B.Braun Medical Wins FDA Nod to Offer Broad Spectrum Intravenous Antibiotic-Meropenem, in Its Innovative DUPLEX Container

BETHLEHEM, PA--(Marketwired - May 19, 2015) - B. Braun Medical Inc. (B.Braun), a leader in infusion therapy and pain management, announced that it received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for 500mg Meropenem for Injection USP and Sodium Chloride Injection USP and 1g Meropenem for Injection USP and Sodium Chloride Injection USP in B. Braun's DUPLEX^® Container.

"This approval allows us to offer healthcare providers a convenient, ready-to-use option to deliver Meropenem to patients via our DUPLEX container," said Rick Williamson, Vice President of Pharmaceutical Marketing at B.Braun. "This will eliminate the need to compound or batch Meropenem vials, resulting in reduced waste, compounding time and reducing medication errors," added Williamson.

The DUPLEX container saves time, labor and speeds dispensing because it can be stored in an automated dispensing cabinet in healthcare settings. A barcode that references the final admixture, lot number and expiration date helps reduce medication errors, automate patient charting, track inventory and facilitate reimbursement tracking. With the addition of Meropenem to its drug delivery portfolio, B.Braun has expanded its offering of intravenous antibiotic therapies via its DUPLEX container.

Meropenem in DUPLEX containers will be available in the near future. Please contact your local Representative to ensure product availability for your institution upon launch.

About DUPLEX
The DUPLEX^® Container is designed to simplify intravenous delivery to patients, minimize the potential for medication errors, eliminate the pharmacy labor component of IV delivery and reduce drug waste.

Consisting of a pre-filled, flexible plastic IV bag containing proper doses of drug and diluent in two different compartments separated by a quick release seal, DUPLEX containers can be stored at room temperature. The caregiver simply squeezes the bag to mix the drug and diluent just prior to administration.

The DUPLEX container is not made with natural rubber latex, DEHP (a plasticizer and known toxicant) or PVC (a likely carcinogen when incinerated). Exposure to these toxic materials has been a growing concern for healthcare facilities around the world. Studies show that excessive exposure to DEHP can potentially lead to adverse health effects, especially to a patient's liver, kidneys and lungs, as well as their heart rate and blood pressure.¹

¹http://www.wsna.org/Topics/Workplace-Environment-You/Environmental-Hazards/PVC-DEHP/

Customers interested in more information should call 888-422-7286.

About B. Braun
B. Braun Medical Inc. (B.Braun), a leader in infusion therapy and pain management, develops, manufactures, and markets innovative medical products and services to the healthcare industry. The Company is committed to eliminating preventable treatment errors and enhancing patient, clinician and environmental safety. Guided by its "Sharing Expertise^®" philosophy, B.Braun continuously exchanges knowledge with customers, partners and clinicians to address the critical issues of improving care and lowering costs.

The B.Braun Group of Companies in the U.S. includes B.Braun, B.Braun Interventional Systems, Aesculap^® and CAPS^®. B.Braun's U.S. headquarters is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The B.Braun Group of Companies employs more than 50,000 employees in more than 60 countries throughout the world. To learn more about B.Braun visit www.BBraunUSA.com