Galderma Serves as Premier Sponsor for 2013 Commit to Cure Gala Benefitting National Psoriasis Foundation

FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Galderma Laboratories L.P., a pharmaceutical company focused exclusively on dermatology and based in Fort Worth, Texas, will serve as the premier sponsor for the 2013 Commit to Cure gala, the National Psoriasis Foundation's (NPF) largest fundraising event. The event takes place Saturday, October 26, at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas and will honor Dallas-based dermatologist Alan Menter, M.D., who has dedicated his career to improving the quality of life of patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.  Funds raised from the event will support on-going research and treatment.

"Alan Menter has been at the forefront of raising international awareness of the seriousness of psoriasis and its devastating impact. He has worked to improve the lives of people with the disease through exemplary patient care," said Humberto C. Antunes, CEO of Galderma worldwide. "He has committed his career to psoriasis, leading hundreds of research studies to uncover the causes of the disease and to elaborate on its treatments, I was always particularly impressed with his creativity."

Psoriasis is the most common autoimmune disease in the country, affecting approximately 7.5 million Americans and 675,000 Texans. Among his numerous accomplishments, Dr. Menter founded the International Psoriasis Council in 2004, a global organization dedicated to raising worldwide awareness of psoriasis as a serious autoimmune disease that dramatically impacts quality of life. In addition to the hundreds of research studies he has led, Menter led the creation of the National Psoriasis Foundation Tissue Bank—the predecessor to the National Psoriasis Victor Henschel BioBank—which was the first public source of genetic material for researchers studying psoriasis. He served as its clinical director for seven years until 2002.  Menter also co-authored a groundbreaking study that identified the first gene involved in the development of psoriasis and helped pave the way for future psoriatic disease research.

Dr. Menter was also instrumental in launching the dermatology residency program at Baylor University Medical Center Dallas in 2009. Galderma contributed $900,000 to support the program that will help educate the next generation of dermatologists in North Texas and address the shortage of dermatology residents in the area.

"Dr. Menter's passion for treating people with psoriasis has made him a world-renowned leader and innovator in medical dermatology as well as a friend of many individuals affected by the disease," said Krista Kellogg, chair of the National Psoriasis Foundation Board of Trustees.  "The gala will be an evening of gratitude and recognition for his efforts, as well as an opportunity to raise additional funds to help people affected by this disease."

"Throughout his career, Dr. Menter has guided the next generation of psoriasis experts and researchers, worked to improve treatment options and standards of patient care," added Antunes. "We are more than pleased to join the NPF in its efforts to recognize Dr. Menter with this Lifetime Achievement Award."

To learn more about the Commit to Cure Gala and to make a donation, visit www.psoriasis.org/gala.

About Galderma:  A world leading medical company exclusively focused on dermatology

Since its inception in 1981 as a joint-venture between worldwide leaders Nestle and L'Oreal, Galderma has chosen to solely focus on dermatology. Galderma is committed to delivering innovative medical solutions to meet the dermatological needs of people throughout their lifetime while serving healthcare professionals around the world. With approximately 20% of global revenues invested each year to discover and develop new products, Galderma is one of the world's leading investors in dermatology Research and Development. Strategic brands in the U.S. include Cetaphil®, Epiduo®, Oracea®, Mirvaso®, Clobex®, Differin®, MetroGel®, Vectical®, Tri-Luma® and Pliaglis®.

For more information, please visit www.galdermausa.com.

About the National Psoriasis Foundation
National Psoriasis Foundation is the world's largest nonprofit organization serving people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Our mission is to find a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and to eliminate their devastating effects through research, advocacy and education. For more information, call the Psoriasis Foundation, headquartered in Portland, Ore., at 800.723.9166, or visit www.psoriasis.org. Follow the Psoriasis Foundation on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Galderma Laboratories, L.P.