MURRAY HILL, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 12, 2005--C. R. Bard, Inc. (NYSE:BCR) today announced that it has acquired certain assets of Genyx Medical, Inc., of Aliso Viejo, California, related to the Uryx(R) implantable bulking agent for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. Bard acquired the right to purchase these assets from Genyx in December 2002. The Uryx product has received pre-market approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Bard anticipates its launch in the first half of 2005. The company's Urological division, located in Covington, Georgia, will market the product.

Stress urinary incontinence is an often debilitating condition that affects an estimated 50 million people globally, 85 percent of whom are women. Minimally invasive bulking agent therapy can be a first line treatment choice and is often used for patients who are not candidates for surgery. The Uryx product is a proprietary polymer implanted into the tissue surrounding the urethra to reduce or eliminate this form of urinary incontinence.

Timothy M. Ring, chairman and chief executive officer, commented, "With the aging population and the increasing demand for more effective, minimally-invasive therapies for stress urinary incontinence, we view this acquisition as an important opportunity for Bard. We believe that the addition of the Uryx device will further strengthen our broad product line and enhance our position in the incontinence market."

C. R. Bard, Inc. (www.crbard.com), headquartered in Murray Hill, N.J., is a leading multinational developer, manufacturer, and marketer of innovative, life-enhancing medical technologies in the fields of vascular, urology, oncology and surgical specialty products.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements, the accuracy of which is necessarily subject to risks and uncertainties. Please refer to our September 30, 2004 10-Q for a statement with regard to forward-looking statements, including disclosure of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied.

CONTACT: C. R. Bard, Inc.
Investor Relations:
Eric J. Shick, 908-277-8413
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Holly P. Glass, 703-754-2848
SOURCE: C. R. Bard, Inc.