Hospira Launches Q Core Sapphire Infusion System in the United States

LAKE FOREST, Ill., Oct. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Hospira, Inc. (NYSE: HSP), the world's leading provider of injectable drugs and infusion technologies, today announced the U.S. introduction of the Sapphire™ infusion system, representing a major step in the advancement of the company's global device strategy. This follows regulatory clearance of Sapphire by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Used in both home care and acute care settings, the Sapphire platform is a technologically advanced compact and lightweight infusion system, featuring:

• a large, intuitive color touch-screen designed for quick and easy programming;
• easily upgraded software that can be updated via computer connection; and
• flexible infusion modes for all intended uses to simplify patient care across diverse clinical areas.

Already in use in Europe and Canada, the Sapphire platform is an important addition to Hospira's streamlined and modernized U.S. device portfolio. The Sapphire system will be available as a replacement for the company's retired GemStar™ ambulatory pumps as a lightweight compact infusion option – a change indicated earlier this year when Hospira announced its global device strategy.

"Launching the Sapphire infusion pump to our U.S. customers demonstrates our commitment to improving medication delivery and strengthens the breadth of our medication management business," said Rich Nevin, vice president, Medication Management Systems, Hospira. "The Sapphire system was developed to easily adapt to changing clinical needs and allows Hospira to provide clinicians with the most up-to-date device technology."

"We are proud to make this important step forward together with Hospira and launch our Sapphire system in the U.S. market," said Dr. Boaz Eitan, CEO of Q Core Medical. "This is yet another successful stage in the international cooperation between the companies, and we believe that the combination of our technology with Hospira's excellent customer support and in-depth experience in the U.S. market will begin a new era in infusion solutions for our customers."

In addition to Sapphire, the Hospira medication management portfolio features products such as Plum A+™ with Hospira MedNet™ safety software, a proven and scalable advanced smart infusion pump system and the market-leading LifeCare PCA™ pain management pump with Hospira MedNet. Hospira is also a recognized leader in smart pump/EMR (electronic medical record) integration, with live I.V. clinical integration sites with multiple EMR providers.

In January, Hospira entered an international distribution agreement for Sapphire with Q Core Medical, Ltd. The agreement grants Hospira the right to market and distribute the Sapphire infusion system in more than 60 markets across Europe, Asia and The Americas. In May, Hospira unveiled its global device strategy, which establishes a streamlined and modernized device portfolio to address customer needs and position the company for future innovation and growth, while supporting continued advancement of device remediation, including device quality improvement efforts.

About Hospira
Hospira, Inc. is the world's leading provider of injectable drugs and infusion technologies. Through its broad, integrated portfolio, Hospira is uniquely positioned to Advance Wellness™ by improving patient and caregiver safety while reducing healthcare costs. The company is headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., and has approximately 16,000 employees. Learn more at www.hospira.com.   

Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 --
A Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements about the the U.S. launch of the Sapphire infusion platform and Hospira's global device strategy. Hospira cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Economic, competitive, governmental, legal, regulatory, technological, manufacturing supply, quality and other factors that may affect Hospira's operations and may cause actual results to be materially different from expectations include the risks, uncertainties and factors discussed under the headings "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Hospira's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and Forms 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are incorporated by reference. Hospira undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as the result of subsequent events or developments.

SOURCE Hospira, Inc.