product introductions, year 2000 issues and changes in health care or other government regulations, as well as other factors discussed herein and in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.