ROCM Rochester Medical Corp. (MM)

Rochester Medical Introduces Advanced Intermittent Catheter Closed Systems STEWARTVILLE, Minn., Feb. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Rochester Medical Corporation (NASDAQ:ROCM) today announced market introduction of its Closed System Intermittent Catheter in both Hydrophilic Intermittent and Antibacterial Hydrophilic Intermittent configurations. The Closed System packages the intermittent catheter with pre-lubricated insertion tip inside a collection bag that permits "touch free" sterile use. The Closed System is first being introduced in the U.S. where, according to industry estimates these closed systems account for as much as 30% of domestic intermittent catheter sales. "We're pleased to make this most advanced intermittent catheter technology available in a touch-free configuration," Company CEO and President Anthony J. Conway said. "Rochester Medical is the only manufacturer to offer the benefits of an all-silicone hydrophilic intermittent catheter that avoids the risks associated with competitive products made of latex or PVC. Our new Closed System is easy to use, and contains sterile water that activates the hydrophilic coating as the catheter is used. Also, the Antibacterial Hydro Personal Catheter(R) is the only intermittent catheter to combine the delivery of an antibacterial agent with the hydrophilic coating's virtually friction- free insertion and removal. "The sizable share of the U.S. intermittent catheter market for closed system intermittent catheters reflects the growing number of users and their clinicians who select the advantages of this high end product configuration. Notably, each closed system product can be used only once, unlike individually packaged catheters that often are re-used." Conway added, "These products will be sold under the Rochester Medical Brand through our established U.S. sales and distribution system." Rochester Medical's Hydrophilic and Antibacterial Hydro Closed System Intermittent Catheters are available as single units or in kits that include gloves, antiseptic wipes, and underpad. The immediately preceding statement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including the uncertainty of gaining acceptance of the anti-infection catheters and hydrophilic catheters in the marketplace, the uncertainty of new product introductions, the uncertainty of gaining new strategic relationships, the uncertainty of timing of private label sales revenues (particularly international customers), FDA and other regulatory review and response times, as well as other risk factors listed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports and filings, including, without limitation, the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual report on Form 10-K (Part II, Item 6) for the year ended September 30, 2004. Rochester Medical Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets latex- free disposable medical catheters and devices for urological and continence care applications. The Company markets under its own Rochester Medical brand and under private label arrangements. For further information, please contact Anthony J. Conway, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rochester Medical Corporation at (507) 533-9600. More information about Rochester Medical is available on its website at http://www.rocm.com/ . DATASOURCE: Rochester Medical Corporation CONTACT: Anthony J. Conway, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rochester Medical Corporation, +1-507-533-9600 Web site: http://www.rocm.com/

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