Mentor Launches New PURAGEN Hyaluronic Acid Based Dermal Filler Product in Europe

-- Next Generation, Non-Animal-Based, Stabilised, Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler Manufactured with Mentor's Patented DXL(TM) Technology

Mentor Corporation (NYSE:MNT), a leading supplier of medicalproducts in the United States and internationally, today announced ithad launched its PURAGEN(TM) dermal filler product in Europe. PURAGENis the new brand name for Mentor's proprietary next generationnon-animal based, hyaluronic acid dermal filler, manufactured with theCompany's patented double cross-linked (DXL(TM)) technology.

"Puragen represents an important advancement for patients andgives a very smooth injection resulting in a uniform filling to thelips and lower face lines," commented Nicholas Lowe, M.D., athought-leading dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon with practices inLondon, England, and Santa Monica, California. "My European patientsare pleased with the results of the product thus far, which appears toprovide a long duration of wrinkle correction."

PURAGEN is a pure form of hyaluronic acid derived from bacterialfermentation and does not have the risks associated with otherproducts derived from animal by-products. PURAGEN is uniquelystabilised through Mentor's patent-protected DXL technology, whichintroduces two discrete double cross-linking reactions, designed toprovide improved product stability relative to all other commerciallyavailable hyaluronic acid based dermal fillers on the market inEurope, Canada and the United States.

"Puragen represents an advanced option for the correction ofwrinkles utilising hyaluronic acid-based products," commented JoshuaH. Levine, President and Chief Executive Officer of MentorCorporation. "We are committed to delivering leading products for thefield of facial aesthetics based on advancements in science andtechnology that add value for physicians and the patients they serve."

Mentor is currently conducting the clinical study of PURAGEN inthe United States, which is anticipated to be completed before the endof calendar 2005. Results of the US study, available in early 2006,will provide additional information on treatment duration.

About Mentor Corporation

Founded in 1969, Mentor Corporation is a leading supplier ofmedical products for the global healthcare market. The Companydevelops, manufactures and markets innovative, science-based productsfor the aesthetics, urologic specialties and clinical and consumerhealthcare markets around the world. The Company's website iswww.mentorcorp.com.

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