(BUSINESS WIRE)– The Board of Directors of the parent company of Kinetic Concepts, Inc. and LifeCell Corporation today announced that Ronald A. Matricaria has joined the Board of Directors and will serve as its Chairman. Matricaria will oversee the implementation of a new management structure under which Joseph F. Woody has been appointed President and Chief Executive officer of KCI and Lisa N. Colleran has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of LifeCell. Martin J. Landon, who served as interim Chief Executive Officer during the recent management transition, will continue in his capacity as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of KCI. In addition, the Board of Directors announced that KCI will pursue strategic alternatives for KCI’s Therapeutic Support Systems business.

The structure and plans announced today are designed to strengthen the companies’ performance and deliver stronger returns while ensuring that KCI and LifeCell remain recognized leaders in the fields of wound care and regenerative medicine. KCI and LifeCell are privately-held sister corporations owned by a consortium consisting of Apax Partners and controlled affiliates of Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and the Public Sector Pension Investment Board. Going forward, KCI and LifeCell financial reporting will remain consolidated, while the companies will be managed independently under the new structure. KCI will continue to provide inter-company services and compliance oversight to LifeCell.

Ron Matricaria’s highly successful career in the healthcare industry has spanned nearly four decades. From 1993 to 2002, Matricaria was President and Chief Executive Officer and then Chairman of St. Jude Medical, Inc. He led the company’s diversification strategy to become a broad-based cardiovascular device company, which today is a world market leader in cardiac surgery, cardiac rhythm management, and vascular closure products and services. Prior to joining St. Jude Medical, Matricaria spent 24 years at Eli Lilly and Company, where he last served as President of North American Operations and Executive Vice President of the pharmaceutical division. Matricaria currently serves as Lead Director of the Board of Directors of LIFE Technology Corporation, Chairman of the Board of Volcano Therapeutics, Inc. and as a director on the Board of Directors of Phoenix Children’s Hospital. He also serves as an Adjunct Lecturer at Northwestern University’s Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

“Ron Matricaria has a proven track record of success in the medical device industry and a wealth of experience in the corporate governance of health care companies,” said Buddy Gumina, Partner and co-head of the Apax Healthcare Team. “We believe that bringing Ron on as Chairman, together with the appointment of Joe Woody and Lisa Colleran to the CEO roles at KCI and LifeCell, creates the ideal environment for outstanding success.”

Woody has more than 20 years experience in the healthcare sector. Prior to joining KCI as President of its Active Healing Solutions business in November 2011, Woody served as Global President, Vascular Therapies for Covidien. At Covidien, he was responsible for the $2.6 billion acquisition and integration of ev3. Previously, Woody served as Global President, Smith & Nephew Advanced Wound Management and held other leadership positions at Alliance Imaging, Inc., Acuson and GE Medical Systems.

Colleran has been President of LifeCell since 2008, during which time LifeCell has experienced significant growth and doubled its revenue. Colleran joined LifeCell in 2002 and has held several leadership positions including Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations and Vice President, Marketing and Business Development. Previously, Colleran spent 20 years at Baxter Healthcare Corporation in various roles in sales, marketing, business development and general management including Vice President of Marketing for Baxter’s U.S. Renal business and Vice President/General Manager of the company’s Renal Pharmaceuticals business.

Coinciding with the changes in the management structure of KCI and LifeCell, the Board of Directors has approved the engagement of Credit Suisse as lead advisor, together with UBS Investment Bank, to pursue strategic alternatives for KCI’s Therapeutic Support Systems (TSS) business. KCI’s TSS business, a global leader in the support surfaces market, rents and sells specialized therapeutic support systems including hospital beds, mattress replacement systems, overlays and patient mobility devices. There can be no assurance that any transaction regarding TSS will be completed. KCI does not intend to disclose developments with respect to progress of its strategic alternatives review process until such time as the Board of Directors approves or completes a transaction or otherwise determines that further disclosure is appropriate.

“Our TSS business has enjoyed many successes over more than 35 years, and we believe that the value TSS brings to caregivers and patients can be enhanced through a transformative strategic transaction,” said Stephen D. Seidel, President, KCI Therapeutic Support Systems.

About KCI

Kinetic Concepts, Inc. is a leading global medical technology company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of innovative, high-technology therapies and products for the wound care and therapeutic support system markets. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, KCI’s success spans more than three decades and can be traced to a history deeply rooted in innovation and a passion for significantly improving the healing and the lives of patients around the world. For more information about KCI and how its products are changing the practice of medicine, please visit www.KCI1.com.

