Strategic deal demonstrates commitment to dermatology and innovation

CORAL GABLES, Fla., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Stiefel Laboratories, Inc., the world's largest independent pharmaceutical company specializing in dermatology, announced today that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of Princeton, New Jersey-based Barrier Therapeutics, Inc. Upon the closing of the acquisition, all remaining outstanding shares of Barrier common stock, other than those held by stockholders who properly perfect appraisal rights under Delaware law, were converted into the right to receive $4.15 per share in cash. Effective with the close of trading on August 6, 2008, shares of Barrier will no longer be listed on the NASDAQ Global Market.

The combination of Barrier Therapeutics with Stiefel Laboratories unites some of the most exciting assets in the dermatology industry. The acquisition of Barrier broadens Stiefel's extensive product offering with three premium prescription products, making a wider range of treatment options available to physicians and patients under the Stiefel umbrella. It also deepens an already strong Stiefel pipeline of products by adding several promising novel product candidates.

'Barrier's innovative products and pipeline are a very valuable addition to Stiefel,' said Charles W. Stiefel, chairman and chief executive officer, Stiefel Laboratories. 'The acquisition reinforces Stiefel's promise to provide novel, high-quality, safe and effective products for the treatment of skin diseases and our continued and enthusiastic commitment to advancing the field of dermatology.'

In addition to bringing new assets to Stiefel, the acquisition also provides the opportunity for the company to leverage its global footprint for the newly-acquired portfolio.

'Stiefel's worldwide network includes more than 30 subsidiaries around the world, a research and development organization spanning four continents and six manufacturing operations,' said Bill Humphries, president, Stiefel Laboratories. 'Combining these resources with Barrier's products will benefit more dermatology patients around the world.'

'The acquisition greatly expands the possibilities for Barrier's products and pipeline,' said Al Altomari, chief executive officer of Barrier Therapeutics.