Baxter International has established Baxter Ventures to invest up to $200 million in equity in promising early-stage companies developing therapies that complement Baxter's existing portfolio.

"Baxter's mission is to apply innovative science to develop therapies and medical technologies that save and sustain patients' lives," said Robert L. Parkinson, Jr., chairman and CEO of Baxter. "As the company's internal capabilities have advanced our late-stage pipeline, we have the capacity to further accelerate the early-stage development of essential therapies."

Baxter Ventures will invest globally and focus on innovative technologies with sustainable, long-term growth. The company has continued to grow its internal investments in R&D and to pursue business development initiatives, collaborations and alliances as part of its long-term growth strategy.

"Baxter Ventures will allow us to provide companies with promising, early-stage technologies with the capital and expertise needed to drive successful innovation," said Dr. Norbert Riedel, Baxter’s chief scientific officer.