About LifeCell

LifeCell Corporation, based in Branchburg, NJ, is a leader in regenerative medicine, develops and markets innovative tissue repair products for the reconstructive, orthopedic and urogynecologic biosurgery markets. LifeCell™ products include Strattice™ Reconstructive Tissue Matrix and AlloDerm® Regenerative Tissue Matrix for plastic, reconstructive, and general surgical applications; Cymetra® Regenerative Tissue Matrix, a particulate form of AlloDerm® Tissue Matrix suitable for injection; Repliform® Regenerative Tissue Matrix for urogynecologic surgical procedures; GraftJacket® and Conexa™ for orthopedic surgical procedures; and the SPY® Elite System for the visualization and evaluation of tissue perfusion. Additional information about LifeCell and its products is available at www.LifeCell.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain “forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking statements are only predictions, not historical facts, and involve significant risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions and are not guarantees of future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. Actual results, levels of activity, performance, achievements and events could differ materially from those currently stated, anticipated or implied due to a number of risks and uncertainties. Important assumptions and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are specified in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, including under headings such as “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in other filings and furnishings made by the Company with the SEC from time to time. Except to the extent required by applicable federal securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements, to report events or to report the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50148100&lang=en

Contacts

KCI Corporate Communications

Kevin Belgrade, 210-216-1236

Email: kevin.belgrade@kci1.com

KCI Investor Relations

Todd Wyatt, 210-255-6157

Email: todd.wyatt@kci1.com

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Saturday, January 28th 2012 [ME NewsWire]

Roche Diagnostics, diagnostic division of global healthcare company Roche announced that it will set up its Middle East headquarters in Jafza and commence operations next month. The announcement was made on the sidelines of healthcare exhibition and medical congress, Arab Health in Dubai today (xxx)

Although the global market leader in in-vitro diagnostics has been present in the Middle East region for more than 30 years, the Regional Headquarters in Jafza will be Roche Diagnostics’ first facility in the Middle East.

Through a strong distributor network, Roche Diagnostics has a presence in 18 markets in the Middle East with a 20-25% market share in all of these markets. Recognising the potential of the Middle East region, Roche Diagnostics seeks to increase the quality of supply and strengthen relations with distributors and end customers by providing added support and information. In the UAE, Roche Diagnostics enjoys a continuous relationship with its long-term distributor Pharmatrade through 30 years.

Ibrahim Aljanahi, Deputy CEO, Jafza and Chief Commercial Officer said: “We are pleased to host a respected Fortune 500 Company such as Roche at Jafza. Roche is a leader in research-focused healthcare with an impressive regional presence and we believe Jafza’s unmatched connectivity, logistics and commercial advantages will support its growth in the region. The new facility will be well positioned to serve the Roche’s growing customer base andhelp it further expand its regional footprint and market share. The new move reflects the company’s trust and confidence in Jafza and we extend our full support to Roche.”

“The Middle Eastern region is a very important part of our business. We see a tremendous potential for growth in the Middle East. Therefore, we decided to open our regional headquarters in Dubai as a hub to serve our Middle Eastern countries. I am very happy about this step. The unique combination of world-class port and airport facilities was one of the most significant reasons behind the decision to locate the Roche Diagnostics’ Middle East HQ in Jafza. Jafza is one of the leading drivers in the UAE economy and Roche Diagnostics will benefit from the advantages that come with being part of a growing business community.” says Dr. Michael Heuer, President EMEA-LATAM, Roche Diagnostics.

Roche Diagnostics, Middle East will serve distribution partners and customers across the region by setting up functions for scientific and technical support, management, administration, logistics and quality control. The office will be located in Jafza 15 and expects to see 50 employees working in the Middle East Regional Headquarters by 2013.

-Ends-

About Jafza

Jafza is Economic Zones World’s flagship operation. One of the world’s largest and the fastest growing free zones, Jafza is gateway to the Middle East, Africa and South Asian markets. Supported with excellent multi-modal logistics facilities, it offers customers excellent connectivity to reach the rapidly growing markets of over 2 billion people. Established in 1985, Jafza today is spread over an area of 57 sq. km and is home to over 6700 companies, including over 120 of the Fortune Global 500 enterprises, from across the world. It is a leading driver of the burgeoning UAE economy. With its impeccable track record, Jafza stands for innovation, customer centricity, transparent operations and entrepreneurial dynamism. For more information, visit www.jafza.ae.

