Smiths Medical Launches GRIPPER PLUS(R) Safety Needles with Enhanced Needlestick Safety

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 23, 2006--Smiths Medical MD, Inc. has added a new version of their popular GRIPPER PLUS(R) Safety Huber Needles to the existing product line. The new GRIPPER PLUS(R) Safety Huber Needles with a luer-activated needleless access connector will allow direct connection of a syringe or tubing with standard luer accommodating additional patient therapies. With this addition to the GRIPPER PLUS(R) needle product line, Smiths Medical now offers three configurations of the extension set that connect to the needle, including a non-auxiliary site, a split septum needleless access auxiliary site, and the new luer-activated needleless access auxiliary site.

GRIPPER PLUS(R) Safety Huber Needles are used to deliver medications intravenously through a patient's implanted port. Their unique feature is a safety arm that is lifted to lock the needle into a protected position when de-accessing it from an implanted port. An audible click provides clinicians with confirmation that the de-accessed needle is in its locked safety position. With the addition of a needleless access site, GRIPPER PLUS(R) Safety Huber Needles continue to be an important part of an organization's needlestick safety program.

Smiths Medical has sold millions of GRIPPER PLUS(R) Safety Huber Needles since their launch in 2002.

Smiths Medical is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of medical devices used in infusion therapy, including CADD(R) ambulatory infusion pumps, PORT-A-CATH(R) implantable access systems, GRIPPER PLUS(R) safety huber needles, CliniCath(R) PICC infusion catheters, and the CozMore(R) insulin technology system. Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, Smiths Medical MD (Medication Delivery) is part of Smiths Group, London, and is committed to developing the highest quality, most reliable products to provide innovative, convenient and cost-effective drug delivery worldwide. For more information, visit www.smiths-medical.com or call 1-800-426-2448.

Contacts

Smiths Medical MD, Inc., St. Paul
Marketing Communications:
Terri Servais, 651-628-7248
E-mail: terri.servais@smiths-medical.com