Merz Aesthetics Unveils Grand Prize Winner of the Stand and Deliver Program

SAN MATEO, Calif., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Merz Aesthetics, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Asclera® (polidocanol) Injection in the U.S., announces Michelle Rubin as the grand prize winner of the "STAND AND DELIVER" program, an initiative created to honor women who take a stand and make a difference in their communities.  Michelle Rubin, founder and director of Autism After 21, a nonprofit 501(c) organization which provides opportunities and services for autistic adults over the age of 21 in Boca Raton, Fla., will receive a donation of $10,000 to her organization and her choice of beauty treatments by a top dermatologist in her local community.

Michelle, who was chosen by a nationwide vote via the campaign's website www.Asclera.com/standanddeliver, is a woman who proved that she stands and delivers for her cause. With more than two decades of service to the autistic community and a mother of a 22-year old autistic son, Michelle identified the need for programs to help autistic adults over the age of 21. Michelle was nominated by Molly Murphy, one of the committee members of Autism After 21, noting that "Michelle is an inspiration to parents, community leaders and others through her comprehensive understanding of the needs of the autistic community and her determination to meet those needs one individual at a time."

"I am amazed by the outpouring of support and honored to have been chosen as this year's winner of the STAND AND DELIVER program which was sponsored by Merz Aesthetics," says Michelle Rubin. "This is a once in a lifetime experience and I'm honored to have the chance to donate $10,000 to Autism After 21 in hopes that we will be able to provide young adults with autism the life skills and training they need to independently live full and functioning lives within our community."

Merz Aesthetics, the exclusive distributor of Asclera® (polidocaol) in partnership with an advisory panel of Rhonda Smith, Founder of Breast Cancer Partner; Linda Meacham, Volunteer at Fisherman's Mark; Janey Russell, Founder of SHINE ON Tucson, who were selected for their abilities to stand and deliver, conducted a nationwide search for women who are changing their communities through support of a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Following a nomination period, the advisory panel selected three finalists that are committed to their communities and work hard to make an impact. The three finalists' stories were featured on the contest website and from February 20 through April 15, 2012, the public had the opportunity to vote for the woman they felt best deserved the grand prize. To learn more about the advisory panel and the three finalists, visit the campaign's website at www.Asclera.com/standanddeliver.

"On behalf of Merz Aesthetics and the Asclera brand, I commend Michelle Rubin for her hard work and commitment to her organization, Autism After 21," said Pat Altavilla, Vice President, Global Marketing at Merz Aesthetics, Inc. "Merz Aesthetics is pleased to be able to present her with a $10,000 donation to her organization and a consultation with a top dermatologist of her choice. Michelle is an example to us all and a dedicated woman that defines exactly what it means to make a real difference in people's lives. We look forward to working with Michelle to support the STAND AND DELIVER initiative next year and continue to celebrate inspirational women across the U.S."

To learn more about Michelle's story and the two other finalists, Sara Finger, executive director of Wisconsin's Alliance for Women's Health and Carol Burnett, community outreach and recruitment coordinator of Long Island Head Start, visit the "Meet the Finalists" section on the program's website at http://www.asclera.com/standanddeliver/finalists.cfm.

About Asclera®

The FDA approved Asclera® (polidocanol) Injection on March 30, 2010 to sclerose uncomplicated spider veins (varicose veins less than or equal to 1 mm in diameter) and uncomplicated reticular veins (varicose veins 1 to 3 mm in diameter) in the lower extremity, making it the first sclerosant to be approved by FDA in over 60 years. 

About Merz Aesthetics

Merz Aesthetics, Inc. is part of the Merz Pharma Group. Merz Aesthetics, with headquarters in San Mateo, California, partners with Merz Aesthetics business units in 16 countries and cooperates with more than 30 distributors worldwide.

Founded in 1908 by Friedrich Merz, Merz introduced the world's first anti-wrinkle treatment in 1953 after conducting extensive research on the effects of revitalizing skin care essences. As part of the Merz Pharma Group of companies, Merz Aesthetics leverages more than a century of Merz's healthcare expertise with its products and unparalleled service to the field of aesthetic dermatology. The Merz legacy continues today with Merz Aesthetics' innovative portfolio of products.

Indication:

Asclera® (polidocanol) Injection is a prescription medicine that is used in a procedure called sclerotherapy to remove unwanted veins on your legs. It is administered by a healthcare provider to treat two types of veins:

• Uncomplicated spider veins (very small varicose veins </= 1 mm in diameter)
• Uncomplicated small varicose veins (1 to 3 mm in diameter) known as reticular veins

Asclera® has not been studied in varicose veins more than 3 mm in diameter.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:

For intravenous use only.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Asclera® (polidocanol) Injection is contraindicated for patients with known allergy (anaphylaxis) to polidocanol and patients with acute vein and blood clotting diseases.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS:

Anaphylaxis: Severe allergic reactions have been reported following polidocanol use, including anaphylactic reactions, some of them fatal. Severe reactions are most frequent with use of larger volumes (> 3 mL). The dose of polidocanol should therefore be minimized. Please notify your healthcare provider if you have a known history of severe allergies or allergy to polidocanol.

Accidental injection into an artery can cause severe necrosis, ischemia or gangrene. If this occurs, consult your healthcare provider or a vascular surgeon immediately.

Unintentional injection of Asclera outside of the vein can cause pain. If pain is severe, a local anesthetic (without adrenaline) may be injected by your healthcare provider.

Severe adverse local effects, including tissue necrosis, may occur following flow of the product outside of the vein; therefore, the smallest effective volume at each injection site should be used.

After the injection session is completed, apply compression with a stocking or bandage, and walk for 15- 20 minutes. Your healthcare provider will provide monitoring during this period to treat any possible anaphylactic or allergic reactions.

Maintain compression for 2 to 3 days after treatment of spider veins and for 5 to 7 days for reticular veins, or as directed by your Healthcare Provider. For extensive varicosities, longer compression treatment with compression bandages or a gradient compression stocking of a higher compression class is recommended. Post-treatment compression is necessary to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

ADVERSE REACTIONS: In clinical studies, the following adverse reactions were observed after using Asclera® and were more common with Asclera® than placebo: injection site hematoma, injection site irritation, injection site discoloration, injection site pain, injection site itching, injection site warmth, neovascularization, injection site clotting.

You are encouraged to report any suspected adverse events. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact your Healthcare Provider, Merz Aesthetics at 1-866-862-1211, or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Please talk to your healthcare provider should you have any questions about Asclera®

SOURCE Merz Aesthetics