Medtronic, Inc. Launches MiniMed 640G System, Breakthrough In Artificial Pancreas Technology, Outside The U.S.

New SmartGuard(TM) Technology Helps People with Diabetes Manage the Challenges of Hypoglycemia

MINNEAPOLIS - January 21, 2015 - Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT) today announced the start of the global launch of the MiniMed(TM) 640G System, the next breakthrough toward an artificial pancreas. With the introduction of Medtronic's exclusive SmartGuard(TM) technology, MiniMed 640G is designed to help people with diabetes achieve better glucose control through advanced protection from hypoglycemia. The system is the first in the world to both automatically suspend insulin delivery when sensor glucose levels are predicted to approach a low limit and resume insulin delivery once sensor glucose levels recover. The system includes the Enhanced Enlite(TM) sensor, which continuously monitors glucose levels with accuracy and comfort1,2. It also incorporates a new insulin pump design to provide convenient diabetes management with a simple user interface, full-color screen, waterproofing3 and remote bolus.

"Managing hypoglycemia and rebound hyperglycemia after treatment is one of the biggest challenges of managing diabetes," said Prof. Tim Jones, clinical professor at the University of Western Australia, and head of the diabetes department at Princess Margaret Hospital in Perth, Australia. "By suspending insulin delivery before the sensor glucose reaches a low limit, the MiniMed 640G System4 can help prevent severe hypoglycemia5. In addition, with this new feature, hyperglycemic rebound may be avoided by resuming insulin delivery once those glucose levels recover6, making this a very valuable tool for achieving better glucose control."

SmartGuard (or predictive low glucose management) technology, the first of its kind in the world, is designed to optimise the MiniMed 640G System's ability to better protect people with diabetes against lows throughout the day and night with multiple low-limit settings that can be tailored to individual needs.Convenient new features include a simpler menu, full-color, light-adjusting screen, customizable alerts and alarms, and waterproofing in up to 12 feet of water for 24 hours at a time.

In addition, the MiniMed 640G System exclusively uses the Bayer CONTOURĀ® NEXT LINK 2.4 blood glucose meter to provide highly accurate blood glucose testing7, automatically transmit blood glucose results into the Bolus Wizard(TM) calculator to help ensure that patients do not have a manual entry error, and to calibrate the Enhanced Enlite sensor. It also allows patients to discreetly give a bolus of insulin remotely from the meter. The meter provides added convenience to help patients manage their diabetes effectively.

"We developed this system based on substantial amounts of research and feedback from the global diabetes community, who are looking for simpler, more convenient diabetes technology that helps them achieve better glucose control and enjoy greater freedom. With the MiniMed 640G, we're thrilled to deliver a new system that meets these needs and marks the third significant milestone to creating and commercializing the world's first artificial pancreas," said Alejandro Galindo, vice president and general manager of the Intensive Insulin Management business at Medtronic.

Medtronic's critical milestones toward developing an artificial pancreas system include introducing the world's first integrated insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor in 2006 and the introduction of Low Glucose Suspend technology in 2009.

MiniMed 640G is now available in Australia. Launches in additional markets are expected over the next several months, pending local approvals.

For more product and important safety information please visit www.medtronic-diabetes.com.au

Multimedia Release

A multimedia version of this release, with links to graphics can be found at: http://bit.ly/1yGPwIu

About the Diabetes Group at Medtronic (www.medtronicdiabetes.com) Medtronic is working together with the global community to change the way people manage diabetes. The company aims to transform diabetes care by expanding access, integrating care and improving outcomes, so people living with diabetes can enjoy greater freedom and better health.

About Medtronic

Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology - alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

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