About Roche

Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is a leader in research-focused healthcare with combined strengths in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Roche is the world’s largest biotech company with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, virology, inflammation, metabolism and CNS. Roche is also the world leader in in-vitro diagnostics, tissue-based cancer diagnostics and a pioneer in diabetes management. Roche’s personalised healthcare strategy aims at providing medicines and diagnostic tools that enable tangible improvements in the health, quality of life and survival of patients. In 2010, Roche had over 80’000 employees worldwide and invested over 9 billion Swiss francs in R&D. The Group posted sales of 47.5 billion Swiss francs. Genentech, United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche has a majority stake in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information: www.roche.com.

Contacts

Adeti Changulani,

Hasaad Communications

Mob: +971 50 429 5576

adeti.changulani@hasaad.ae

Roche Diagnostics contact

Jane Prospero

Head of Communications EMEA-LATAM

jane.prospero@roche.com

Janne Nielsen

Communications Officer, Middle East

Janne.nielsen@roche.com

INGELHEIM, Germany – Thursday, January 26th 2012 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)– FOR NON-US MEDIA ONLY

Boehringer Ingelheim announced today the initiation of two phase III clinical trials, LUX-Head & Neck 1 and LUX-Head & Neck 2. These trials evaluate afatinib* in patients with metastatic and recurrent head and neck cancer, and in patients with locally advanced disease, respectively.

Afatinib* is an irreversible ErbB Family Blocker which inhibits signal transduction of all kinase receptors from the ErbB Family, and is known to play a critical role in the growth and spread of the most pervasive cancers and cancers associated with high mortality (lung, breast, and head & neck cancers). Over-expression of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR, also referred to as ErbB1)1 is found in at least 90% of head and neck cancers and strongly correlates with poor prognosis and overall survival.2

Positive results from a recently presented phase II study show that afatinib* is the first targeted therapy with at least comparable anti-tumour activity to cetuximab in patients with metastatic head and neck cancer whose cancer has returned (recurrent disease) after treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy.3

Each year, approximately 560,000 cases of head and neck cancer are diagnosed worldwide, and 300,000 patients die annually.4

For patients with recurrent/metastatic disease, treatment options include systemic chemotherapy. Despite the introduction of chemotherapy in this setting approximately 30 years ago, patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer still have a poor prognosis, with a median survival of only 6-10 months.5 In locally advanced head and neck cancer, chemoradiotherapy is an important option. However, due to high recurrence rates, patients with locally advanced disease tend to also have a poor prognosis.

“Currently, approximately 50% of patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer will have a recurrence and there is an urgent need for more treatment options” said Dr Ezra Cohen, Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Chicago Medical Center “We hope potential new treatments such as afatinib will increase the effective options for patients with head and neck cancer.”

LUX-Head & Neck 1 will evaluate, if afatinib* can prolong progression-free survival (primary endpoint) and improve overall survival in patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer who progress after platinum-based treatment.

LUX-Head & Neck 2 will evaluate, if afatinib* can prevent the recurrence of the disease and improve overall survival in patients with locally advanced disease after chemoradiotherapy.

The initiation of these phase III clinical trials represents yet another important milestone for Boehringer Ingelheim to broaden and further develop its oncology pipeline across a range of different cancers.

This expands the phase III clinical trial programme for Boehringer Ingelheim Oncology which currently includes trials with afatinib* in NSCLC and breast cancer and nintedanib* (BIBF 1120) in NSCLC and ovarian cancer.

If investigators are interested in becoming involved in the study and have potentially eligible patients, they should contact Boehringer Ingelheim at:

clintriage.rdg@boehringer-ingelheim.com

Notes to editors

About Trial Nr. 1200.43 (LUX- Head & Neck 1) and Trial Nr 1200.131 (LUX -Head & Neck 2)

LUX- Head & Neck 1 (1200.43)

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT01345682

A randomised, open-label, phase III study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral afatinib* versus intravenous methotrexate in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who have progressed after platinum-based therapy

LUX-Head & Neck 2 (1200.131)

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01345669

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of afatinib* as adjuvant therapy after chemoradiotherapy in primary unresected HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) negative patients with stage III, IVa, or IVb loco-regionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

About Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer is the term used to describe malignant tumours originating in the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT), including the oral cavity, larynx, pharynx and nasopharynx. The vast majority (90%) of head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) arising from the epithelial membranes (mucus linings) of these regions,6 and as such they have many common features relating to their aetiology and classification. Additionally, the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR/ErbB1), which is critical for tumour growth,7 is over-expressed in at least 90% of head and neck cancers.2

