Merz Pharmaceuticals Introduces New Mederma® Advanced Scar Gel

GREENSBORO, N.C., March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Mederma, the #1 doctor(1)-and pharmacist(2)-recommended brand for scars for over a decade, announced today the introduction of Mederma® Advanced Scar Gel, which reduces the overall appearance of scars caused by injury, acne, surgery or burns with just one daily application. Mederma® Advanced Scar Gel contains Cepalin®, the same proprietary botanical extract derived from onions used in all Mederma® scar products and stretch marks therapy.

Mederma® Advanced Scar Gel is clinically shown to improve the texture, color, softness and overall appearance of scars. In a recent study,(3) people reported an average of 36% greater improvement in the overall appearance of scars treated with Mederma® Advanced Scar Gel compared with scars that received no product after eight weeks of once daily use.

"In a clinical study, onion extract gel applied once daily showed a greater improvement in scar redness, texture and overall appearance compared to scars with no treatment at all," says Zoe Diana Draelos, M.D., F.A.A.D., clinical and research dermatologist in High Point, N.C. "In fact, patients saw a 36 percent greater improvement in the appearance of scars treated with onion extract gel after eight weeks."

Mederma® Advanced Scar Gel is a transparent topical gel, so unlike cosmetic pads or silicone sheeting, scar management with Mederma® is never noticeable. For best results, Mederma® Advanced Scar Gel should be applied evenly and gently rubbed into the scar once daily for eight weeks on new scars and three to six months on existing scars.

"Even if I cover a scar with make up or clothing, at the end of the day it's still there," said international beauty expert Mickey Williams. "Mederma® products give me that extra boost of confidence, especially when I look in the mirror and barely see my scar. The new once daily formula is great for busy people like me who sometimes have more imperfections than time on their hands."

Mederma® Advanced Scar Gel is sold in a 20-gram tube that retails for about $20 and a 50-gram tube that retails for about $32. It will be available in the first aid section of drugstores nationwide.

"The idea for Mederma® Advanced Scar Gel came from our existing consumer base, who were pleased with the results from Mederma® products but wanted a more convenient option for scar management," says Emily Klopp, Sr. Brand Manager. "We are excited to introduce a new, once-daily topical gel to our customers by adding Mederma® Advanced Scar Gel to the Mederma® scar therapy product line, which also includes Mederma® Scar Cream Plus SPF 30 and Mederma® for Kids™ - the #1 pediatrician- recommended product for kids' scars.(4)"

For more information and tools to help with scar management, visit www.Mederma.com.

About Mederma®
The Mederma® family of products, including Mederma® Advanced Scar Gel, Mederma® Cream plus SPF 30, Mederma® for Kids^TM and Mederma® Stretch Marks Therapy, has a long tradition of visible improvement in the appearance of scars and stretch marks when used as directed. The #1 doctor¹- and pharmacist²-recommended brand for scars, Mederma® helps reduce the appearance of scars resulting from surgery, injury, burns, and acne, making them softer, smoother, and less noticeable. To learn more, visit www.mederma.com.

About Merz Pharmaceuticals
Merz Pharmaceuticals, LLC is a part of the Merz Group of companies and was established in 1995 to develop and commercialize products for the Merz Group. Areas of therapeutic focus include Neurology, Physiatry, Dermatology, and Podiatry.

With over a century of heritage, the Merz Group is known worldwide for its development of original compounds and formulations for medical professionals and consumers in 90 countries. Globally, Merz is a leader in the development of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of neurological and psychological disorders as well as for aesthetic medicine. Global research is concentrated in fields that have a strong need for therapeutic innovation such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, tinnitus, chronic pain conditions, addictions, and neuromuscular disturbances.

(1) IMS Health, NDTI, December 2011.
(2) Pharmacy Times, OTC Supplement, June 2011.
(3) Data on File, December 2011.
(4) Wolters Kluwer Pharma Solutions. , July 2011.

SOURCE Merz Pharmaceuticals