CSC's DVC And Baxter Begin Phase 1 Clinical Trial For Chemical Defense Product

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. and DEERFIELD, Ill., Jan. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Computer Sciences Corporation today announced that DynPort Vaccine Company LLC (DVC), a CSC company, in conjunction with Baxter Healthcare Corporation, has initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial for plasma-derived butyrylcholinesterase, or "BioScavenger," which is being developed to prevent and possibly treat effects of exposure to certain chemical nerve agents.

Butyrylcholinesterase is a protein found in human blood plasma that has been shown in pre-clinical research to inhibit toxicity from organophosphorous chemical warfare agents, including Sarin, Soman and VX. The trial will evaluate safety in 40 healthy volunteers between the ages of 18 and 55. The randomized, observer-blinded, placebo controlled trial is underway in the United States.

DVC is conducting this clinical trial for the Department of Defense Medical Identification and Treatment Systems (MITS) Joint Product Management Office under a contract awarded in 2005. The candidate protein used in the clinical trial was developed, manufactured, characterized and preclinically tested by Baxter Healthcare Corporation. If the Phase 1 clinical trial and subsequent development activities are successful, Baxter will hold the FDA license and have responsibility to supply stockpile orders.

"Confirming the safety of this product in humans is a crucial step toward an FDA-licensed chemical nerve agent prophylactic," said Dr. Robert V. House, president and chief scientific officer of DVC. "This is an important milestone for DVC that reinforces our leadership role as a provider of integrated solutions for emerging threats."

"Baxter is proud of our accomplishments to date for this important program, and of the potential for further developing a double viral inactivated butyrylcholinesterase which will provide protection for military personnel," said Joy Amundson, corporate vice president of Baxter Healthcare Corporation and president of Baxter's Bioscience business.

MITS centrally manages the development, acquisition and fielding of products used for the prophylaxis, treatment and diagnosis of chemical and biological warfare agent exposure in U.S. military personnel. MITS products range from specific hardware devices that enable medical personnel to diagnose specific biological warfare agent exposure, to drugs that prevent or mitigate the effects of chemical or biological agents.

DVC is a technology integrator that provides solutions to protect humanity from emerging threats. DVC is part of CSC's Enforcement, Security and Intelligence organization, which CSC created to support programs enhancing U.S. security. For more information, visit DVC's Web site at www.csc.com/dvc.

The safety and efficacy of this product in humans has not been established. This product is currently under clinical investigation and has not been licensed by the FDA.

About Baxter

Baxter Healthcare Corporation is the principal U.S. operating subsidiary of Baxter International Inc. . Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, assists health-care professionals and their patients with the treatment of complex medical conditions, including cancer, hemophilia, immune disorders, kidney disease and trauma. The company applies its expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives.

About CSC

Computer Sciences Corporation is a leading global information technology (IT) services company. CSC's mission is to provide customers in industry and government with solutions crafted to meet their specific challenges and enable them to profit from the advanced use of technology.

With approximately 78,000 employees, CSC provides innovative solutions for customers around the world by applying leading technologies and CSC's own advanced capabilities. These include systems design and integration; IT and business process outsourcing; applications software development; Web and application hosting; and management consulting. Headquartered in El Segundo, Calif., CSC reported revenue of $14.6 billion for the 12 months ended Sept. 29, 2006. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.csc.com.

Computer Sciences Corporation

CONTACT: April Finnen, Senior Manager, Communications, DVC LLC,+1-301-607-5004, afinnen@csc.com; or Mike Dickerson, Director, MediaRelations, Corporate, of Computer Sciences Corporation, +1-310-615-1647,mdickers@csc.com; or Media Relations, Christopher Bona, +1-847-948-2815, orDeborah Spak, +1-847-948-2349, or Investor Relations, Clare Trachman,+1-847-948-3085, or Mary Kay Ladone, +1-847-948-3371, all of BaxterHealthcare Corporation

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