Radiotherapy in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy (most often cisplatin) – administered either as a definitive treatment or after surgery – plays a role in the management of locally advanced and/or inoperable head and neck cancers; this is known as ‘chemoradiotherapy’. Chemoradiotherapy, however, is associated with significant side effects and toxicities. In addition, locally advanced head and neck cancer is associated with a poor prognosis due to high recurrence rates.8

About Boehringer Ingelheim in Oncology

Building on scientific expertise and excellence in the fields of pulmonary and cardiovascular medicine, metabolic disease, neurology, virology and immunology, Boehringer Ingelheim has embarked on a major research programme to develop innovative cancer drugs. Working in close collaboration with the international scientific community and a number of the world’s leading cancer centres, Boehringer Ingelheim’s commitment to oncology is underpinned by using advances in science to develop a range of targeted therapies for various solid tumours and haematological cancers.

The current focus of research includes compounds in three areas: angiogenesis inhibition, signal transduction inhibition and cell-cycle kinase inhibition. Nintedanib* (BIBF 1120) is currently in phase III clinical development in NSCLC and Ovarian cancer. Afatinib* is currently in phase III clinical development in NSCLC and breast cancer. In the area of cell-cycle kinase inhibition, Boehringer Ingelheim is developing an inhibitor of polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1), volasertib*, a protein that is involved in the processes of cell division.

Boehringer Ingelheim’s oncology pipeline is evolving and demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to the disease area.

Boehringer Ingelheim

The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world’s 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, it operates globally with 145 affiliates and more than 42,000 employees. Since it was founded in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel products of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine.

As a central element of its culture, Boehringer Ingelheim pledges to act socially responsible. Involvement in social projects, caring for employees and their families, and providing equal opportunities for all employees form the foundation of the global operations. Mutual cooperation and respect, as well as environmental protection and sustainability are intrinsic factors in all of Boehringer Ingelheim’s endeavours.

In 2010, Boehringer Ingelheim posted net sales of about 12.6 billion Euro while spending almost 24% of net sales in its largest business segment Prescription Medicines on research and development.

For more information please visit: www.boehringer-ingelheim.comor www.thewhiteroom.info

*Afatinib, nintedanib (BIBF 1120) and volasertib are investigational compounds. Their safety and efficacy have not yet been fully established.

References

1BI data on file

2Ford, A.C. and Grandis, J.R., 2003. Targeting epidermal growth factor receptor in head and neck cancer. Head Neck, 25, 67-73

3Seiwert TY, et al. THNO 2011; Rome, abstract PP3.4

4Boyle P. et al. World Cancer Report 2008. International Agency for Research on Cancer.

5Coleman M.P et al. 2003 EUROCARE-3 summary: cancer survival in Europe at the end of the 20th century. Annals of Oncology, 14,S5, v128-v149.

6Viviana P. Lutzky. D. J. et al., 2008. Biomarkers for Cancers of the Head and Neck. Clinical Medicine: Ear, Nose and Throat, 1,5-15.

7Normanno N. et al., 2005. The ErbB receptors and their ligands in cancer: An overview. Current Drug Targets, May, 6(3), pp.243-247.

8Bernier, J. and Cooper, J.S. 2005. Chemoradiation after Surgery for High-Risk Head and Neck Cancer Patients: How Strong Is the Evidence? The Oncologist, 10(3), pp.215-224.

Contacts

Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH

Corporate / Global Media Contact

Julia Meyer-Kleinmann

Tel.: +49 (6132) 77-8271

PRESS@boehringer-ingelheim.com

More information

www.boehringer-ingelheim.com

 Capsule’s innovative software and hardware products automate the charting process and improve clinical workflow by seamlessly connecting medical devices to information systems across the entire healthcare enterprise. Automation of this process recovers nursing hours, improves direct patient care time, reduces charting errors, improves decision making, and increases the adoption of the EMR.

 As the leading provider of device integration, Capsule offers one of the only solutions that is truly vendor neutral; providing hospitals with the flexibility and scalability they need to connect virtually any medical device to any information system.  This is made possible through the many, long standing partnerships with virtually every medical device manufacturer and HIS vendor.  Capsule is now expanding this business strategy to develop additional strategic partnerships throughout EMEA and therefore offer the same proven, vendor neutral solution to hospitals around the world. 

 Capsule’s solution is currently installed in over 760 hospitals around the world; including over 200 in EMEA who are using Capsule’s Datacaptor™/Terminal Server solution. By developing partnerships with new HIS vendors in the region, Capsule will be able to deliver their full solution to hospitals around the globe.  “Our distributors and vendors in EMEA and the Asia Pacific region are at the center of our growth strategy,” said Olivier Zmirou, VP of Sales for EMEA for Capsule.  “We have already secured strategic relationships with numerous vendors, and we continue to work with other partners to expand our distribution and supply chain in the region.”

