Valeant Awards Winners of Second Annual I Acanya® Succeed Scholarship Program $48,000 Each Toward College Tuition

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., July 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC, today announced the 2014 winners of the Second annual I Acanya^® Succeed scholarship program, an education-based initiative that rewards college students for taking a proactive approach to managing their acne. Three high-school seniors were selected to receive up to $48,000 each toward college tuition after submitting a compelling video essay depicting their personal battle with acne and how it was overcome through the care of a dermatologist.

The three winners are recent high school graduates who will attend the following universities in the fall of 2014:

• Paulina Portela of Royersford, PA, who will attend Pennsylvania State University;
• Kelsey Pulera of Racine, WI, who will attend the University of Wisconsin; and
• Danielle Walker of Purcellville, VA, who will attend George Mason University

"Valeant salutes the winners of the second annual I Acanya Succeed scholarship program, and is proud to support their dreams through education," said Ari Kellen executive vice president of Valeant Pharmaceuticals. "We are committed to easing the path for patients who may be needlessly suffering from acne, a highly treatable condition when managed by a medical professional. We hope the winners' stories will empower others impacted by acne to help themselves by seeking the professional care of a dermatologist."

Applicants for the I Acanya Succeed scholarship created a video essay about their personal experience with acne, and how they were able to successfully overcome their condition with the help of a dermatologist, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner. Students were required to include two letters of recommendation and information about their scholastic and community activities. For more information about the program, and to view the winning video essays, visit www.acanyascholarship.com.

Each year, an estimated 40 to 50 million Americans are affected by acne vulgaris, a condition that physically and emotionally taxes more than 85% of teenagers, and often continues into adulthood. Fortunately, acne is a treatable condition that often does not require complex treatment. Medications such as Acanya can provide a manageable treatment regimen for many patients with acne.

"Effective acne solutions are difficult to obtain for people trying to self-treat without a physician's counsel," said Tage Ramakrishna, M.D., chief medical officer of Valeant Pharmaceuticals. "The video essays submitted by this year's I Acanya Succeed winners underscore the impact of acne among teens, while demonstrating the importance of raising awareness about the effective treatment plans that are available through the care of a dermatologist."

Valeant Pharmaceuticals, which markets Acanya^® (clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide) Gel, 1.2%/2.5% for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 12 years of age and older, created the I Acanya Succeed Scholarship program to educate students about the need to work with a dermatologist to manage acne, as well as to empower students by providing the financial assistance they need to obtain a college education. Acanya should not be used by patients who are allergic to clindamycin, have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, or have developed inflammation of the colon (colitis) with past antibiotic use. 

The I Acanya Succeed Scholarship program is open to undergraduate students who have been accepted to or are currently attending an accredited college, university, or vocational or technical school in the U.S. Applicants must have been previously diagnosed with acne; at some point were under the care of a licensed dermatologist, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner; and have had personal experience using prescription acne medication.

Enrollment information for the 2015 scholarship program will be announced in October. Three award recipients will receive up to $12,000 per year for a maximum of four years. For details of the scholarship, eligibility and application process, please visit www.acanyascholarship.com.

Indication and Important Safety Information

Indication
ACANYA (clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide) GEL, 1.2%/2.5% is a prescription medicine used on the skin (topical) to treat acne vulgaris in people 12 years and older.
Do not get ACANYA GEL in your mouth, eyes, or vagina, or on your lips. It is not known whether ACANYA GEL is safe and effective for use longer than 12 weeks, or in children under 12 years of age.

Important Safety Information

Do not use ACANYA GEL if you have: Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, had inflammation of the colon (colitis) or severe diarrhea with past antibiotic use. Talk with your doctor if you are not sure if you have one of these conditions.

ACANYA GEL can cause serious side effects including:

• Inflammation of the colon (colitis). Stop using ACANYA GEL and call your doctor right away if you have severe watery diarrhea, or bloody diarrhea.
• Allergic reactions. Stop using ACANYA GEL, call your doctor and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: severe itching; swelling of your face, eyes, lips, tongue or throat; or trouble breathing.

Common side effects with ACANYA GEL include skin irritation. Stop using ACANYA GEL and call your doctor if you have a skin rash or your skin becomes very red, itchy or swollen. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines and skin products you use.
Especially tell your doctor if you will have surgery with general anesthesia. One of the medicines in ACANYA GEL (clindamycin) can affect how certain medicines work when used in general anesthesia.

• ACANYA GEL should not be used with products that contain erythromycin.
• Other skin and topical acne products may increase the irritation of your skin when used with ACANYA GEL.

When using ACANYA GEL, limit your time in sunlight. Avoid using tanning beds or sun lamps. If you have to be in sunlight, wear a wide-brimmed hat or other protective clothing, and a sunscreen with SPF 15 rating or higher.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs. Visit
www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088

For Full Prescribing Information, go to www.acanyagel.com.

SOURCE Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC