Medicis Announces Approval of DYNACIN 75 mg

Business Wire, June 14, 1999

PHOENIX--(BW HealthWire)--June 14, 1999--

Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation (NYSE:MRX) today announced it has received approval from the FDA to market its new DYNACIN(R) 75 mg. (minocycline HCl) prescription product for the treatment of severe acne. DYNACIN(R) is the number one minocycline brand in the United States.

Medicis has the only 75 mg. minocycline product available on the market. Market leading DYNACIN(R) dosage forms include 50 mg. and 100 mg. The Company expects an adequate supply of inventory will be available within the next several weeks and anticipates promoting the product to physicians soon thereafter.

"We are pleased to provide an important dosing alternative to dermatologists and their patients," said Jonah Shacknai, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Medicis. "The addition of DYNACIN(R) 75 mg. to our line of acne treatments will permit dermatologists to more accurately control minocycline dosage levels in their patients."

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, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, dandruff and cosmesis (improvement in the texture and appearance of skin). Primary products include prescription brands DYNACIN(R), TRIAZ(R), LUSTRA(R), LOPROX(R), OVIDE(R), LIDEX(R), SYNALAR(R), TOPICORT(R), NOVACET(R), ZONALON(R) and A/T/S(R); over-the-counter brands ZOSTRIX(R), ESOTERICA(R) and THERAPLEX(R); and BUPHENYL(TM), a prescription product indicated in the treatment of Urea Cycle Disorders.

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.