The Diagnostics Division of Bayer HealthCare LLC, a member of the Bayer Group announced that it has received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for Ascensia Breeze, its newest blood glucose monitor for people with diabetes. The first meter to debut under Bayer's new Ascensia line of diabetes care products and services, the Ascensia Breeze blood glucose monitoring system is designed to assist people in self-monitoring their blood glucose regularly, with ease. The Ascensia Breeze system will be commercially available third quarter 2003.

"Clearance of the Ascensia Breeze system by the FDA marks a milestone for Bayer, as this monitor clearly represents a proven approach in a meter design that is uncomplicated and provides peace of mind for the user," said Joe Malta, vice president of sales and marketing, Self-Test Business, Bayer HealthCare LLC, Diagnostics Division. "By combining our experience, research and brand philosophy, we are delivering on our commitment to develop products and services that help overcome barriers to regular self-monitoring. We firmly believe that diabetes self-management can be readily incorporated into a person's lifestyle - defining only a minor part of who they really are. We have designed the Ascensia Breeze system to provide reliable, worry-free testing through its simple operation."

The Ascensia Breeze system, using the Ascensia Autodisc 10-test disc, takes into consideration recent insightful advances in glucose testing. The new system facilitates the use and learning through product features and benefits including:

Using the Ascensia Autodisc, the meter does away with handling individual test strips, providing 10 individual strips in one easy-to-load disc; single function buttons make it easier to use every time, taking the work out of testing and retrieving information; Automatic coding and underfill detection ensures accurate and worry-free testing; the comfortable and convenient shape of the system is ideal for handheld and tabletop testing; the system provides alternate site testing (fingertip, palm, forearm, abdomen and thigh).

"Even with all the advances in technology, we find that people who regularly monitor are looking for accuracy, ease and consistency," said Malta. "Using extensive feedback from patients and healthcare professionals, this meter offers a blood glucose monitoring system that's truly reliable and effortless to handle."

The Ascensia Breeze blood glucose monitoring system joins the existing family of meters, strips and services under the Ascensia brand. Ascensia DEX 2, Ascensia Elite XL, and the new Ascensia Breeze blood glucose monitoring systems use the Ascensia WinGlucofacts software to analyze blood glucose results on a home computer. The Ascensia Microlet Vaculance lancing device is suggested for use with Ascensia systems for alternate site testing.

Ascensia means to 'ascend and achieve.' The complete range of Ascensia blood glucose monitoring products and services are designed to help patients do just that--rise above their diabetes to experience life's many possibilities. This unique approach is called Your Life. Your Way. This theme reflects Bayer's dedication to help empower people by designing products and services that meet individual needs to help them manage their diabetes in a way t hat suits their lifestyle and life goals. Ascensia represents Bayer's evolution towards self-directed patient care, as the company has been a leader in diabetes monitoring and management since 1941.