BMET Biomet (MM)

WARSAW, Ind., May 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Biomet, Inc. (NASDAQ:BMET) announced today that Biomet Orthopedics recently received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to market acetabular hip liners manufactured from E-Poly(TM) Highly Crosslinked Polyethylene. E- Poly(TM) liners are the world's first vitamin E stabilized highly crosslinked polyethylene products to be introduced to the market. Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant, is expected to improve the longevity of the implant bearings used in total joint replacements. The E-Poly(TM) material was developed by combining the research of Massachusetts General Hospital with Biomet's expertise in polyethylene technology, representing another innovative first for Biomet Orthopedics. This revolutionary technology offers multiple benefits for surgeons and patients. In laboratory testing, E-Poly(TM) liners have demonstrated 95-99% less wear than the existing low wear rates of Biomet's clinically successful ArCom(R) polyethylene liners. The E-Poly(TM) material also provides greater strength when compared to first generation re-melted highly crosslinked polyethylenes, while maintaining optimal oxidation resistance. In addition, E-Poly(TM) liners offer a technologically advanced polyethylene available for use with large diameter femoral heads, designed to provide a greater degree of joint stability. The E-Poly(TM) liners will be marketed with Biomet's broad line of clinically-proven hip stems including the Taperloc(R) Hip System. The introduction of E-Poly(TM) products is a testament to Biomet's ongoing commitment to further expand our product portfolio of improved bearings, which presently includes ArCom(R), ArComXL(R), M2a-Taper(TM), M2a-Magnum(TM) and C2a-Taper(TM) technologies. Biomet's President and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey R. Binder commented, "We are very pleased to be the first orthopedic company in the world to market vitamin E stabilized highly crosslinked polyethylene products. Biomet continues to lead the market in innovative product introductions and we are excited to offer these technologically-advanced polyethylene acetabular liners, the first of our E-Poly(TM) products." Bench test results are not necessarily indicative of clinical performance. All trademarks are owned by Biomet Manufacturing Corp. 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 This press release contains certain statements that are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements are qualified by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations generally, and also may materially differ from actual future experience involving any one or more of such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include our ability to develop and market new products and technologies in a timely manner, the effect of the pending merger on Biomet's business and its relationship with customers, distributors, employees and suppliers and the risk factors as set forth from time to time in Biomet's filings with the SEC. The inclusion of a forward-looking statement herein should not be regarded as a representation by Biomet that Biomet's objectives will be achieved. Biomet undertakes no obligation to publicly update forward- looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For further information contact Greg W. Sasso, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Communications at (574) 372-1528 or Barbara Goslee, Director, Corporate Communications at (574) 372-1514. DATASOURCE: Biomet, Inc. CONTACT: Greg W. Sasso, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Communications, +1-574-372-1528, or Barbara Goslee, Director, Corporate Communications, +1-574-372-1514, both of Biomet, Inc.

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