Guidant to Expand Southern California Facilities; Drug Eluting and Carotid Stents, Emerging Therapies Drive Expansion

"Guidant's continuing programs to develop and deliver thehighest-quality lifesaving devices and treatments for cardiovasculardisease - particularly in emerging therapies such as drug eluting andcarotid artery stents, vulnerable plaque and bioabsorbable stents -necessitate expansion to accommodate new facilities and additionalpersonnel," said John M. Capek, Ph.D., president, VascularIntervention, Guidant. "This expansion also reflects Guidant'slong-standing commitment to the Temecula and Inland Empirecommunities, of which the company has been an active part for morethan 20 years."

Guidant expects to break ground on the new facilities - includingan adjacent parking structure - in the second quarter and anticipatescompletion of construction of the parking structure early next yearand of the two buildings in late 2007.

Guidant Corporation pioneers lifesaving technology, giving anopportunity for better life today to millions of cardiac and vascularpatients worldwide. The company develops, manufactures and markets abroad array of products and services that enable less-invasive carefor some of life's most threatening medical conditions. For moreinformation, visit www.guidant.com.

NOTE TO MEDIA: For more information about Guidant, including itsproducts and services, please visit the company's newsroom atwww.guidant.com/newsroom.