In the past year, Capsule has extended its growth efforts internationally with a focus in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.  As a result of this focus, Capsule has nearly doubled the Company’s international footprint and expanded connectivity to over 30 countries.

 About Capsule’s Solution

Capsule’s Enterprise Medical Device Connectivity Solution™ includes both electronic medical software and hardware. Connectivity options are available for all areas of the hospital—from higher acuity areas (critical care, operating room) to lower acuity areas (med-surg and general wards) to mid-acuity areas (emergency). The key components, Capsule’s DataCaptor™ Connectivity Software and the Capsule Neuron™ Platform, deliver a patient-centered solution that integrates with existing technologies and infrastructures while enhancing caregiver work processes.

 About Capsule
Capsule, A French company,  is the leading global provider of medical device connectivity solutions. The company’s innovative software and hardware products automate and improve clinical workflow by seamlessly connecting medical devices to information systems across the entire healthcare enterprise. Hospitals and healthcare systems using electronic medical records and other information systems can quickly and easily implement Capsule’s vendor neutral, scalable solution to reduce costs, increase productivity and improve patient care. A major advantage of Capsule’s solution is that it seamlessly integrates with existing technologies and clinical workflows. Founded in 1997, the company has established strong partnerships with leading medical device manufacturers and information system providers and has installed enterprise-wide solutions in over 760 hospitals in 30 countries.

visit www.capsuletech.com

 EuroBioConcept designed Chemosafe™ to ensure total protection for operators and products, to cut operating costs and to provide secure waste management.

EuroBioConcept offers turn-key solutions that meet its customers’ specific needs as well as regulatory requirements (most recently for the prestigious Curie Institute). All of its devices are developed and assembled inside its own workshops.

Chemosafe™ serving the automated production of cytotoxic drugs

The Curie Institute wanted to validate and integrate an automated system within its pharmacy department in order to improve safety in antineoplastic agent reconstitution. The Institute was pleased with an automated device installed inside an isolator, a solution suggested by EuroBioConcept in association with automaton manufacturers Medical Dispensing System. Both companies then manufactured and delivered a functional unit that was to be validated within a year.

 Chemosafe™ units comprise a large-capacity Innosté transfer isolator completed with its fully automated, H202 decontamination system operating in very short cycles, a storage zone, as well as pre-post processing and processing zones. The entire unit is kept at ISO 5 class standards and may operate under negative pressure or positive pressure. The whole system features automatic control with traceability via PC. The end products come out through a secure transfer door. The unit is equipped with sterile thermo-solderable sheathing.

 EuroBioConcept pursues its presence in the Middle East. It will be presenting its various solutions in Zabeel Hall at ARAB HEALTH, in booth ZS 58.

www.eurobioconcept.fr

BEIJING & SINGAPORE – Wednesday, January 18th 2012 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)– Quintilestoday announced the opening of a business process outsourcing (BPO) and project management center of excellence in Dalian, a major city in northeast China with a multilingual workforce and location ideally suited to serve the Japanese, Chineseand South Koreanbiopharmaceutical markets.

The Dalian office will provide data management, biostatistics, medical writing, pharmacovigilance, post-marketing safety surveillanceand back-office support for administrative functions for global and local biopharma companies. The office also will support clinical operations for study sites in northeast China.

Dalian’s strategic location and talent pool will allow Quintiles to provide clinical services in English, Japanese, Korean and Mandarin (Dalian’s local workforce is not only multilingual but also has a cultural understanding of its neighboring countries), a valuable offering for both North Asian and global customers seeking to expand in the region or who want to ensure business continuity through resource diversification.

“Following the success of Quintiles’ Bangalore BPO center, which has over 1,000 people supporting global studies, the Dalian Center of Excellence will provide a North Asia support structure for our growing business in Japan, Korea and China,” said Anand Tharmaratnam, Senior Vice President and Head of Asia Markets, Quintiles. “Furthermore, the Dalian team will be well-suited for clients seeking to diversify their outsourcing locations for business continuity assurance.”

Quintiles anticipates growing the center to 500 staff in the next several years once all services are fully established. It will be the company’s fourth hub office in Greater China (in addition to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong).

About Quintiles

Quintiles is the only fully integrated biopharmaceutical services company offering clinical, commercial, consultingand capitalsolutions worldwide. The Quintiles network of more than 20,000 engaged professionals in 60 countries works with an unwavering commitment to patients, safety and ethics. Quintiles helps biopharmaceutical companies navigate risk and seize opportunities in an environment where change is constant. For more information, please visit www.quintiles.com.

