Intendis GmbH, which is part of Bayer HealthCare,has signed an agreement to acquire two prescription dermatology product linesfrom SkinMedica, Inc., a dermatology company based in Carlsbad, CA, USA.Both Desonate(R) and NeoBenz(R) Micro are currently marketed in the U.S.by SkinMedica, Inc. Under the transaction, which is still subject to thenecessary regulatory approvals, Intendis will acquire all commercial rights,including assigned contracts and intellectual property related to the twoproduct lines. The deal is expected to close in the Fall of 2009. “We are currently seeing solid growth of our existing portfolio ofprescription dermatologicals in the U.S. With the addition of these twohigh-quality product lines we expect to build on this dynamic and tosubstantially strengthen our presence in this key strategic business,” statedMarc Lafeuille, President and CEO of the Intendis Group. In 2008, the companygrew by 18.7% on a currency-adjusted basis in the U.S. Desonate(R) is a low potency topical corticosteroid for the treatment ofmild to moderate atopic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin disease. Formulatedin a waterbased Hydrogel vehicle, it is indicated for patients as young as 3months. NeoBenz(R) Micro is a benzoyl peroxide medication for the treatmentof mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Its special formulation allows for agradual release of the active ingredient which allows for an effectivetreatment with only low irritation. “We are pleased that this agreement with Intendis will allow us to devoteinvestments to continued growth of our remaining dermatology business,” saidMary Fisher, President and CEO of SkinMedica. “We look forward to expandingour pipeline of innovative products for the improvement of skin appearanceand the treatment of dermatologic conditions.”
