May 7, 2003
Guidant and ResMed to Develop Complementary Diagnostics and Therapies for Overlapping Patient Populations

Strategic Alliance Aimed at Expanding Options for the Treatment of Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Indianapolis, Ind. - Guidant Corporation (NYSE: GDT), a world leader in the treatment of cardiac and vascular disease, today announced that the company has signed a strategic alliance agreement with ResMed (NYSE: RMD). ResMed is a leading global respiratory medical device manufacturer specializing in products for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing. Guidant and ResMed will work together to develop products that diagnose and treat sleep-disordered breathing and cardiac rhythm disorders, disease states with a significant patient population overlap.

"Guidant is actively involved in researching the opportunities for management of sleep-disordered breathing in patients with pacemakers, defibrillators and resynchronization systems," said Fred McCoy, president, Cardiac Rhythm Management, Guidant Corporation. "Our strategic alliance with ResMed will allow both companies to identify and potentially treat these patients with our lifesaving therapies."

The strategic alliance agreement calls for both companies to collaborate on research and development projects, clinical research and market development for the companies'' devices. Medical research has shown a link between sleep-disordered breathing and hypertension, a condition that often leads to other cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure. Worldwide, nearly 140 million people suffer from sleep-disordered breathing. Solutions developed by the companies will help identify currently under-diagnosed patients and provide treatment options.

"ResMed is committed to raising both public and physician awareness about the inherent cardiovascular dangers of untreated sleep-disordered breathing. We are also committed to the ongoing product advancement and development required to meet public health needs for the diagnosis, treatment and management of sleep-disordered breathing," said Peter C. Farrell, Ph.D., Chairman and CEO, ResMed. "We are very pleased to be working with Guidant to identify patients, establish referral pathways and study the complementary benefits of each company''s devices in improving quality of life."

ResMed is a leading manufacturer and marketer of medical equipment for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). ResMed is dedicated to improving awareness among patients and healthcare professionals of the potentially serious health consequences of untreated SDB and to developing innovative technology to improve the lives of those who suffer from this condition. One key area of focus for ResMed is the relationship between untreated sleep-disordered breathing and cardiovascular disease. More information about ResMed can be found at www.resmed.com.

Guidant Corporation pioneers lifesaving technology, giving an opportunity for a better life today to millions of cardiac and vascular patients worldwide. The company, driven by a strong entrepreneurial culture of 11,000 employees, develops, manufactures and markets a broad array of products and services that enable less invasive care for some of life''s most threatening medical conditions. For more information, visit www.guidant.com.