Baxter Suspends Enrollment in European Clinical Trial for PreFluCel

DEERFIELD, Illinois, December 9 (PRNewswire)

Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX) announced today that it hasvoluntarily suspended enrollment in the Phase II/III clinical study currentlyunderway in Europe of its PreFluCel influenza vaccine, due to a higher thanexpected rate of mild fever and associated symptoms in the clinical trialparticipants.

"In developing a vaccine, we aim to achieve a high level of efficacywhile minimizing potential side effects," said Norbert G. Riedel, Baxter'schief scientific officer. "Based on the preliminary data we've seen, the rateof fever and associated symptoms observed with the current formulation ofPreFluCel is higher compared to other vaccines available on the market."

Baxter has put further clinical studies planned for 2005 on hold whilethe company continues to analyze the data from this clinical trial.

Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, assists health-careprofessionals and their patients with the treatment of complex medicalconditions, including cancer, hemophilia, immune disorders, kidney diseaseand trauma. The company applies its expertise in medical devices,pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to make a meaningful difference inpatients' lives.

Web site: http://www.baxter.com

Source: Baxter International Inc.

Media, Deborah Spak, +1-847-948-2349, or Cindy Resman, +1-847-948- 2815; or Investors, Mary Kay Ladone, +1-847-948-3371, Mike Shapiro, +1-847-948-3212, all of Baxter International Inc.

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