PARI & BOC in Collaboration to Develop Innovative Drug Delivery SystemsMidlothian, Virginia; June 6, 2006 – PARI, a worldwide leader in aerosol delivery, and BOC, a global provider of medical gases, have signed an agreement to study the effects of gas-enabled drug delivery systems using Heliox. Heliox, the common name for mixtures of helium and oxygen, is three times lighter than air, which makes it easier for patients with compromised lung function to breathe.

It is hoped that the creation of an innovative Heliox delivery device with a customized nebulizer will help critically ill patients by delivering oxygen and aerosol to the lungs with less effort than breathing air. The goal is to improve the delivery range of aerosol therapies used to treat exacerbations of conditions such as asthma, COPD, and bronchiolitis.

“Our collaboration with BOC marks an important step towards a commercially available aerosol delivery system that optimizes results using gases other than air or enriched oxygen. We are certain that PARI's 100 year history in developing aerosol delivery systems can improve patient outcomes when using Heliox as well,” stated Werner Gutmann, President of PARI Respiratory Equipment.

“We’re delighted that PARI shares our vision of novel, easy to use drug delivery systems that will enable doctors to safely and reliably provide potentially lifesaving therapies,” said Brad Walker, Managing Director of BOC's Medical Division.

As study results become available later this year, PARI and BOC will share information with physicians and clinics.

About BOC

The BOC Group, the world-wide industrial gases, vacuum technologies abatement and distribution services company, serves two million customers in more than 50 countries. It employs some 30,000 people and had annual sales of over £4.6 billion in 2005. Further information about The BOC Group may be obtained on the Internet at www.boc.com .

About PARI Respiratory Equipment

PARI Respiratory Equipment is the North American arm of PARI GmbH. PARI is a leading worldwide developer and manufacturer of fast and efficient aerosol delivery systems for patients with asthma, chronic lung disease, and cystic fibrosis. PARI's primary focus is to provide patients with innovative products and services that help control disease.

Products available include breath enhanced, reusable nebulizers including the PARI LC PLUS and PARI LC STAR, masks like Bubbles the Fish II, as well as compressor/nebulizer systems including the PARI PRONEB Ultra and PARI Trek. PARI is headquartered in Starnberg, Germany with a major presence in the United States and offices in Japan, United Kingdom, and China. Online at www.Pari.com 

Additional information is available by contacting Larry Weinstein at (804) 253-7235 x235.

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