Mentor lance en Europe PURAGEN, son nouveau produit anti-rides ? base d'acide hyaluronique

( BW)(CA-MENTOR)(MNT) Mentor Launches New PURAGEN Hyaluronic Acid Based Dermal Filler Product in Europe

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers SANTA BARBARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 26, 2005--Mentor Corporation (NYSE:MNT):

-- 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 medical products in the United States and internationally, today announced it had launched its PURAGEN(TM) dermal filler product in Europe.

PURAGEN is the new brand name for Mentor's proprietary next generation non-animal based, hyaluronic acid dermal filler, manufactured with the Company's patented double cross-linked (DXL(TM)) technology

"Puragen represents an important advancement for patients and gives a very smooth injection resulting in a uniform filling to the lips and lower face lines," commented Nicholas Lowe, M.D., a thought-leading dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon with practices in London, England, and Santa Monica, California.

"My European patients are pleased with the results of the product thus far, which appears to provide a long duration of wrinkle correction." PURAGEN is a pure form of hyaluronic acid derived from bacterial fermentation and does not have the risks associated with other products derived from animal by-products.

PURAGEN is uniquely stabilised through Mentor's patent-protected DXL technology, which introduces two discrete double cross-linking reactions, designed to provide improved product stability relative to all other commercially available hyaluronic acid based dermal fillers on the market in Europe, Canada and the United States

"Puragen represents an advanced option for the correction of wrinkles utilising hyaluronic acid-based products," commented Joshua H. Levine, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mentor Corporation.

"We are committed to delivering leading products for the field of facial aesthetics based on advancements in science and technology that add value for physicians and the patients they serve." Mentor is currently conducting the clinical study of PURAGEN in the United States, which is anticipated to be completed before the end of 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 of medical products for the global healthcare market.

The Company develops, manufactures and markets innovative, science-based products for the aesthetics, urologic specialties and clinical and consumer healthcare markets around the world.

The Company's website is www.mentorcorp.com.

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CONTACT:

Mentor Corporation

Peter R. Nicholson Vice President, Corporate Development +1 805 879 6082

or

Resolute Communications Anthea Morris/Clare Pressney Account Manager/Account Executive +44 (0) 207 015 1309/+44 (0) 207 397 7073