Valeant Pharmaceuticals has signed an agreement to acquire
Dermik, a dermatology unit of Sanofi in the U.S.
and Canada,
as well as the worldwide rights to Sculptra® Aesthetic (injectable
poly-L-lactic acid). Dermik has a significant presence in the medical
dermatology market in the United States
and Canada
with a strong field force and well-known brands. Dermik’s portfolio includes
leading therapeutic and aesthetic dermatology brands such as Benzaclin® for the
treatment of acne, Carac® for the treatment of keratoses and Sculptra®, a
facial injectable for the correction of facial wrinkles and folds.

Valeant will pay Sanofi approximately $425 million for all
Dermik assets, including available inventories of approximately $18 million,
which consist of an aesthetic and therapeutic business in the United States and Canada, as well as a widely
dispersed aesthetic business around the world. Also included in the scope is
Sanofi’s Laval, Canada site, which includes
Dermik’s manufacturing facility that currently produces approximately 70
formulations and over 200 presentations of tablets, capsules, non-sterile
liquids, ointments and creams for both Sanofi products as well as 3rd parties.
 Total 2010 revenues including contract manufacturing revenues are
approximately $240 million.  The transaction is subject to certain closing
adjustments and regulatory approvals, including the termination or expiration
of Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period, and is expected to be accretive in 2011.

“We are pleased to add another strong dermatology
franchise to our growing operations in the U.S.
and Canada,”
stated J. Michael Pearson, chairman and chief executive officer.
 “Dermik’s assets, both in the medical and aesthetic therapeutic
areas, provide us with exciting opportunities to leverage our combined
portfolios in our current markets as well as options to expand Valeant’s
presence to other territories.  Furthermore, the manufacturing facility
will provide increased capacity for our future growth initiatives in the U.S. and Canada.”