Press & Media

SkinMedica and New York University Enter Into License Agreement for Novel Skin Lightening Program

SAN DIEGO, CA AND NEW YORK, NY (October 14, 2009) - SkinMedica, Inc. and New York University announced today that they have entered into a global license agreement to develop novel products to address skin hyperpigmentation based on technology invented at NYU.

“Our scientific discovery involves natural products that act by an entirely novel mechanism to modulate skin pigmentation,” said Seth J. Orlow, M.D., Ph.D., Chair of the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at NYU, and Director of the Program in Cutaneous Biology and NYU Langone Medical Center’s Center of Excellence in Cancers of the Skin. “The treatment of hyperpigmentation remains a major unmet need, and we are especially pleased to partner with SkinMedica to advance new products to address this problem.”

Under the terms of the agreement, SkinMedica has licensed exclusive rights to develop and market products based on the NYU technology, with a range of applications in the modulation of skin pigmentation.

“Dr. Orlow has a long history of innovation and invention in dermatology and skin biology, and we are proud to partner with him and NYU to deliver novel products for pigmentation.” said Mary Fisher, SkinMedica President and CEO. “Hyperpigmentation is a very common problem worldwide, with limited treatment options. We look forward to advancing this program, which has enormous global market potential.”

About Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a common condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the surrounding skin. It can affect the skin color of people of any race. Normal skin color is formed by melanin, which is produced by special cells called melanocytes in the top layer of the skin. Uneven melanin production can occur in response to hormonal changes, and may also occur with certain diseases. Another common presentation is in response to skin damage or inflammation. It is advisable for persons with pigmentary problems to visit a dermatologist for a discussion of diagnosis and treatment options, and to rule out skin cancer.

About NYU Langone Medical Center’s Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology
The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology of the New York University School of Medicine traces its history back 127 years to the founding of the New York Skin & Cancer Hospital in 1872. The Department’s faculty members deliver state-of-the-art medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatologic care at over 100,000 visits annually at NYU Langone Medical Center and its affiliated medical centers. In addition, the Department is one of the leading research centers for investigations into the basic biology of the skin and hair as well as the diagnosis and management of dermatologic diseases.

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About SkinMedica

SkinMedica, Inc. is focused on developing, acquiring and commercializing products that treat dermatologic conditions and improve the appearance of skin. We market and sell to physicians, with a focus on aesthetics, both prescription and non-prescription skin care products. The company's full line of aesthetic skin care products includes the revolutionary TNS Essential Serum™ and hallmark TNS Recovery Complex®. The formulations in our clinical skin care collection enhance skin appearance, reduce signs of aging and provide other skin care benefits.

SkinMedica's prescription products include VANIQA® (eflornithine hydrochloride) Cream, 13.9%, the only FDA-approved prescription product for the reduction of unwanted facial hair in women and EpiQui® Micro Cream (4% hydroquinone) for hyperpigmentation, or "brown spots" that commonly result from aging, inflammation or sun exposure.

SkinMedica is based in Carlsbad, California. For more information, visit: www.skinmedica.com.

TNS Recovery Complex®, VANIQA®, EpiQuin® Micro, and SkinMedica®, are registered trademarks of SkinMedica, Inc and affiliates.