Philips Respironics to Assist US Government in Development of Ventilation Solutions for Disaster Preparedness

October 1, 2014

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.

For further information, please contact:

Alicia Cafardi
Philips Healthcare
Tel: +1 724-387-4439
E-mail: alicia.cafardi@philips.com

About Royal Philips:

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2013 sales of EUR 23.3 billion and employs approximately 113,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

Forward-looking statements

This release may contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Philips and certain of the plans and objectives of Philips with respect to these items. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and there are many factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.