SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., April 8, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medicis (NYSE:MRX) today announced that proxy materials are available via the Internet for its 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's ("SEC") notice and access rule. Under this rule, the SEC provides companies the option of delivering a "Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials" to stockholders, providing stockholders with Internet access to proxy materials, and providing a printed set of proxy materials to stockholders only upon request. Medicis' proxy materials, including the Medicis 2007 annual report on Form 10-K and proxy statement, have been filed with the SEC, and may be accessed on the Company's website at http://www.medicis.com/eproxy/. Medicis stockholders may obtain hard copies of the Company's proxy materials free of charge by following the instructions provided on the Medicis website or in the "Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials," which was mailed to stockholders today.

"We are delighted to implement the early adoption of the SEC's new notice and access rule," said Jonah Shacknai, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Medicis. "By adopting this rule, we anticipate that costs and the environmental impact associated with the traditional approach of delivering a printed set of proxy materials to each stockholder will be reduced significantly. Additionally, we believe that allowing the Company's proxy materials to be accessed via the Internet allows for more timely transparency to the public."

The Medicis 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, 2008, 9:30 a.m. (Pacific Time) at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch, 7500 East Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85258.

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.

The Company's products include the prescription brands RESTYLANE(R) (hyaluronic acid), PERLANE(R) (hyaluronic acid), DYNACIN(R) (minocycline HCl), 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) and AMMONUL(R) (sodium phenylacetate/sodium benzoate), prescription products indicated in the treatment of Urea Cycle Disorder, 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.

CONTACT:  Medicis
          Kara Stancell
          (480) 291-5854