First Complete Surgical System Specifically Designed to Treat Progressive Osteoarthritis of the Knee is Launched in Europe

LEEDS, England, July 13, 2010 - DePuy Orthopaedics EMEA today announces the introduction of
Sigma(R) High Performance Partial Knee, the only partial knee replacement
system designed to provide the complete solution to progressive
osteoarthritis in active patients.

Until now, orthopaedic surgeons have had limited options for
the treatment of progressive degradation of the knee joints (osteoarthritis)
in active patients who require care, but are not yet ready for a total knee
replacement. The new high function, low wear Sigma(R) High Performance
Partial Knee has been specifically designed to meet the needs of this
important and growing patient population. The system enables surgeons to
repair only the parts of the knee that are damaged and further parts can be
added if the disease progresses. This allows for patients to achieve full
function and pain relief at all stages of this degenerative disease.

"Sigma(R) High Performance Partial Knee is a major step
forward for the growing number of active patients in their 40s and 50s
requiring knee surgery", comments Professor David Barrett, Consultant
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Southampton University Hospital, UK. "The profile of
knee replacement patients in Europe is changing, with patients getting
younger and living more active lifestyles, the technological demands on the
devices are increasing. It is important that we are now able to provide
active patients with a surgical solution better suited to their lifestyle and
expectations."

Sigma(R) High Performance Partial Knee is the first truly
modular system specifically designed to allow uni-compartmental,
bi-compartmental or staged replacement* of the knee joint, meaning surgeons
can match the implant specifically to a patient's disease state. Now joint
repair can be targeted so that healthy bone, cartilage and ligaments remain
intact. The preservation of the natural tissues around the treated knee
allows for a high level of movement, enabling most patients to carry on with
active working and social lives post surgery.

Osteoarthritis is a common and disabling disease. Sigma(R)
High Performance Partial Knee is expected to be welcomed by surgeons across
Europe as with lengthening life expectancies and ageing populations, the
condition is set to become the fourth leading cause of global disability by
2020.[1] An increasing trend seen is joint damage and degradation in younger
people. In the UK for example, approximately a fifth of people aged 45-64
years old suffer osteoarthritic knee pain, and an estimated quarter of adults
greater than or equal to 50 years old report disability from severe knee
pain.[2]

"The availability of DePuy's new partial knee system is
important. It addresses an unmet need for a growing number of patients who
only require partial knee replacement to ensure relief from the pain and
discomfort of a total knee replacement", notes Dr Florian Gottsauner-Wolf,
Department of Orthopaedics, Landesklinikum Krems, Austria.

Notes to editors

Sigma(R) High Performance Partial Knee

Sigma(R) High Performance Partial Knee is the only system
specifically designed to address osteoarthritis in one or more compartments
of the knee with compatible implants (patello-femoral and unicondylar). It is
a modular system allowing surgeons to match the implant specifically to a
patient's disease state.

* Sigma(R) High Performance Partial Knee uni-compartmental,
bi-compartmental or staged replacement means surgeons need only replace the
part of the knee affected by disease and, if necessary, further parts can be
added if disease progresses.

About osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition characterised by
loss of joint cartilage that leads to pain and loss of function primarily in
the knees and hips.[1] Patients typically experience; joint pain, tenderness,
movement limitation, occasional effusion (fluid) and variable degrees of
local inflammation.[1]

According to the World Health Organization, osteoarthritis is
the most common type of arthritis or degenerative joint disease in the world,
and a leading cause of chronic disability.[3] The prevalence of
osteoarthritis increases indefinitely with age, as the condition is
irreversible.[1]

About the DePuy Companies

DePuy Orthopaedics, a Johnson & Johnson company, is a leading
global provider of orthopaedic devices for hip, knee, extremities, and
trauma, as well as bone cement and operating room products. It is part of the
DePuy Family of Companies, which has a rich heritage of pioneering a broad
range of products and solutions across the continuum of orthopaedic and
neurological care. These companies are unified under one vision - Never Stop
Moving(TM) - to express their commitment to bring meaningful innovation,
shared knowledge, and quality care to patients throughout the world.

[1] Woolf AD, Pfleger B. Burden of major musculoskeletal conditions.
Bulletin of the World Health Organization 2003. 81 (9): 646:656. Available
at: www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/81/9/Woolf0903.pdf. Last accessed
June 2010

[2] NHS Clinical Knowledge Summaries. Available at:
www.cks.nhs.uk/osteoarthritis/background_information/prevalence. Last
accessed June 2010

[3] WHO. Priority Medicines for Europe and the World. Available at:
whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2004/WHO_EDM_PAR_2004.7.pdf. Last accessed June
2010

For further information please contact: Kate Purcell, DePuy Orthopaedics, EMEA, kpurcell at its.jnj.com , +44-7747693515; Leah Peyton / Benjamyn Tan, Tonic Life Communications, DePuy at toniclc.com , +44(0)207-798-9262 / +44-7788-191-434