Contacts

Quintiles

Stacey Hara, Media Relations Asia Pacific, +65 6602 1583

stacey.hara@quintiles.com

Jay Johnson, Media Relations U.S., +1 919 998 2066

jay.johnson@quintiles.com

Greg Connors, Investor Relations, +1 919 998 2000

invest@quintiles.com

Again in October 2011, the MoH reviewed the mode of dispensing of all medications, and listed the majority of cough and cold products as Pharmacist Only Medications (Ph-OM), where a medicine may be supplied without prescription but must be dispensed by a licensed pharmacist and the location of medicine should not be accessed by customers directly. This is to ensure that the consumer will have detailed information about the dose and all the precautionary measures to prevent accidental overdose and to check the suitability of the medicine for the patient.

Medication safety is a hot topic at the upcoming Arab Health Exhibition and Congress which takes place from 23-26 January 2012 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Dr Yasser Sharif, Section Head, Medication and Medical Products Safety and Manager of Poison and Drug Information Center, Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD), will be speaking on ‘A Toxicologist’s Perspective on Cough and Cold Medications for Children’ during the 5th Middle East Paediatrics Conference at Arab Health.

“Whilst national data for poisoning cases for cough and cold medications are scarce, data from HAAD’s Poison and Drug Information Center (PDIC) shows that out of the 200 cases of poisoning that were received by PDIC during the last 2 years, 14 cases or 7%, were due to cough and cold products,” says Dr Sharif.

The American Academy of Pediatrics concurs that cough and cold medicines should not be given to babies and young children under two years of age and there is limited evidence for their benefit, particularly for infants and young children. No studies have proven the benefit of cough and cold preparations in facilitating recovery from these illnesses, and most children will eventually improve on their own.

Dr Sharif explains that the potential toxicities of cough and cold medicines vary with their composition and that many products contain multiple substances including a decongestant, cough suppressant, antihistamine, and/or antipyretic/ analgesic.
Pseudoephedrine, for example, is a decongestant used to relieve congestion that is present in most cough and cold preparation. Toxicity presents with nervous system stimulation, hypertension, and increased heart rate. It can also cause extreme agitation, excitability, insomnia, psychosis, and seizures.

Many cough and cold preparations also include antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine and brompheniramine. Adverse effects and clinical toxicity of antihistamines can also cause increased heart rate, blurred vision, agitation, drowsiness, confusion, psychoses, seizures and hallucinations may develop with moderate poisoning.

“Doctors should be more vigilant and enquire more often about OTCs when evaluating an ill child in order to avoid duplicate therapy, which may lead to overdose and toxicity. The best medicine is education. Parents need to understand the duration and expected symptoms of common cold, and to know what specific changes in symptoms would warrant a re-evaluation by their child’s physician,” says Dr Sharif.

“Parents must give their children the recommended dose with the correct frequency or length of therapy and they should also use a correct measuring device that is provided with the medicine. Some parents may intentionally give children a higher dose or increase length of therapy while other parents may continue to use these medications as treatment for one of the side effect e.g. sedation to make their children sleep.”

In case of an overdose parents are advised to seek medical help at their nearest emergency room or call the Poison and Drug Information Centre on the toll free number 800424.

For more information about the Arab Health Exhibition & Congress, please visit www.arabhealthonline.com, or call +971 4 407 2743.

-END-

Note to Editors

About Informa Exhibitions:
For more information about Informa Exhibitions, please visit www.informaexhibitions.com.

About Abu Dhabi Health Authority (HAAD):
For more information about (HAAD), please visit www.haad.ae.

For media enquiries please contact:
Inga Stevens
PR and Social Media Manager
Life Science Division
Informa Exhibitions
T: +971 4 407 2743
F: +971 4 336 4021
inga.stevens@informa.com

MENA mobile apps developer Flagship Projects has conducted research which clearly shows that the UAE has captured 60% of the Middle East’s smartphone mobile apps business despite is comparatively low population, and this is set to increase with the region currently accounting for one out of every 12 smartphones sold globally, according to IHS Screen Digest Research.

“Across the region there is already a huge burden on healthcare systems due to rising costs, scarce resources and lack of capacity. Mobile health technology will enable medical professionals to manage many patients remotely, monitoring conditions in real time and sharing vital statistical information between the healthcare provider and the patient. As a progressive telecom service provider, we are perhaps best positioned to offer our expertise to maximise emerging technologies that can improve physician productivity and patient care including 3G mobile hotspots, wireless medical/monitoring devices, tablet computers, and smartphones,” commented Farid Faraidooni, Chief Commercial Officer, du.

