SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 26, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medicis (NYSE:MRX) today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has advised the Company that U.S. Patent No. 7,541,347 directed to the use of SOLODYN(R) in 90mg tablet form will issue on June 2, 2009, and that U.S. Patent No. 7,544,373 directed to SOLODYN(R) in 90mg tablet form will issue on June 9, 2009. The new patents include subject matter covering methods of using the 90mg controlled-release oral dosage form of minocycline to treat acne and the composition of the 90mg dosage form. Both patents will expire in 2027. For the week ending May 8, 2009, the 90mg strength represented over 62% of total SOLODYN(R) prescriptions.(1)
"We are pleased to announce two new patents for SOLODYN(R)," said Jonah Shacknai, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Medicis. "We believe SOLODYN(R) has unique attributes which distinguish it from other forms of minocycline. These new patents represent another important element in maintaining the SOLODYN(R) franchise. We believe these issued patent claims will enhance the intellectual property protection of our SOLODYN(R) brand."
SOLODYN(R) has another issued patent, U.S. Patent No. 5,908,838, which expires in 2018, related to the use of the SOLODYN(R) unique dissolution rate. The Company has a number of U.S. patent applications associated with SOLODYN(R) on file at the USPTO.
About SOLODYN(R) Extended Release Tablets
Launched to dermatologists in July 2006 after approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on May 8, 2006, SOLODYN(R) is the only branded oral minocycline approved for once daily dosage in the treatment of inflammatory lesions of non-nodular moderate to severe acne vulgaris in patients 12 years of age and older. SOLODYN(R) is the first approved minocycline in extended release tablet form. SOLODYN(R) is lipid soluble, and its mode of action occurs in the skin and sebum. SOLODYN(R) is available by prescription in 45mg, 90mg and 135mg extended release tablet dosages.
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 aesthetic elegance.
The Company's products include the brands DYSPORT(TM) (abobotulinumtoxinA), RESTYLANE(R) (hyaluronic acid), PERLANE(R) (hyaluronic acid), DYNACIN(R) (minocycline HCl), LOPROX(R) (ciclopirox), PLEXION(R) (sodium sulfacetamide 10% and sulfur 5%), SOLODYN(R) (minocycline HCl, USP) Extended Release Tablets, TRIAZ(R) (benzoyl peroxide), LIDEX(R) (fluocinonide) Cream 0.05%, VANOS(R) (fluocinonide) Cream 0.1%, ZIANA(R) (clindamycin phosphate 1.2% and tretinoin 0.025%) Gel, BUPHENYL(R) (sodium phenylbutyrate) Tablets and Powder, AMMONUL(R) (sodium phenylacetate and sodium benzoate) Injection 10%/10%, the LIPOSONIX(R)(2) system and the over-the-counter brand ESOTERICA(R).
For more information about Medicis, 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, 2008, 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 registered trademarks of HA North American Sales AB. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
1 IMS 2 The LIPOSONIX(R) system is currently not approved for sale or use in the U.S.