Ortho Dermatologics Announces Aspire Higher Scholarship Honorees

Scholarship Program Awards Students Across the Country Impacted by Dermatologic Conditions

LAVAL, Quebec, Nov. 14, 2017 /CNW/ -- Ortho Dermatologics, a division of Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (NYSE: VRX andTSX: VRX), today announced the nine recipients of the Aspire Higher Scholarship program, which honors the achievements of applicants or current attendees of an accredited, nonprofit, two- or four-year college, university, or advanced (post-high school) vocational or technical school who have been treated for a dermatologic condition.  

"Since 2013, the Ortho Dermatologics Aspire Higher Scholarship program has recognized students that have not allowed skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema and severe acne to stand in the way of their academic achievements. We're proud to support these exemplary individuals as they continue their studies," said Joseph C. Papa, chairman and CEO of Valeant.  

Three scholarships were awarded in each of three categories: Undergraduate Scholar Awards for students pursuing an undergraduate degree, Graduate Scholar Awards for students pursuing a graduate degree and Today's Woman Scholar Awards for students who are mothers pursuing higher education. A panel of judges consisting of dermatologists from across the country reviewed each of the applications and chose the nine honorees. 

To apply for the scholarship, applicants were asked to submit an essay discussing how their dermatologic condition, and the subsequent treatment received by their dermatologist, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner, has impacted their life. The nine honorees were chosen from a pool of 2,179 applicants and will each receive $10,000 towards their education.

The nine recipients of the 2017 Aspire Higher scholarship program are:

Undergraduate student winners - for students pursuing an undergraduate degree.

• Jordan Johnson of Friendswood, Texas, who will attend the University of Arkansas
• Robert (Robby) Ruffolo of Dayton, Ohio, who will attend the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill)
• Meredith Richards of Kinderhook, New York, who is currently enrolled at Utah State University

Graduate student winners - for students pursuing a graduate degree.

• Madeline Gore of Lakeville, Minnesota, who will attend Loyola University of Chicago
• Braden Candela of Rochester, New York, who is currently enrolled at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry
• Shulei (Shelley) Chen of Walnut, California, who is currently enrolled at UC Berkeley – UCSF Joint Medical Program

Today's Woman Scholar winners - for students who are mothers and pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree.

• Amy Feldman of South Jordan, Utah, who is currently enrolled at Brigham Young University
• Bianca Bzdel of Mill Valley, CA, who is currently enrolled at the University of California Davis
• Carine Henderson of Sandy, Utah, who has been accepted to the graduate program at Brigham Young University

Since 2013, the Aspire Higher scholarship program has awarded 23 scholarships to students across the country.

Additional information about the Ortho Dermatologics Aspire Higher scholarship program can be found at www.AspireHigherScholarships.com. The 2018 program will begin accepting applications in early 2018.

About Ortho Dermatologics
Ortho Dermatologics, aValeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. company, is one of the largest prescription dermatology businesses in the world dedicated to helping patients in the treatment of a range of therapeutic areas including actinic keratosis, acne, atopic dermatitis, cold sores, athlete's foot, nail fungus and other dermatoses. The Ortho Dermatologics portfolio includes several leading acne, anti-fungal and anti-infective products. More information can be found at www.ortho-dermatologics.com.

About Valeant
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (NYSE/TSX: VRX) is a multinational specialty pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of pharmaceutical products primarily in the areas of dermatology, gastrointestinal disorders, eye health, neurology and branded generics. More information about Valeant can be found at www.valeant.com. 

Forward-looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements which may generally be identified by the use of the words "anticipates, "expects," "intends," "plans," "should," "could," "would," "may," "will," "believes," "estimates," "potential," "target," or "continue" and variations or similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties discussed in the Company's most recent annual or quarterly report and detailed from time to time in Valeant's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators, which factors are incorporated herein by reference. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Valeant undertakes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect actual outcomes, unless required by law.

SOURCE Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.

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