Roche Diagnostics Announces Launch Of ACCU-CHEK(R) Spirit Insulin Pump System

INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The first ACCU-CHEK branded insulin pump, the ACCU-CHEK Spirit insulin pump system, is now available in the United States. This new diabetes self-management system includes an insulin pump, a blood glucose monitor, and software with a bolus calculator -- everything needed for monitoring, analysis and insulin delivery as well as a choice of features that are important to people considering insulin pump therapy.

Features such as three operating menus, four bolus options and five basal rate profiles make insulin pump therapy more flexible and convenient for people with diabetes. It enables doctors and people with diabetes to adjust insulin delivery to individual needs. With the ACCU-CHEK Spirit insulin pump system, diabetes management can be optimized for better health and quality of life.

"The availability of the ACCU-CHEK Spirit insulin pump system in the U.S. offers many flexible options people with diabetes are interested in using, including the selectable user menus that allow users to see the features they want to use. People new to pump therapy or those who prefer just basic functions can choose the Standard menu, whereas those who prefer more advanced features can choose from the Advanced or Custom menu options. The Advanced menu is the most comprehensive, while the Custom menu can be customized to meet individual user preferences," said Sarah Hanssen, Vice President and General Manager, Disetronic Medical Systems. "This is a milestone for our Diabetes Care business unit and for our customers. It confirms our ongoing commitment to providing people with state-of-the-art insulin pump therapy products, and help them better manage their diabetes."

About ACCU-CHEK Spirit

The ACCU-CHEK Spirit insulin pump system also features a discrete programming option. Its side-mounted tactile buttons, together with the bolus calculator residing on a separate PDA device, will allow the user to calculate a bolus and program their pump for insulin delivery without ever having to remove their insulin pump from their pocket or bra-pouch. This is a great option for those who prefer discreet use of the insulin pump. A unique feature of the ACCU-CHEK Spirit insulin pump is its reversible display which allows the user to wear the pump the way they want -- there is no upside-down.

In addition, it features: * Standard AA alkaline battery, making replacement convenient and easy * Smallest pump available featuring a full size (315 unit) insulin cartridge * Resilient end caps add shock resistance and durability * Standard luer-lock connection means flexibility to choose the best infusion set to fit the user's lifestyle * Backlit display aids in low-light viewing * A full 315 unit insulin cartridge requires fewer cartridge fills and changes The ACCU-CHEK Spirit insulin pump system includes: * ACCU-CHEK Spirit insulin pump * ACCU-CHEK Pocket Compass software with bolus calculator on a Palm(R) PDA or smartphone(1) * Choice of ACCU-CHEK Aviva, ACCU-CHEK Compact Plus or ACCU-CHEK Active blood glucose monitoring system * Choice of carrying case

As of today, the ACCU-CHEK Spirit insulin pump system supports users in 30 countries. ACCU-CHEK insulin pump therapy systems and supplies, such as infusion sets, are marketed in the United States and Canada by Disetronic Medical Systems Inc. of Fishers, Ind. and can be found on the Internet at http://www.disetronic-usa.com .

About Roche and the Roche Diagnostics Division

Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is one of the world's leading research-intensive healthcare groups. Its core businesses are pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. As a supplier of innovative products and services for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, the Group contributes on a broad range of fronts to improving people's health and quality of life. Roche is a world leader in Diagnostics, the leading supplier of medicines for cancer and transplantation and a market leader in virology. In 2005, the Pharmaceuticals Division generated 27.3 billion Swiss francs in prescription drug sales, while the Diagnostics Division posted sales of 8.2 billion Swiss francs. Roche employs roughly 70,000 people in 150 countries and has R&D agreements and strategic alliances with numerous partners, including majority ownership interests in Genentech and Chugai. Roche's Diagnostics Division, with a uniquely broad product portfolio, supplies a wide array of innovative testing products and services to researchers, physicians, patients, hospitals and laboratories worldwide. Roche Diagnostics' North American headquarters is located in Indianapolis, Ind. (http://www.roche-diagnostics.us ). For further information, please visit our Web sites http://www.roche.com and http://www.roche-diagnostics.com .

Roche Diabetes Care is a pioneer in the development of blood glucose monitoring and insulin delivery systems as well as services to enable patient focused, cost effective, efficient diabetes management. For 30 years, the ACCU-CHEK brand has been committed to making life easier for people with diabetes and healthcare professionals and is completing the Circle of Care in diabetes management by offering blood glucose meters, insulin delivery systems and advice tools.

ACCU-CHEK, ACCU-CHEK ACTIVE, ACCU-CHEK AVIVA, ACCU-CHEK COMPACT, ACCU-CHEK MULTICLIX, ACCU-CHEK SPIRIT, and DISETRONIC are trademarks of Roche. All other product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

(1) Smartphone is an extra-cost option. For more information contact: Lori LeRoy Roche Diagnostics 317-521-7159 lori.leroy@roche.com

Roche Diagnostics

CONTACT: Lori LeRoy of Roche Diagnostics, +1-317-521-7159,lori.leroy@roche.com

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