Biomet and Massachusetts General Hospital Form Strategic Research Alliance for Regenerex(TM) And E-Poly(TM) Technologies.

WARSAW, Ind. -- Biomet, Inc. (Nasdaq:BMET) announced today that Biomet Orthopedics formed a strategic research alliance with Massachusetts General Hospital to collaborate on clinical outcome research for Biomet's recently introduced Regenerex[TM] and E-Poly[TM] technologies. Massachusetts General Hospital has agreed to manage the global multi-center prospective clinical studies sponsored by Biomet to provide documented outcomes for these exciting new products.

American and European researchers have been invited to participate in the clinical outcome studies, including surgeons from the United States, Sweden, United Kingdom, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands. Dr. Henrik Malchau, Co-Director of The Harris Orthopaedic Biomechanics and Biomaterials Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, is managing the research. He and Dr. Andrew Freiberg, Vice Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, will be the lead participating researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Dr. Malchau commented, "Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital are pleased to be participating in these important clinical outcome studies for Biomet's Regenerex[TM] and E-Poly[TM] products. We are particularly interested in the study for the E-Poly[TM] material, as our scientists conducted the research that led to the development of this revolutionary technology."

Biomet's President and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey R. Binder added, "We believe these clinical studies will provide the long-term clinical results to validate Biomet's Regenerex[TM] and E-Poly[TM] products as important improvements in total hip reconstruction. We look forward to working with this distinguished research hospital to advance orthopaedic technology in support of improved clinical results for patients."

The separate non-randomized clinical outcome studies are designed to enroll 500 patients each to collect post-market data on Biomet's Regenerex[TM] Ringloc([R])+ Acetabular System and E-Poly[TM] Highly Crosslinked Polyethylene acetabular liners. The Regenerex[TM] Ringloc([R])+ Acetabular System is made of Biomet's internally-developed Regenerex[TM] Porous Titanium Construct, a highly porous structural material engineered for optimal biological fixation. Biomet pioneered the use of titanium in orthopedics, a preferred metal for its biocompatibility and strength, which has become a clinically proven and well-established material.

The Company's E-Poly[TM] Highly Crosslinked Polyethylene acetabular hip liners are the world's first vitamin E stabilized highly crosslinked polyethylene products to be introduced to the market. Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant which is expected to improve the wear properties and longevity of the implant bearings. The E-Poly[TM] technology was developed by combining the research of Massachusetts General Hospital with Biomet's expertise in polyethylene technology.

About Biomet

Biomet, Inc. and its subsidiaries design manufacture and market products used primarily by musculoskeletal medical specialists in both surgical and non-surgical therapy. Biomet's product portfolio encompasses reconstructive products, including orthopedic joint replacement devices, bone cements and accessories, autologous therapies and dental reconstructive implants; fixation products, including electrical bone growth stimulators, internal and external orthopedic fixation devices, craniomaxillofacial implants and bone substitute materials; spinal products, including spinal stimulation devices, spinal hardware and orthobiologics; and other products, such as arthroscopy products and softgoods and bracing products. Headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, Biomet and its subsidiaries currently distribute products in more than 100 countries.

Forward-Looking Statements 

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