Ottawa, April 15, 2005 — The Canadian Dermatology Association's mission is to promote the highest quality standards for dermatologic care in Canada. Part of this mission is to help guarantee the safety and efficacy of medication used in child and adult dermatology patients.

Atopic dermatitis is highly prevalent in Canadian children and can persist into adulthood. This eczema can greatly affect the physical and psychological well-being of these patients. CDA believes that topical calcineurin inhibitors (prescribed as Elidel® cream and Protopic® ointment in Canada) are an important therapeutic class for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in children and adults, and complement other therapeutic methods available.

CDA has reviewed the safety data on these two products, gathered from clinical studies in nearly 7 million patients (both adults and children) and from spontaneous reporting programs. These showed no increased risk of cancer or lymphoma.

The Canadian Dermatology Association's position statement on this issue is attached. For further information, please contact: