Matrix Acrylic - News Release

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 1, 2001

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Jacob Feldman 949-789-5374
Jay Standish 949-789-5388

TWO NEW PATENTS STRENGTHEN MEDENNIUM'S PORTFOLIO OF INNOVATIVE OPHTHALMIC PRODUCTS

IRVINE, CA.-Medennium, an emerging leader in ophthalmic implants and materials development, announced today the receipt of two new patents from the United States Patent Office.

The first patent received is for the unique SmartPlug ™, US patent number 6,234,175 B1, a one size fits all device to treat dry eye without the potential of the irritation and discomfort of the conventional silicone punctum plug.

The unique SmartPlug™ is made of thermodynamic acrylic polymer that is a thin rigid rod when removed from the package, but seconds after insertion into the punctum of the eye, it transforms into a soft, gel-like plug that conforms itself to the patient's punctum.

SmartPlug™ has been approved for distribution in Europe and Canada and extensive marketing starts immediately. The product is also being presented at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons congress in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, September 1 to 5.

The second patent awarded is for the Acrylic 2000 IOL, US patent number 6,271,281 B1. This ocular implant lens is the newest technology in acrylic lens design that gives patients and doctors all the advantages of other hydrophobic acrylic IOLs, and more.

Jacob Feldman, President and CEO of Medennium, said, "These products are truly innovative and should shortly become the industry standard." "We are passionate at Medennium about new and unique products that will help patients have better, more comfortable ways of seeing," he said.

Medennium was formed in 1999 by the merging of two start-up companies, International Vision, Inc. and Medennium. The Company's goal is to develop and introduce innovative ophthalmic products to be made from patented polymer materials developed by the Irvine-based firm.

In less than two years, Medennium has grown from 30 to 70 employees, and received a significant investment from CIBA Vision, the eye care unit of Novartis, AG.