Patented Multi-Therapy Infusion Technology Unveiled as Hospira Launches the Q Core Sapphire™ Device in Europe

-- The Sapphire device is the first multi-therapy touch screen infusion pump available for use in hospital, ambulatory and home care settings --

PARIS, March 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Hospira, Inc. (NYSE: HSP), the world's leading provider of injectable drugs and infusion technologies, today launched in Europe the multi-therapy Sapphire™ infusion device at the 18th Congress of the European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP).

The Sapphire device is a compact and lightweight infusion pump for use in hospitals, home care and ambulatory settings. Device features include the large, intuitive, colour touch-screen, which is designed for easy and quick programming. The Sapphire device's peristaltic pumping system incorporates magnetic flow-control technology and provides low-flow continuity. The pump is designed to deliver medication with a high rate of accuracy during treatment, reduce energy consumption and extend battery life. It includes infusion modes for all intended uses to simplify the patient's care through various clinical areas.[1]

Hospira is launching the Sapphire device in Europe following the company's announcement of an international distribution agreement for the product with Q Core Medical, Ltd. in January. The agreement grants Hospira the right to market and distribute the infusion pump in more than 60 markets. The device is available immediately for order in France, Italy and the UK, with availability in additional European markets to follow. Hospira's leading position in infusion technologies combined with the product strengths of the Sapphire device will benefit infusion pump customers and patients alike.

"Adding the Sapphire system to the Hospira product portfolio strengthens the breadth of the company's already comprehensive medication management business and reflects the commitment of the company to the devices business. It satisfies a wide range of critical drug delivery needs in ambulatory, hospital and home care environments and readily adapts to emerging needs," commented Svend Andersen, president, Europe, Middle East and Africa,  Hospira. "The agreement to market and distribute the Sapphire device extends Hospira's ability to support patient safety in key geographies around the world."

EAHP congress attendees are invited to view demonstrations of the Sapphire device at the Hospira stand, number 50 in the congress plan.

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.

[1] Uses include Continuous, Intermittent, TPN, PCA, Multi-step, Intermittent Epidural and PCEA Epidural.