Bausch & Lomb Licenses rPlasmin from Talecris Biotherapeutics for Ophthalmic Use.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. and RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. -- Bausch & Lomb (NYSE:BOL) and Talecris Biotherapeutics announced today that Talecris has granted an exclusive worldwide license to Bausch & Lomb for recombinant Plasmin technology for use in ophthalmology. The companies will co-develop rPlasmin, a recombinant derivative of the human blood component Plasmin, which Bausch & Lomb believes may have potential for use in developing novel therapies for ocular conditions. Talecris is pursuing development of the technology in non-ocular applications, specifically to dissolve blood clots in veins and arteries.

The agreement expands the partnership announced in January 2005 in which Bausch & Lomb licensed plasma-derived Plasmin from Talecris' predecessor, Bayer Biological Products. Bausch & Lomb is enrolling patients in early-stage clinical trials to evaluate Plasmin's therapeutic potential to relieve retinal traction.

"Bausch & Lomb is actively pursuing new compounds, new therapies and technologies to treat diseases that rob people of their sight," said Praveen Tyle, Ph.D., Bausch & Lomb chief scientific officer and senior vice president - Global Research and Development. "Plasmin technology has the potential to treat multiple conditions for which vitrectomy surgery now is used. We are already developing plasma-derived Plasmin for ocular indications. This agreement is significant because it gives us the opportunity to develop a next-generation recombinant version with the potential to reach more global markets."

"Talecris is excited to expand into the development and manufacture of recombinant therapies, and is pleased that Bausch & Lomb finds additional value in rPlasmin," said Steve Petteway, Talecris' senior vice president of Research & Development. "By partnering with Bausch & Lomb, we're expanding the potential applications for rPlasmin to a field that could benefit thousands of additional patients."

Under the terms of the agreement, Bausch & Lomb will be responsible for development of rPlasmin 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 Talecris Biotherapeutics

Talecris Biotherapeutics is a global biotherapeutic and biotechnology company that discovers, develops and produces critical care treatments for people with life-threatening disorders in a variety of therapeutic areas including immunology, pulmonology, and hemostasis. Talecris is proudly building upon a 60-year legacy of innovation and a commitment to improving the lives of people who rely on its therapeutic products. With an emphasis on scientific inquiry and technological excellence, Talecris is expanding its current portfolio of products, programs, and services through its own world-class product development organization as well as through strategic initiatives that leverage its strengths with those of its partners.

Talecris, which earned revenues of approximately $1 billion in 2005, is headquartered in biotech hub Research Triangle Park, N.C., and employs more than 2,000 talented people. To learn more about Talecris and how our employees are making a difference in the lives of patients and the healthcare community, visit www.talecris.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 2004 revenues were $2.2 billion; it employs approximately 13,700 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, 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.