Irvine, California - August 1, 2006, Respironics, Inc. today
announced that it has decided to expand its relationship with Masimo
and to adopt Masimo's pulse oximetry solution for situations requiring
read through motion technology across all of its business units. Until
now Respironics has only used Masimo SET in certain of its sleep and
respiratory products. Respironics will be gradually incorporating
Rainbow SET in all Respironics products where the improved capabilities
will provide clear clinical improvements. Respironics will
be phasing out its Novametrix MARS oximetry product line over time but
will continue to service customers until a comprehensive plan is in
place. This agreement between Respironics and Masimo also
constitutes a release by Masimo of Respironics and its affiliates from
certain patent infringement claims and provides Respironics with access
to the Masimo Rainbow SET technology.
Craig Reynolds, COO of Respironics stated, "Masimo SET is clearly
the gold standard in pulse oximetry technology for its ability to
reliably measure oxygen saturation and pulse rate during difficult
situations, but with its new Rainbow Technology, Masimo further
advances the science by being able to simultaneously measure
carboxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin noninvasively, which until now
could only be measured invasively. Masimo and Respironics have
enjoyed a great business relationship for over 10 years. We are
excited to be able to extend our existing relationship and again be one
of the first companies to provide our customers with the latest
advancements in noninvasive patient monitoring technology."
Joe E. Kiani, Chairman and CEO of Masimo stated, "We greatly value
our relationship with Respironics and are happy to be expanding our
relationship with this new agreement. Respironics was one of the
first OEM users of Masimo technology, taking our revolutionary
read-through motion and low perfusion pulse oximetry technology to the
sleep labs and home care when that was the business they focused
on. We are delighted to see Respironics not only make great
headway in the hospital market with its ventilator products, but to
take Rainbow SET to its customers around the world."
Respironics stated that it will not be changing its financial outlook for guidance based
on the events described in this press release.
About Respironics, Inc.
Respironics is a leading
developer, manufacturer and distributor of innovative products and
programs that serve the global sleep and respiratory markets. Focusing
on emerging market needs, the Company is committed to providing valued
solutions to help improve outcomes for patients, clinicians and health
care providers. Respironics markets its products in 131 countries and
employs over 4,600 associates worldwide. Further information can be
found on the Company's Web site: www.respironics.com
About Masimo
Masimo develops innovative
monitoring technologies that significantly improve patient care-
helping solve "unsolvable" problems. In 1995, the company debuted
Read-Through Motion and Low Perfusion pulse oximetry, known as SET, and
with it virtually eliminated false alarms and increased pulse
oximetry's ability to detect life-threatening events. Over 70
independent clinical studies have confirmed that Masimo SET technology
allows clinicians to accurately monitor blood oxygen saturation in
critical care situations. In 2005 Masimo introduced Rainbow SET
and with it, Pulse CO-Oximetry, which, for the first time,
noninvasively monitors the level of carbon monoxide and methemoglobin
in the blood, allowing early detection and treatment of potentially
life-threatening conditions.
Masimo, founded in 1989, has the mission of "Improving Patient
Outcome and Reducing Cost of Care by Taking Noninvasive Monitoring to
New Sites and Applications." Additional information about Masimo and
its products may be found at www.masimo.com
Masimo, SET, Signal Extraction Technology and
Improving and Reducing Cost of Care by Taking Noninvasive Monitoring to
New Sites and Applications are registered trademarks of Masimo Corp.
Rainbow and Pulse CO-Oximetry are trademarks of Masimo Labs.
Contact:
Brad Langdale
949-297-7009
[email protected]
Contact:
Maryellen Bizzack
724-387-5006
[email protected]