According to Simon Page, Managing Director – Life Sciences, Informa Exhibitions: “The next step is two-way wireless videoconferencing devices which can be placed at the patient bedside for regular physician/patient interaction, complete with high-definition video transfer for accurate visual diagnosis. Wireless patient blood pressure, glucose level, weight, and/or bone density monitors could also be integrated into the healthcare solution. These devices provide treating physicians with regular insight into the patient’s condition by regularly relaying this data wirelessly to the doctor’s computer or mobile device.”

According to research by SBI and OBizMedia, 40% of physicians use a digital device at the point of care, with more than 2 in 5 physicians going online during patient consultations, mostly on a handheld device. At the same time, patients are increasingly more informed, searching out answers to complaints themselves, this is reflected in the projected increase of smartphone health apps. According to PEW Research, 10% of all smartphone users have a health app on their device and by 2015 this will increase to 33% running a mHealth app.

Mobile healthcare provides opportunities not only for physicians, but also pharmaceutical companies who are already taking advantage of the growing trend with more than 41% of new healthcare initiatives from pharmaceutical companies being mobile apps.

Mobile Health is a term for medical and public health practice supported by mobile devices, such as mobile phones, patient monitoring devices, PDAs, and other wireless devices, and forms part of an increasing movement towards citizen-centred healthcare delivery.

For more information on the event, please visit www.mplushealth.com or call +971 4 407 2743.

-END-

The Arab Health Exhibition and Congress is organised by Informa Exhibitions and provides a platform for the world’s leading manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors to meet the medical and scientific community in the Middle East and beyond. Overall the Arab Health Exhibition and Congress will feature more than 3,000 exhibiting companies from 70 countries and is expected to attract around 70,000 participants. For more information, please visit www.arabhealthonline.com.

Note to Editors

About Informa Exhibitions:
For more information about Informa Exhibitions, please visit www.informaexhibitions.com.

For media enquiries please contact:
Haneen Aweidah
Account Executive
Hill & Knowlton
T: +971 4 3344930
Haneen.aweidah@hillandknowlton.com

Long co-operation key to new agreement

(BUSINESS WIRE)– According to an agreement made with Turku University Hospital (TYKS), Ascom Miratel Oy will deliver the IP-based Innova Nurse Call System to the new Turku University Hospital extension during 2012. The deal consists of equipment to almost 200 patient beds in 24 wards and other care facilities. This order is the single largest in Ascom Miratel Oy’s history to date, with a total value exceeding €700,000.

TYKS has co-operated with Miratel/Ascom Miratel for more than 20 years. Previously, traditional PCS-Nurse Call Systems have been delivered to different areas of TYKS to cover 38 wards and more than 900 beds.

In July 2011, Ascom acquired Miratel and became Ascom Miratel Oy. This company is not only the market leader in Nurse Call Solutions in Finland, but also a significant supplier of personal safety solutions, medical devices and wireless communication systems.

“The success of this acquisition is already evident. The combined customer knowledge, competence and broad offering born from this merger gives us more opportunities than either company could achieve by itself. Our joint customer relations start to see the new value, and we can now anticipate similar agreements to be more common in the future,” says Dennis Andersson, Vice President Global Sales at Ascom Wireless Solutions.

The new agreement with TYKS will further strengthen the nurse call system Innova’s position in Finland. During 2011, Innova represents more than 60 per cent of the Nurse Call Systems delivered by Ascom Miratel Oy. In 2012, Ascom Miratel anticipates this number to increase even further, compared to traditional systems.

The full IP Innova Nurse Call System brings strong benefits to users in all different functions. A centralized server enables easy access to one maintenance point and fast, reliable version upgrades for all TYKS-hospitals, even globally. When it comes to the ward function level, these are identical for all users at all hospitals for maximum operational ease.

For more information visit www.ascom.com/ws

ABOUT ASCOM WIRELESS SOLUTIONS

Ascom Wireless Solutions (www.ascom.com/ws)is a leading provider of on-site wireless communications for key segments such as hospitals, elderly care, independent living, manufacturing industries, secure establishments, retailand hotels. More than 75,000 systems are installed at major companies all over the world. The company offers a broad range of voice and professional messaging solutions, creating value for customers by supporting and optimizing their Mission-Critical processes. The solutions are based on VoWiFi, IP-DECT, nurse calland pagingtechnologies, smartly integrated into existing enterprise systems. The company has subsidiaries in 11 countries and 1,200 employees worldwide. Founded in 1955 and based in Göteborg, Sweden, Ascom Wireless Solutions is part of the Ascom Group, listed on the Swiss Stock Exchange.

