LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. -- Jan. 23, 1996 -- The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued a patent covering the use of inhaled nitric oxide to treat pulmonary vasoconstriction and bronchoconstriction, Ohmeda announced today.

The patent was issued to Massachusetts General Hospital, which has exclusively licensed rights to develop and commercialize this inhaled nitric oxide therapy in the U.S. to Ohmeda, Inc., a business of The BOC Group.

Ohmeda is conducting multi-centered clinical studies in the U.S. to evaluate inhaled nitric oxide's therapeutic potential as a selective pulmonary vasodilator. In particular, it is being tested for use as an adjunct to mechanical ventilation in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.

Specializing in anesthesia and critical care, Ohmeda's pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and devices are used in operating rooms, post-anesthesia care units and neonatal and adult intensive care units worldwide. Ohmeda is the health care business of The BOC Group, a $5.9 billion, UK-based company that also has businesses in industrial gases, vacuum technologies and distribution services. Headquartered in Liberty Corner, NJ, Ohmeda employs approximately 5,300 people in 30 countries and has annual revenues of about $850 million.

CONTACT: Ohmeda, Liberty Corner | Judee Shuler, 908/771-4769