Baxter Initiates Phase I Clinical Trial With anti-MIF Antibody in Patients with Solid Tumors

Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX) today announced that the company has begun dosing patients with malignant solid tumors in a Phase I clinical trial of a monoclonal antibody, representing the company’s efforts to extend its oncology portfolio with advanced biological research and development.

The candidate is a fully-human, recombinant anti-MIF (anti-macrophage migration inhibitory factor) monoclonal antibody with potential to be a new therapeutic agent in treatment of cancer. Monoclonal antibodies target a specific antigen in the body rather than traditional, systemic regimens. The anti-MIF antibody targets the MIF protein, a protein that induces inflammatory responses in the body and that has also been shown to influence the growth and spread of tumors. By inhibiting the cancer-promoting effects of MIF, the anti-MIF antibody may be capable of restricting the growth of tumors.

''This research program leverages Baxter’s scientific expertise in systemic oncology therapies and leadership in biologics, and further reinforces our commitment of supporting patients with life-threatening conditions,'' said Ludwig Hantson, Ph.D., president of Baxter’s BioScience business.

The Phase I, open label study is designed to assess the safety, tolerability and optimal dose of the antibody in up to 44 adult patients with malignant solid tumors. The ''all-comers'' design of the single-agent trial will allow for expedited accrual of patients and evaluation of safety and potential therapeutic activity in patients with varied solid tumor types. The study will also investigate pharmacokinetics (how the body absorbs and distributes the compound) and changes in levels of markers that indicate anti-tumor activity.

About Baxter International Inc.

Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures and markets products that save and sustain the lives of people with hemophilia, immune disorders, cancer, infectious diseases, kidney disease, trauma and other chronic and acute medical conditions. As a global, diversified healthcare company, Baxter applies a unique combination of expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to create products that advance patient care worldwide.

This release includes forward-looking statements concerning a Phase I trial of Baxter’s anti-MIF antibody to treat malignant solid tumors, including with respect to expectations related to clinical outcomes. These statements are based on assumptions about many important factors, including the following, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements: clinical results validating the use of the anti-MIF antibody to treat malignant solid tumors; satisfaction of regulatory and other requirements; actions of regulatory bodies and other governmental authorities; and other risks identified in Baxter’s most recent filing on Form 10-K and other SEC filings, all of which are available on Baxter’s website. Baxter does not undertake to update its forward-looking statement.