American Skin Association Announces New Member Of The Board J. Michael Pearson And New Education Council Member Ryan Weldon Of Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.

NEW YORK, April 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Howard P. Milstein, Chairman of American Skin Association (ASA), announced that J. Michael Pearson, Chairman and CEO of Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., has become a member of the ASA Board of Directors.

ASA's main mission is to advance research, champion skin health and drive public awareness regarding skin disease and melanoma/skin cancer. Through its national program of grants and awards, ASA has committed approximately $9 million to underwriting research by a new generation of scientists trained in dermatology and dedicated to overcoming the most serious forms of skin disease.

"Mike Pearson brings a tremendous wealth of experience to the Board. I look forward to working with him as we continue funding research, educating future generations on skin health and furthering the goal of defeating melanoma, skin cancer, and other skin diseases," said Howard P. Milstein.

"I am honored to become a part of ASA," Mike Pearson said. "Their efforts on behalf of skin disease and skin cancer have had a tremendous effect on increasing public awareness and their commitment to dermatology research has been a key driver in encouraging earlier diagnoses and new therapies. I look forward to working with the rest of the Board of Directors upholding and promoting the ASA's mission."

ASA also announced that Ryan Weldon, Executive Vice President and Company Group Chairman of the U.S. Dermatology Operations at Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., has become a member of its Education Council.  Weldon was appointed as an Executive Officer at Valeant in December 2012. Prior to that, he served as Vice President and General Manager of Aesthetics and General Manager of U.S. Neurology and Other at Valeant.

"Many of Valeant's acquisitions were once, or still are, some of the world's leading brands, transforming Valeant into one of the world's most important suppliers of dermatology drugs," said Humberto C. Antunes, President and CEO of Galderma and Co-Chair of ASA's Education Council.

ABOUT AMERICAN SKIN ASSOCIATION
Led by patients, families and their advocates working with the nation's foremost physicians and scientists, American Skin Association has evolved into an increasingly influential leader in efforts to defeat melanoma and other serious forms of skin disease. For over two decades, its mission has remained to advance research, champion skin health - particularly among young people, and raise public awareness about skin cancer and disease. For more information, visit www.americanskin.org.

SOURCE American Skin Association