Contacts

Ascom Wireless Solutions

Anne Thingvall, Manager Marketing Communications,

Tel: +46 (0) 31 – 55 93 87

Mobile: +46 (0) 705 – 55 93 87

Email: anne.thingvall@ascom.se

Top performers from twelve categories rewarding outstanding institutions and individual achievements that have contributed to the growth and development of the Middle East healthcare industry will be announced on 24th January 2012, during the 37th Arab Health Exhibition & Congress which is organised by Informa Exhibitions and will take place at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre.

“This year the number of submissions for the Arab Health Awards has grown exponentially, from the wider GCC and Middle East, particularly from the UAE and Saudi Arabia,” says Mr El Husseini, business development director, GE Healthcare Middle East and member of the Arab Health Awards judging panel. “What is interesting to see is more participation from the wider healthcare communities in the region such as outpatient care as well as from the private sector. This is very encouraging and shows how important the Arab Health Awards are in terms of offering recognition within the regional healthcare community. In countries such as the UAE, where the government is investing heavily in their healthcare infrastructure, the Arab Health Awards offer a fantastic platform to highlight recent health achievements in the UAE.”

The panel examined more than 150 nominations submitted by healthcare facilities and professionals from around the Middle East region to build the shortlist for ten award categories:

Arab Health Awards 2012 Short List:

Young Surgeon of the Year Award
 Ahmed Abo-Hashem, Zagazig University, Egypt
 Ritu Khare,Dubai Mall Medical Centre, UAE
 Vinod Gauba, Imperial Heathcare Institute, UAE

Cleveland Clinic Young Clinician Award
 Dr. Khalid Al-Ansari, Pediatric Emergency Center HMC
 Dr. Vinod Gauba, Imperial Heathcare Institute
 Dr. Nesrin El-Khatib, Royal Hayate Hospital

Excellence in Imaging and Diagnostics Award
 Al Ain Hospital, UAE
 SEHA, UAE
 Tawam Hospital, UAE

Excellence in Surgery Services Award
 Hamad General Hospital, Qatar
 Qatar Robotic Surgery Center and HMC, Qatar
 Saudi German Hospitals Group, KSA

Roche Excellence in Laboratory Services Award
 Al Khor Hospital, Qatar
 International Medical Center , KSA
 Mafraq Hospital, UAE
 HMG – Olaya Laboratory, KSA

Excellence in Patient Centred Care Award
 Egyptian Ambulance Organization, Egypt
 Interhealth Canada and Rashid Hospital, UAE
 King Fahad Medical City Children’s Hospital, KSA
 King Saud University College of Medicine, KSA

Excellence in Hospital Emergency Department Award
 Medcare Hospital Llc, UAE
 Pediatric Emergency Center HMC, Qatar
 Rashid Hospital, UAE

Human Resource Development Award
 Corniche Hospital, UAE
 Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group (HMG), KSA
 SEHA, UAE

Excellence in Electronic Health Records Award
 Ambulatory Healthcare Services, UAE
 King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, KSA
 King Hamad University Hospital, Bahrain

Excellence in Patient Safety Award
 Al Ain Hospital, UAE
 American Hospital Dubai, UAE
 Bone Joint and Spine Hospital, KSA
 Canadian Specialist Hospital, UAE

“SEHA is very proud for being shortlisted in the Human Resource Development Award category for the 2012 Arab Health Awards. We worked hard for the last two years to conduct and implement a huge Human Resources Transformational project that affects all our Human Resources Practices and our 16,000 employees, and we did it very successfully. We are aiming to win the Award this year,” said Mohammad Al Hameli, Chief Supports Services Officer, SEHA.

The Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Award for Excellence in Rehabilitation Care will once again be awarded this year for outstanding contributions by an organisation or an individual in the field of rehabilitation care. This award will be shortlisted separately in January 2012.

“Over the last few years we have seen great progress made by governments, organisations and individuals in region to include rehabilitation services in a continuum of care,” Dr. Abdulaziz Al Shamekh, CEO, Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City. “We shall never stop innovating, creating new technologies and formulating new clinical pathways to ensure that the disabled receive the best possible care and all the opportunities that exist.”

For more information about the Arab Health Awards or to book at place at the Gala Dinner, please visit www.arabhealthonline.com or call +971 4 4072738.

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Note to Editors

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