Bausch & Lomb To License Plasmin from Bayer HealthCare for Ophthalmic

    Business Editors/Healthcare Editors

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. and RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 7, 2005--Bausch & Lomb (NYSE:BOL) and Bayer HealthCare LLC, Biological Products Division, today announce that Bayer has granted Bausch & Lomb an exclusive worldwide license to Bayer's Plasmin technology for use in ophthalmology.
    A product derived from processed human plasma, the liquid portion of the blood, Plasmin may have potential for use in developing novel therapies for ocular conditions. Bayer is pursuing development of Plasmin in non-ocular indications where Plasmin could be used as a thrombolytic agent to dissolve blood clots in veins and arteries.
    "As a world leader in eye health with a heritage of technological innovation, Bausch & Lomb is actively pursuing new compounds, new therapies and technologies to treat diseases that rob people of their most precious sense of sight," said Gary M. Phillips, M.D., Bausch & Lomb corporate vice president - Global Pharmaceuticals and Vitreoretinal. "We are interested in pursuing the development of Plasmin technology for potential use in treating multiple indications for which vitrectomy surgery now is used."
    "Expanding our opportunities with Plasmin through this agreement with Bausch & Lomb is very exciting for us at Bayer. This agreement will bring together the recognized leadership of two companies in their respective fields, Bayer as a global leader in development of therapeutic plasma proteins, and Bausch & Lomb as a leading eye health company," said Bernhard Schaefer, vice president of Global Strategic Marketing for vascular, intensive care, and pulmonary products at Bayer Biological Products. "This potential new use for Plasmin in ophthalmology will build on other development projects underway or planned at Bayer. We are pleased that we have the potential to help so many additional patients through this new development program."
    Under the terms of the agreement, Bausch & Lomb will be responsible for development of Plasmin for use in ophthalmology. Bausch & Lomb will make milestone payments based on the development and registration progress, and pay ongoing royalties based on product sales. Further details of the agreement are confidential.

    About Bayer HealthCare AG

    Bayer HealthCare AG, a subgroup of Bayer AG with sales of approximately 8.9 billion Euro in 2003, is one of the world's leading, innovative companies in the health care and medical products industry.
    The company combines the global activities of the divisions Animal Health, Biological Products, Consumer Care, Diagnostics Professional Testing Systems and Diagnostics Self Testing Systems and Pharmaceuticals. 34,600 people are employed by Bayer HealthCare worldwide.
    Our aim is to discover and manufacture innovative products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. Our products enhance well-being and quality of life by diagnosing, preventing and treating disease.
    Information about Bayer Biological Products Division can be found at www.bayerbiologicals.com.

    About Bausch & Lomb

    Bausch & Lomb is the eye health company, dedicated to perfecting vision and enhancing life for consumers around the world. Its core businesses include soft and rigid gas permeable contact lenses and lens care products, and ophthalmic surgical and pharmaceutical products. The Bausch & Lomb name is one of the best known and most respected healthcare brands in the world. Founded in 1853, the Company is headquartered in Rochester, New York. Bausch & Lomb's 2003 revenues were $2 billion; it employs approximately 11,500 people worldwide and its products are available in more than 100 countries. More information about the Company can be found on the Bausch & Lomb Web site at www.bausch.com.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This news release contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company, and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in our public reports filed with the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (including our Form 20-F). The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.
    This news release contains, among other things, certain statements of a forward-looking nature relating to future events or the future business performance of Bausch & Lomb. Such statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties including those concerning economic conditions, currency exchange rates, product development and introduction, the financial well-being of key customers, the successful execution of marketing strategies, the continued successful implementation of its efforts in managing and reducing costs and expenses, as well as the risk factors listed from time to time in the Company's SEC filings, including but not limited to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 25, 2004.

    Copyright Bausch & Lomb.

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CONTACT: News Media Contacts: Bausch & Lomb Margaret Graham, 585-338-5469 Margaret.Graham@Bausch.com or Bayer HealthCare Tricia McKernan, 919-316-6316 tricia.mckernan.b@bayer.com or Investor Relations Contact: Bausch & Lomb Daniel L. Ritz, 585-338-5802 Daniel.L.Ritz@bausch.com

KEYWORD: NORTH CAROLINA NEW YORK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PHARMACEUTICAL MEDICAL MANUFACTURING BIOTECHNOLOGY PRODUCT SOURCE: Bausch & Lomb

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