SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 12, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Approximately one year ago, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Perlane(R), a hyaluronic acid dermal filler in the Restylane(R) family of products that has a larger particle size. Perlane(R) is injected into the deep dermis to superficial subcutis of the skin to provide volume and fullness to smooth away facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds).
"Perlane(R) is now my mainstay for volume replacement in nasolabial folds," said Dr. Hema Sundaram, a leading dermatologist in the Washington, D.C. area. "With Perlane, I can volumize facial wrinkles and folds for natural-looking results that are aesthetically pleasing to my patients."
While the effect of gravity on the aging process is widely known, physicians are still educating patients that a key factor in aging is a loss of volume or facial fat under the skin. According to Dr. Sundaram, "As we age we lose adipose tissue in the face, which can contribute to the emergence of wrinkles or folds. Perlane(R) is an excellent choice of dermal filler for replacing lost volume in nasolabial folds."
Patients who are aware of dermal fillers and the need for nasolabial fold volume replacement express satisfaction with Perlane(R). "I had been aging fairly well. But after my 50th birthday, I went to my doctor to explore conservative treatments that could help restore my youthful appearance," said Meg Lane. "I tried Perlane(R) and couldn't have been happier with the results. Nobody assumed that I had anything done."
Perlane(R) lasts a long time -- in fact, in two clinical studies, the percentage of patients maintaining improvement at six months was 63% and 71%, respectively. A clinical study in Scandinavia showed improvement in 49% of patients at 9 months, although assessing patients' improvement at 9 months was not the main purpose of the study.
In March of 2003, Medicis acquired the exclusive U.S. and Canadian rights to market, distribute and commercialize the dermal fillers Restylane(R) and Perlane(R).
Important Safety Considerations of Perlane(R)
Perlane(R) restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds). After your treatment, you might have some swelling, redness, pain, bruising, and tenderness. This will normally last less than seven days. Although rare, red or swollen small bumps may occur. If you have had facial cold sores before, an injection can cause another outbreak. In rare circumstances, the doctor may inject into a blood vessel, which can damage the skin. To avoid bruising and bleeding, you should not use Perlane(R) if you have recently used drugs that thin your blood or prevent clotting. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under 18, you should not use Perlane(R).
Perlane(R) should not be used by people with previous bad allergies, particularly to certain microorganisms known as gram positive bacteria; by people with previous bad allergies to drugs that have required in-hospital treatment; or by people with bleeding disorders. Perlane(R) should not be injected anywhere except the skin or just under the skin.
The use of Perlane(R) at the site of skin sores, pimples, rashes, hives, cysts, or infection should be postponed until healing is complete. Use of Perlane(R) in these instances could delay healing or make your skin problems worse.
Perlane(R) should only be administered under the supervision of a licensed practitioner. For complete product and safety information about Perlane(R) and Restylane(R), please visit www.RestylaneUSA.com.
About Medicis
Medicis (NYSE:MRX) is the leading independent specialty pharmaceutical company in the United States focusing primarily on the treatment of dermatological and aesthetic conditions. The Company is dedicated to helping patients attain a healthy and youthful appearance and self-image. Medicis has leading branded prescription products in a number of therapeutic and aesthetic categories. The Company's products have earned wide acceptance by both physicians and patients due to their clinical effectiveness, high quality and cosmetic elegance.
The Company's products include the prescription brands RESTYLANE(R) (hyaluronic acid), PERLANE(R) (hyaluronic acid), DYNACIN(R) (minocycline HCl) Tablets, USP, LOPROX(R) (ciclopirox), PLEXION(R) (sodium sulfacetamide/sulfur), SOLODYN(R) (minocycline HCl, USP) Extended Release Tablets, TRIAZ(R) (benzoyl peroxide), LIDEX(R) (fluocinonide) Cream, 0.05%, VANOS(R) (fluocinonide) Cream, 0.1%, and ZIANA(R) (clindamycin phosphate 1.2% and tretinoin 0.025%) Gel, BUPHENYL(R) (sodium phenylbutyrate) Tablets and Powder and AMMONUL(R) (sodium phenylacetate/sodium benzoate) Injection, 10%/10%, and the over-the-counter brand ESOTERICA(R). For more information about Medicis, please visit the Company's website at www.Medicis.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Medicis expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain assumptions made by Medicis based on its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. No assurances can be given, however, that these activities, events or developments will occur or that such results will be achieved. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Medicis. Several of these risks are outlined in the Company's most recent annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, and other documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements represent the judgment of Medicis' management as of the date of this release, and Medicis disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein, which speak as of the date hereof.
NOTE: Full prescribing information for any Medicis prescription product is available by contacting the Company. Restylane(R) and Perlane(R) are trademarks of HA North American Sales AB, a subsidiary of Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation. All other marks are the property of Medicis or its Affiliates.