Baxter Launches Next Generation of The Vest System for Airway Clearance

Rhea-AI Summary

Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX) has launched The Vest Advanced Pulmonary Experience (APX) System, its next-generation airway clearance system, at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference. This system, designed for adults and children with certain chronic lung conditions and retained secretions, features enhanced comfort and patient-centered improvements based on clinician and patient input.

Key features include:

• A streamlined, lightweight garment with wicking fabric and Velcro closure
• New garment colors and designs for adults and children
• User-friendly touch screen navigation
• Smaller and lighter control unit with carrying case
• Optional CARE Connex Program for ongoing support

The Vest APX System uses High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) technology to help dislodge and mobilize mucus in the lungs. Baxter received FDA 510(k) clearance for the system earlier this year, and it will be available to order this fall.

Positive

• Launch of next-generation airway clearance system (The Vest APX) with enhanced features
• FDA 510(k) clearance received for The Vest APX System
• Expansion into non-invasive respiratory health industry through Hillrom acquisition
• HFCWO technology demonstrated safe and effective for nearly 200,000 patients over 35 years
• New system is 19% smaller and 30% lighter than the previous version

Negative

• None.

Insights

Medical Device Expert

The launch of Baxter's next-generation Vest APX System represents a significant advancement in airway clearance technology for patients with chronic lung conditions. Key improvements include:

• Enhanced comfort with a streamlined, lightweight garment design
• User-friendly touch screen interface for easier operation
• Smaller, lighter control unit improving portability
• Customizable garment designs to improve patient experience

These features address important quality-of-life factors for patients who require frequent daily treatments. The system maintains the proven High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) technology while incorporating patient and clinician feedback.

From a market perspective, this launch strengthens Baxter's position in the respiratory care segment following its Hillrom acquisition. The improved design and user experience could drive adoption and potentially expand Baxter's market share in this space. However, the immediate financial impact may be as this is an upgrade to an existing product line rather than an entirely new offering.

Market Research Analyst

This product launch aligns with growing demand for home-based medical devices and patient-centric design in healthcare. Key market implications include:

• Potential for increased patient adherence due to improved comfort and ease of use, which could lead to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs
• Strengthening of Baxter's competitive position in the respiratory care market, particularly against competitors like Hill-Rom and Philips Respironics
• Opportunity for recurring revenue through garment sales and the CARE Connex support program
• Possible expansion into new markets or patient populations due to enhanced portability and user-friendly features

While the immediate revenue impact may be modest, this launch reinforces Baxter's commitment to innovation in its acquired Hillrom portfolio. Long-term, it could contribute to market share growth and customer loyalty in the respiratory care segment, which is experiencing increased focus due to respiratory health awareness post-COVID-19.

• Provides patients with certain chronic lung conditions and retained secretions added comfort, user-friendly touch screen and unique garment design options
• Developed in consultation with clinicians and patients for an enhanced user experience
• The Vest uses High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation therapy, a therapy for which Hillrom, now part of Baxter, has been a pioneer and industry leader

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX), a leading global medtech company, today unveiled its next generation airway clearance system, The Vest Advanced Pulmonary Experience (APX) System, at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference. The Vest APX System supports daily therapy for adults and children with certain chronic lung conditions and retained secretions. The system features the same trusted airflow technology as the previous version, with enhanced comfort and additional patient-centered features driven by clinician and patient input.

“Many patients who are prescribed this therapy use it multiple times a day, every day,” said Jim O’Connell, president of Front Line Care at Baxter. “With that in mind, it was very important for us to design a solution that fits seamlessly into a patient’s daily routine. The Vest APX System offers next-level comfort, ease of use and portability, all while maintaining the performance patients and caregivers have depended on for years.”

Patients with chronic lung conditions such as cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis can experience mucus blocking the small airways in their lungs. Mucus can trap bacteria, which can lead to lung inflammation and infections. The Vest APX System uses High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) technology to help dislodge mucus from the bronchial walls and mobilize secretions and mucus from the smaller to larger airways where it can be cleared by coughing or suctioning.

Baxter entered the non-invasive respiratory health industry in December 2021 through its acquisition of Hillrom, which has long been a pioneer in airway clearance. Its HFCWO technology has been demonstrated to be a safe and effective airway clearance solution for nearly 200,000 patients over the past 35 years and has been tested in more than 60 clinical studies to date.¹

In addition to the well-established, patented technology that drives The Vest APX System, the following new features provide an improved overall experience for patients:

• Added comfort: A streamlined, lightweight garment that keeps the abdomen free, a wicking fabric to keep patients cool and a Velcro brand closure for optimal fit.
• Unique designs: Patients have the option to choose from an expanded selection of new garment colors and designs, including vibrant options for adults and playful options for children.
• Easy to use: User-friendly, intuitive navigation on a touch screen that makes it easy for patients and caregivers to start therapy with one button push. The control unit is 19 percent smaller and 30 percent lighter than the previous version and comes with a carrying case.

