2007 Sustainability Report - Baxter Sustainability Report

Q&A with norbert riedel R&D at BaxterHow does research and development at Baxter support sustainability?Norbert G. Riedel, Ph.D.Corporate Vice President andChief Scientific OfficerResearch and development (R&D) is the engine that drives our company’s innovation.For Baxter, there is a clear connection to sustainability due to the nature of our products,which help save and improve people’s lives.What are some examples of recent R&D projects?One clinical trial is to study treating advanced heart disease by injecting the patient’sown stem cells into his or her heart to rejuvenate it. We also developed the first needlelessintravenous (IV) connector with an antimicrobial coating, which has been shown to kill99.9 percent of specific microorganisms known to cause hospital-acquired bloodstreaminfections. We're advancing less invasive methods of delivering critical fluids anddrugs to patients. One new delivery method uses a needle injection just below the skin,as opposed to the vein. This technology can increase the absorption and dispersion offluids and drugs through subcutaneous infusion, offering a potential alternative to IVadministration for patients with difficult venous access (DVA). To improve care for kidneyfailure patients in developing markets, this year Baxter plans to launch a new automatedperitoneal dialysis (APD) cycler. The system, which will be launched first in India, willincrease access to overnight dialysis in developing countries. We’re also working on a homehemodialysis platform.How does R&D take into account environmental protection?We consider the environment throughout the R&D process. For example, we look for partsand components that can be manufactured and disposed of in an environmentally responsibleway. And we work closely with manufacturing on issues such as materials selection.What role does bioethics play?Our Bioethics Guiding Principles govern our R&D efforts. If issues arise that might lead usto reconsider that policy, as chief scientific officer I work with our chief executive officerto recommend any changes, which we then present to the Public Policy Committee of Baxter'sboard of directors.Where does Baxter stand regarding animal testing?Regulations around the world require animal testing to demonstrate a drug or medicaldevice’s safety and efficacy before it can be used in humans. We follow strict requirementsfor humane treatment and limit animal testing by using computer simulations and otheralternative methods when feasible.How do you foster a culture of innovation within R&D at Baxter?We provide our scientists with state-of-the-art technology and encourage them to advancetheir scientific interests and careers through activities such as publishing scientificpapers, attending conferences and writing patents. Ultimately, our researchers must havethe goal of translating their research into a product that is meaningful to patients andhealthcare providers.See the expanded interview in the full report online.24 BAXTER 2007 sustainability report | Product Responsibility