SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 16, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
- Named to World's Most Ethical Companies List for Second, Consecutive Year
- Company Credits Its Compliance Leadership & Philanthropic Engagement
Medicis (NYSE:MRX) today announced it has been selected for the second, consecutive year as the only pharmaceutical company in the world named to the Ethisphere Institute's prestigious World's Most Ethical Companies (WME) list. This list is an admired roster of high-performing organizations which have achieved leadership positions in their respective industries through exemplary business ethics and corporate responsibility. Medicis credits both its compliance leadership and philanthropic engagement as contributing factors for this year's honor. In particular, the Company believes its Passion to HealSM initiative, which was introduced in 2011 with a goal of greatly increasing access to specialized healthcare in underserved communities in the United States and abroad, puts it at the forefront of its peers in philanthropic engagement.
"To be recognized for the second, consecutive year as the only pharmaceutical company in the world among the World's Most Ethical Companies is a wonderful and appreciated honor," said Jonah Shacknai, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Medicis. "We hold ourselves to the highest standards. Medicis is engaged in many important initiatives, particularly in compliance leadership and philanthropic engagement, and we believe that doing business the 'right way' is the only way."
About World's Most Ethical Companies List
This coveted honor resulted from a rigorous independent evaluation process conducted in more than 100 countries and 36 industries by Ethisphere Institute, a leading international think tank dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability. The award is given to a small, select group of companies which demonstrate excellence in creating sustainable competitive advantage through better business practices and corporate integrity.
Medicis is the only pharmaceutical company in the world to be chosen for this year's list. The Company was first honored with this distinction in 2011, and was the only pharmaceutical company selected for that year and for 2012.
About Passion to Heal
The Passion to Heal program was introduced in the summer of 2011, and serves as a conduit for healthcare professionals to provide medical services for those in need both domestically and internationally.
Medicis has identified several highly respected non-profit organizations which offer healthcare professionals in dermatology and plastic surgery exceptional opportunities to offer their own clinical experience and services to patients in their local communities and international clinics. Through the Passion to Heal initiative, Medicis makes charitable contributions to fund these non-profit organizations, which will help support U.S.-based dermatologists, plastic surgeons, residents or healthcare providers in these specialties who want to serve the community through one of the Company's selected charitable organizations.
Additionally, Medicis employees meeting certain criteria may participate in the Passion to Heal program as volunteers on medical mission trips alongside healthcare professionals through the Medicis Volunteer Program, which allows employees to volunteer with designated charitable organizations.
Medicis contributes funding, products and services with a value of up to $2 from the sale of each prescription, vial and syringe of our key U.S. dermatology and aesthetics products in support of Passion to Heal and the Company's other charitable initiatives.
For more information about Passion to Heal, visit www.PassiontoHeal.com.
About Medicis
Medicis 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.
For more information about Medicis or the Company's products, please visit the Company's website at www.Medicis.com. Printed copies of the Company's complete audited financial statements are available free of charge upon request.
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, 2011, 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.
Passion to Heal is a service mark of Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation.