Valeant to Acquire Dow Pharmaceutical Sciences, Inc. for $2...( ALISO VIEJO Calif. Dec. 10 /- Valeant...)

ALISO VIEJO, Calif., Dec. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Valeant Pharmaceuticals International (NYSE: VRX) today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Dow Pharmaceutical Sciences, Inc., a privately held dermatology company that specializes in the development of topical products on a proprietary basis, as well as for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. The transaction significantly enhances Valeant's dermatology franchise in the United States through the acquisition of a specialized dermatology research and development organization including a newly approved product and a robust pipeline of five dermatology products, three of which are in Phase II clinical development. Current annualized revenues are approximately $45 million, of which approximately $20 million represents royalty payments from products already out-licensed by Dow.

Dow recently received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Acanya(TM), a novel topical prescription medication indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate acne. Acanya(TM) is expected to be launched in the United States in early 2009. Dow has products in clinical development for the treatment of rosacea, moderate to severe acne, fungal infections and common warts. We expect one or more products to enter a Phase III trial in 2009, with an expected launch as early as 2012. In addition, Dow operates a well-regarded topical products services business dedicated to working with external sponsors for the formulation and development of topical therapies.

Under the terms of the agreement, Valeant will pay Dow $285 million, subject to certain closing adjustments. Approximately $8 million in cash will be retained from current Dow accounts, making the net amount paid $277 million. Valeant will make the first payment of $250 million upon closing
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