Bausch & Lomb Receives FDA Approval to Make and Sell Generic Glaucoma Drug.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

ROCHESTER, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 28, 2003

Bausch & Lomb (NYSE:BOL) has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of the Company's Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.2 percent, indicated for use in lowering intraocular pressure in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

In addition to the ANDA approval, Bausch & Lomb received FDA marketing exclusivity for this generic medication until September 20, 2003.

Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.2 percent, was sold under the brand name Alphagan by Allergan, Inc., which unsuccessfully tried to block Bausch & Lomb's efforts to bring to market a generic version of the medicine by filing two patent infringement lawsuits, both of which Bausch & Lomb won.

Bausch & Lomb's generic version of the prescription eye drop is available immediately.

Bausch & Lomb manufactures this and other proprietary and generic prescription medicines at its U.S. pharmaceuticals facility in Tampa, Fla.

Alphagan is a trademark of Allergan, Inc.

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. Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2003, the Company is headquartered in Rochester, New York. Bausch & Lomb's 2002 revenues were $1.8 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. Copyright Bausch & Lomb.