Patients and care teams also have the option to receive ongoing support with the CARE Connex Program. The program offers touchpoints with Baxter clinical experts throughout the patient care journey to assess and answer questions from patients and caregivers.

Baxter received U.S. Food and Drug Administration 510(k) clearance for The Vest APX System earlier this year. The system will also be showcased at the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) annual meeting Oct. 6-9 and will be available to order this fall. Learn more about Baxter’s respiratory health portfolio here.

About Baxter’s Respiratory Health Business

Baxter’s portfolio of respiratory health products includes airway clearance and non-invasive ventilation products that support patients with symptoms associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis and other pulmonary-compromising conditions. Our innovative and accessible respiratory health products and services are used extensively across home care and acute care settings.

About Baxter

Every day, millions of patients, caregivers and healthcare providers rely on Baxter’s leading portfolio of diagnostic, critical care, kidney care, nutrition, hospital and surgical products used across patient homes, hospitals, physician offices and other sites of care. For more than 90 years, we’ve been operating at the critical intersection where innovations that save and sustain lives meet the healthcare providers who make it happen. With products, digital health solutions and therapies available in more than 100 countries, Baxter’s employees worldwide are now building upon the company’s rich heritage of medical breakthroughs to advance the next generation of transformative healthcare innovations. To learn more, visit www.baxter.com and follow us on X, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Rx Only. For safe and proper use of this device, refer to the full Instructions for Use.

Important Safety Information

The Vest APX System is intended to provide airway clearance therapy when external manipulation of the thorax is the physician's choice of treatment. Specific indications for external manipulation of the thorax include evidence or a suggestion of retained secretions, evidence that the patient is having difficulty with the secretion clearance, or presence of atelectasis caused by mucus plugging. In addition, The Vest APX System is also indicated for external manipulation of the thorax to promote airway clearance or improve bronchial drainage for the purposes of collecting mucus for diagnostic evaluation.

The Vest APX System may be used for the pediatric population (6 months and older) to geriatric population.

Important Risk Information

For a complete list of contraindications and warnings refer to The Vest APX Instructions for Use.

This release includes forward-looking statements concerning potential benefits associated with The Vest APX System and CARE Connex Program. The 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: demand for and market acceptance for new and existing products; product development risks; inability to create additional production capacity in a timely manner or the occurrence of other manufacturing or supply difficulties (including as a result of natural disasters, public health crises and epidemics/pandemics, regulatory actions or otherwise); satisfaction of regulatory and other requirements; actions of regulatory bodies and other governmental authorities; product quality, manufacturing or supply, or patient safety issues; changes in law and regulations; and other risks identified in Baxter's most recent filing on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and other SEC filings, all of which are available on Baxter's website. Baxter does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements.

Baxter, Hillrom, The Vest and CARE Connex are trademarks of Baxter International Inc. or its subsidiaries.

Velcro is a trademark of Velcro IP Holdings LLC.

¹Data on file at Baxter International Inc.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240926950658/en/

Media Contact

Natalie Matthews, (224) 515-0219

media@baxter.com

Investor Contact

Clare Trachtman, (224) 948-3020

Source: Baxter International Inc.

FAQ

What is The Vest APX System launched by Baxter (BAX)?

The Vest APX System is Baxter's next-generation airway clearance system for adults and children with certain chronic lung conditions and retained secretions. It uses High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation technology to help dislodge and mobilize mucus in the lungs.

When will The Vest APX System by Baxter (BAX) be available to order?

The Vest APX System will be available to order in the fall of 2023, following its FDA 510(k) clearance earlier in the year.

What are the key improvements in Baxter's (BAX) new Vest APX System?

The Vest APX System features a streamlined lightweight garment, new color and design options, a user-friendly touch screen, a smaller and lighter control unit, and an optional CARE Connex Program for ongoing support.

How does Baxter's (BAX) Vest APX System help patients with chronic lung conditions?

The Vest APX System uses High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation technology to help dislodge mucus from bronchial walls and mobilize secretions from smaller to larger airways, where it can be cleared by coughing or suctioning.