Bausch & Lomb to License Plasmin from Bayer HealthCare for
Ophthalmic Use
ROCHESTER, N.Y. and RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-
FirstCall/ -- . 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
http://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
http://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. DATASOURCE: Bayer Biological Products; Bausch & Lomb CONTACT: Media, Margaret Graham of Bausch & Lomb, +1-585-338-5469, , or Tricia McKernan of Bayer HealthCare, Biological Products Division, +1-919-316-6316, ; or Investor Relations, Daniel L. Ritz of Bausch & Lomb, +1-585-338-5802, Web Site: http://www.bayerbiologicals.com/ http://www.bausch.com/
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