Medicis Pharmaceutical Announces Introduction of ALUSTRA
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--June 25, 2001--Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation (NYSE:MRX) today announced the introduction of ALUSTRA(TM) (hydroquinone USP 4%). ALUSTRA(TM) incorporates the same patented technology of the number one prescription dyschromia brand, LUSTRA(R), with advanced patent-pending technology allowing the incorporation of retinol for the cosmetic improvement of sun-damaged skin. ALUSTRA(TM)'s advanced formulation encapsulates retinol in a unique suspension vehicle. The Company expects to promote ALUSTRA(TM) to dermatologists in mid-July 2001.
ALUSTRA(TM) contains 4% hydroquinone in an elegant vehicle of retinol (a vitamin-A derivative), an antioxidant complex and glycerin. ALUSTRA(TM) is indicated for the treatment of ultraviolet-induced skin discolorations, and hyperpigmentation associated with pregnancy, superficial trauma and the use of oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy. Although ALUSTRA(TM) has an antioxidant system in its vehicle, there are no sunblocking or sunscreening agents in ALUSTRA(TM).
"We are pleased to introduce ALUSTRA(TM), another innovative product from our internal research and development efforts," said Jonah Shacknai, chairman and chief executive officer of Medicis. "The addition of encapsulated retinol to the existing patented technology of our market-leading LUSTRA(R) brand will provide dermatologists and their patients a convenient, effective therapy for treating skin damage. ALUSTRA(TM) provides Medicis entrance into this rapidly increasing segment of the cosmetic dermatology category. Our sales force is poised to begin promotion of the many benefits of ALUSTRA(TM) demonstrated in several clinical studies."
The Company's previously announced fiscal-year 2002 revenue guidance of $192.0 million and earnings guidance of $1.88 remains unchanged. The Company's previously announced fourth-quarter fiscal-year 2001 revenue guidance of $43.4 million and earnings guidance of $0.43 remains unchanged.
Medicis is the leading independent pharmaceutical company in the United States focusing primarily on the treatment of dermatological conditions. Medicis develops and markets leading products for major segments within dermatology, including acne, fungal infections, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, skin and skin-structure infections, seborrheic dermatitis, head lice and cosmesis (improvement in the texture and appearance of skin). Primary products include the prescription brands DYNACIN(R) (minocycline HCl), TRIAZ(R) (benzoyl peroxide), LUSTRA(R) (hydroquinone), LUSTRA-AF(R) (hydroquinone) with sunscreen, ALUSTRA(TM) (hydroquinone) with retinol, LOPROX(R) (ciclopirox), PLEXION(TM) (sodium sulfacetamide/sulfur), PLEXION-TS(TM) (sodium sulfacetamide/sulfur), OMNICEF(R) (cefdinir), OVIDE(R) (malathion), LIDEX(R) (fluocinonide), SYNALAR(R) (fluocinolone acetonide), TOPICORT(R) (desoximetasone) and A/T/S(R) (erythromycin); the over-the-counter brand ESOTERICA(R); and BUPHENYL(TM) (sodium phenylbutyrate), a prescription product indicated in the treatment of Urea Cycle Disorder.
Except for historical information, this news release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made, including the Company's dependence on sales of key products, uncertainty of future financial results and fluctuations in operating results, dependence on the Company's acquisition strategy, new product introductions and other risks described from time to time in the Company's SEC filings. These forward-looking statements represent the judgment of the Company, as of the date of this release, and Medicis disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
NOTE: Full prescribing information for any Medicis prescription product is available by contacting the Company. OMNICEF(R) is a registered trademark of Abbott Laboratories, Inc. Occasional cutaneous hypersensitivity may occur with hydroquinone therapy. Hydroquinone may cause unwanted side effects such as skin irritation if not used as directed. Test for skin sensitivity before using ALUSTRA(TM). Reference: IMS National Prescription Audit, May 2001.
NOTE TO EDITORS: A photo of ALUSTRA(TM) is available by contacting the Company's corporate communications department.
Contacts: Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation, Scottsdale Libby Ivy, 602/808-3854 www.medicis.com