United States and Canada: COBE Spectra^® Apheresis System equipment,
disposables, spare parts, accessories, service, and technical and clinical support

Dear Customer:

This letter is to inform customers in the US and Canada that CaridianBCT will continue sales and support of the COBE Spectra Apheresis System (equipment, disposables, spare parts, accessories, service, and technical and clinical support) into the year 2014. We will confirm the specific date that we plan to discontinue the sales and support in a subsequent communication. Until that date, please be assured that you will receive a high level of support for your COBE Spectra system.

Over the past two decades, CaridianBCT's COBE Spectra Apheresis System has earned the reputation of being the “gold standard” in the field of therapeutic apheresis and cell therapy (TA/CT). Since the system was launched, CaridianBCT has solicited and listened to customers' feedback on how best to address their changing TA/CT needs. As a result, we launched the Spectra Optia® Apheresis System.

Due to a variety of factors, including the Spectra Optia system's worldwide market acceptance, the increasing challenges of obtaining reliable parts for the COBE Spectra system, and the changing product requirements communicated by our customers, CaridianBCT has decided to focus its long term efforts on the new Spectra Optia system technology.

We encourage customers to contact their CaridianBCT Sales Consultant to learn more about the Spectra Optia system and to begin the transition from the COBE Spectra system to the Spectra Optia system. Customers can also learn about the Spectra Optia system at www.caridianbct.com.

CaridianBCT values our long-term relationships with our customers and we thank you for your continued support.