New Standard of National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program

Bayer's A1CNow+ and A1CNow SELFCHECK Meet New Tighter Performance Criteria

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Jul 20, 2010, 08:00 ET

TARRYTOWN, N.Y., July 20 /PRNewswire/ -- As of January 1, 2010 the new performance certification standards applicable to devices that measure A1C (or glycated hemoglobin) as set by the National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program (NGSP) changed to +/-0.75% A1C, 95% CI, 4-10.0% A1C range. Bayer Diabetes Care, manufacturer of A1CNow+® and A1CNow® SELFCHECK devices, submits for annual NGSP certification each June and has now successfully completed certification under this new tighter criteria. The company has received a new NGSP certificate valid from July 1, 2010 to July 1, 2011. The previous criteria for last year's NGSP certification was +/-0.85% A1C, 95% CI, 4-12.0% A1C range.

Background:

The purpose of the NGSP is to standardize glycated hemoglobin test results. Standardization allows A1C results to be comparable to those reported in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) where relationships to mean blood glucose and risk for vascular complications have been established.(1) In order to achieve NGSP certification, an A1C testing method must successfully complete rigorous testing requirements annually. Each year, Bayer's A1CNow+ and A1CNow SELFCHECK devices meters must complete NGSP certification requirements. Bayer's NGSP certificate expires annually on July 1.

Bayer's new A1CNow+ and A1CNow SELFCHECK NGSP Certificate of Traceability is available online at http://www.a1cnow.com/asset/document/A1CNow-NGSP-Certificate.aspx.

For more information on Bayer's A1CNow+ or A1CNow SELFCHECK devices, go to www.A1CNow.com or www.simplewins.com.

About Bayer Diabetes Care

Bayer Diabetes Care is a worldwide leader in diabetes care, supporting customers in 100 countries and, for more than 40 years, has led the way in diabetes care product innovation. Today, Bayer Diabetes Care offers an unparalleled choice in diabetes management systems and comprehensive support including education, tools and resources designed to simplify life with diabetes. Bayer Diabetes Care is a business of the Bayer HealthCare LLC, Medical Care Division and has its global headquarters located in Tarrytown, New York. Find more information at www.simplewins.com.

About Bayer HealthCare

The Bayer Group is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, nutrition and high-tech materials. Bayer HealthCare, a subsidiary of Bayer AG, is one of the world's leading, innovative companies in the health care and medical products industry and is based in Leverkusen, Germany. The company combines the global activities of the Animal Health, Bayer Schering Pharma, Consumer Care and Medical Care divisions. Bayer HealthCare's aim is to discover and manufacture products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. Find more information at www.bayerhealthcare.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer's public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

(1) www.ngsp.org

SOURCE Bayer Diabetes Care