Global leader in ventilation technology to design an easy to use ventilator for use in event of pandemic or other public health emergency

Andover, MA – Philips Respironics, a division of Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI), announced today it has been awarded a development contract from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a next-generation disaster readiness ventilator. As the leading global provider of advanced ventilation solutions, Philips will work closely on this project with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) within the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response.

Each year more than 800,000 severely ill patients hospitalized in the U.S. require mechanical ventilation[i]. In the event of a pandemic or other public health emergency, this number could skyrocket, overwhelming the current health system with demand for ventilators and staff who are trained to operate them. As a result of this contract award, Philips will assist the HHS in developing a ventilator for the sole purpose of disaster preparedness – one that is easily manufactured, able to be used by a wide range of patients with unpredictable illnesses and designed for ease-of-use so that a wider variety of clinicians can be mobilized to operate it.

"Philips Respironics has a rich history of innovation in the area of mechanical ventilation for both the acute and home settings," said Eli Diacopoulos, general manager, Respiratory Care, Philips Respironics. "We have proudly designed and manufactured ventilators in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area for over 25 years.  We are honored to participate in our country's national preparedness for pandemic events."  

The global leader in noninvasive and invasive ventilation, Philips Respironics was selected by BARDA due to its top quality engineering and expertise in ventilation and track record in delivering leading-edge ventilation technology around the world. Lightweight, versatile, and easy to use, Philips ventilators, such as the Trilogy Ventilator family, are designed for use in the home, hospital and alternative care sites for a wide range of adult and pediatric patients.

^[i] Wunsch H, Linde-Zwirble WT, Angus DC, Hartman ME, Milbrandt EB, Kahn JM. The epidemiology of mechanical ventilation use in the United States. Crit Care Med 2010; 38: 1947-53.