ABBOTT EXTENDING INFUSION PUMP LINE

ABBOTT EXTENDING INFUSION PUMP LINE with LifeCare 1500 ambulatory microinfuser, developed and manufactured by Parker Hannifin, Abbott an- nounced in a May 15 release. Abbott said it "signed an agreement to market an ambulatory medication infusion pump developed by Parker Hannifin. . .to further extend its leading line of products that deliver intravenous fluids and drugs to patients electronically." Parker Hannifin said that Abbott would have exclusive marketing rights to the device as long as certain undisclosed conditions are met. Parker Hannifin will produce the device, which will either be leased or sold to physicians and hospitals at a cost ranging between $1,400 and $2,000, for Abbott. The microinfusion pump, Abbott's fourth electronic flow device in the LifeCare line, will be marketed separately from Abbott drug products, the firm said. Abbott's other pump devices include the LifeCare Model 4 pump, micro pump, 1050 volumetric controller, and a patient-controlled analgesia system. The programmable electronic infusion device, approved by the FDA 16 months ago, "will be used to provide drugs to patients being treated for cancer, pain and infectious diseases," the release states. The device is "smaller than a business card" and weighs "less than 2-1/2 ounces," according to the release.