Prescription Pediculicide Now Available From Medicis.

PHOENIX--(BW HealthWire)--October 13, 1999--

OVIDE(R) (malathion) Lotion, 0.5%, a prescription product to help physicians safely and effectively fight Pediculus humanus capitis, or head lice, was recently introduced by MEDICIS, The Dermatology Company(R).

Approximately 10 to 12 million Americans, mostly school-aged children, are infested with head lice each year. A growing body of evidence indicates that head lice are becoming increasingly resistant to presently available over-the-counter products, including synergized natural pyrethrins and permethrin. There has been no evidence to suggest that more concentrated formulas or more frequent applications of over-the-counter products increase kill rates for lice or nits. Lice that are not susceptible to permethrin seem to be strongly resistant, regardless of the dose.1

"OVIDE(R) Lotion contains malathion 0.5%, and is a highly effective pediculicide and ovicide," said Ronald C. Hansen, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics and Dermatology at the University of Arizona, Tucson. "Clinical and laboratory studies on malathion 0.5% show that it delivers consistent cure rates, has low incidence of adverse reactions, and has an efficient kill rate on both lice and their ova."2,3

Presently when over-the-counter treatments fail to eliminate head lice infestations, lindane is commonly prescribed. "However, in my clinical experience, lindane does not appear to consistently kill adult lice or nits," said Dr. Hansen. In addition, because of possible neurotoxic effects resulting from overuse, the FDA in 1996 recommended labeling changes that encourage lindane's use only for patients who have either failed to respond to adequate doses, or are intolerant of, other approved therapies. Until now, physicians had few options for treating resistant head lice.

In controlled clinical studies with malathion 0.5%, 94.5% of subjects treated were lice-free 24 hours after treatment, and 90.4% of subjects were still lice-free after seven days.4 "When used as directed, OVIDE(R) Lotion provides patients with a safe and effective solution for the treatment of head lice," said Dr. Hansen.

The adverse side effects reported in clinical trials of malathion lotion 0.5% were temporary increase of dandruff in those prone to this condition and skin and scalp irritation. Accidental contact with the eyes may result in mild conjunctivitis. OVIDE(R) Lotion is contraindicated for neonates and infants. Because the product contains alcohol, parents should be advised about the risk of flammability. This product should not be used in conjunction with or near a hair dryer, curling iron, curlers or any other electric or heated device.

If lice are detected, parents are advised to ask their physician about OVIDE(R) Lotion. OVIDE(R) Lotion is now available by prescription at major retail pharmacies in two-ounce bottles (NDC 99207-650-02) through MEDICIS, The Dermatology Company(R). For more information about OVIDE(R) Lotion, please call 1-800-550-5115.

MEDICIS, The Dermatology Company(R) is a subsidiary of Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation (NYSE:MRX). 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, fungal infections, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, head lice 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) and A/T/S(R); the over-the-counter brand ESOTERICA(R); and BUPHENYL(TM), a prescription product indicated in the treatment of Urea Cycle Disorder.

Except for historical information, this news release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risk 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.

1. Pollack FJ, Kiszewski A, Armstrong P, Hahn C, Wolfe N, Radman HA,

Laserson K, Telford III S, Spielman A. Differential permethrin

susceptibility of head lice sampled in the United States and

Borneo. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 1999; 153:969-973. 2. Taplin D, Castillero PM, Spiegel J, Merdcer S, Rivera AA,

Schachner L. Malathion for treatment of pediculus humanus var

capitis infestation. JAMA 1982;247:3103-3105. 3. Meinking TL, Taplin D, Kalter DC, Eberle MW. Comparative efficacy

of treatments for pediculosis capitis infestations. Arch Dermatol

1986;122:267-271. 4. Package Insert

OVD44799