How to market to young acne patients in 2024: It's a Gen Z thing (You wouldn't understand)
The top ten things that matter most to dermatology marketers on Nov. 6, 2024, including Coty's growth plan, Vichy's Hormonall launch, the TikTok effect on skincare products, Alys arrives, and more
Welcome to the Early November edition of Dermatology.Business. As we all settle into our cozy, post-Halloween, time-change season, we’re here with a fresh batch of updates, questions, and a dash of autumnal curiosity. Every other Wednesday, we’re here raking up and bagging the latest news, trends, and insights from the Dermasphere. Pour yourself a mulled cider, get comfy, and share this newsletter with your team.
1. Differin targets gamers with ‘Level Up’ acne campaign
Galderma’s 0.1% adapalene brand, Differin, is launching a first-of-its-kind “Level Up” campaign aimed at educating and empowering gamers in their fight against acne.
Why it matters: Acne affects up to 55 million North Americans annually and is projected to affect more than 9% of the global population. Eighty-five per cent of people aged 12-24 experience at least minor acne.
By the numbers
3.4 billion: Current number of gamers worldwide
4.5 billion: Projected number of gamers by 2030
$282.3 billion: Global gaming revenue
87%: Acne reduction shown in clinical trials using Differin Gel daily for 12 weeks
The big picture: Gaming is increasingly seen as beneficial for mental health, with 73% of players believing it improves creativity and 69% agreeing it builds problem-solving skills.
All the deets
Campaign features “Differin Duo” premiere on Twitch with Fortnite Icons NickEh30 and Chica
IRL presence at TwitchCon in San Diego with interactive events and live broadcasts
Partnerships with influencers named “katliente,” “kilahmazing,” and “Avori” for so-called educational content
Playable, gamified ads by Activision Blizzard Media
Between the lines: By targeting gamers, Differin is tapping into a massive, engaged audience that aligns closely with the age group most affected by acne.
What they’re saying: “Our mission is to make skincare accessible and approachable, and the gaming community is the perfect space to innovate,” said Lindsey Scales, associate director of OTC Skincare at Galderma.
The bottom line: Differin’s campaign represents an innovative approach to skincare marketing, leveraging the gaming community's problem-solving mindset to tackle acne.
2. Targeting Gen Z skincare market, here comes, er, ZitSticka
Acne-focused skincare brand ZitSticka is rolling out a bold new look for its product line, starting with four SKUs at Target stores nationwide.
Why it matters: The rebrand aims to make acne treatment more appealing and accessible to younger consumers while reinforcing the brand’s dermatologist-tested credentials.
Key changes
Colour-blocked packaging with neon accents
Redesigned “Z” logo for improved brand visibility
Prominent display of key ingredients and benefits
Prices remain $13.99 - $15.99 range
The big picture: This refresh comes as ZitSticka expands its marketing efforts, including guerrilla marketing campaigns on college campuses.
The deets
Products include snappy brands such as KILLA, KILLA Extra Strength, Goo Getter, and Undercover
Products use proprietary STICKA TECH and SUPERSUCK TECH for different acne stages
What they’re saying: “ZitSticka has always believed that skincare should be fun, even when tackling sensitive skincare concerns like acne,” said Trish Kozlak, Head of Retail at Essor, ZitSticka’s parent company.
What’s next: The new packaging will roll out to additional retailers and online platforms in the coming months.
Between the lines: This rebrand reflects a broader trend in the skincare industry of making medicated products more appealing to younger, social media-savvy consumers.
3. Vichy Laboratoires targets women's health with Hormonall launch
Vichy Laboratoires, a brand of L’Oreal, is expanding beyond skincare with Hormonall, a new program aimed at supporting women through hormonal changes.
Why it matters: The move signals a growing focus on women’s holistic health in the pharmaceutical and beauty industries, addressing an underserved market.
By the numbers
2 in 3 women struggle silently with hormonal changes
Only 7% of federal health research funding in Canada goes to women's health
The deets
Hormonall offers free e-learning modules covering puberty, menstrual cycles, postpartum, and menopause
Vichy is donating $135,000 to Women’s Health Collective Canada for research
The program launches on World Menopause Day (October 18)
Between the lines: Vichy is leveraging its dermatologist-recommended brand to enter the broader women's health space, potentially opening new revenue streams.
The big picture: This initiative highlights the intersection of beauty, healthcare, and women's empowerment, a trend likely to influence future product development and marketing strategies in the pharmaceutical industry.
What to watch: How other pharma and beauty companies respond to this holistic approach to women’s health and whether it leads to increased investment in women's health research and products.
4. Health Canada approves Incyte's Opzelura for eczema and vitiligo
Health Canada has approved Incytes Opzelura cream, making it the first topical JAK inhibitor available for both atopic dermatitis and vitiligo in Canada.
Why it matters: The approval addresses significant unmet needs in dermatology, where current treatments often fall short. About 17% of Canadians experience atopic dermatitis at some point in their lives.
By the numbers
70% of eczema patients report daily itching
50% are dissatisfied with current treatments
0.5-1% of Canadians have vitiligo
1.5% concentration in the approved cream
Age 12+ approved for both conditions
The deets
Non-steroidal treatment option
Approved for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis
Can be used when conventional therapies fail
Based on TRuE-AD and TRuE-V clinical trials
Developed by Incyte Biosciences Canada
The bottom line: The dual approval marks a significant advancement in Canadian dermatology treatment options, particularly for patients who haven't responded well to existing therapies.
Lend us your ears: This week’s episode of the “Dermatology.Business Deep Dive” podcast provides added insights into the articles you’re reading right now. Click the player below, or listen wherever you get audio content
5. U.S. NIH funds $2.2M study for HS, currently lacking cure
The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has received a five-year, $2.2 million NIH grant to study hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), the debilitating condition affecting 4% of the population.
Why it matters: HS causes painful lumps under the skin that can rupture, leading to severe scarring, social isolation, and even suicide. There's currently no cure, and only half of patients respond to existing therapies.
By the numbers
$2.2 million: Amount of the NIH grant
4%: Portion of the population affected by HS
50%: Approximate response rate to current therapies
The big picture: HS disproportionately affects women, minorities, smokers, obese individuals, and those with a family history of the condition.
What’s new: Researchers have developed the first human model of HS, which will allow for a more accurate study of the disease.
All the deets
The study will focus on understanding and treating HS in its later stages
Researchers will use a 3D human model to study HS tunnel structures at the gene expression level
The team aims to design novel, targeted therapies based on their findings
What they’re saying
“We are looking at what makes the HS tunnels, how they form, in terms of biology and pathology, and how can we mimic their existence so we can learn to treat and to prevent HS,” says Dr. Marjana Tomic-Canic, one of the study’s leaders.
Between the lines: This research could open new avenues for drug development in the dermatology market, potentially leading to the first treatments specifically designed for HS.
6. Coty hopes to drive innovation, launches scientific advisory board
Coty, a legacy player in the skincare industry, is leveraging external expertise to strengthen its R&D initiatives and product innovation strategies across its derm brands.
The deets
The board includes 7 globally renowned experts from diverse technical disciplines
It will meet twice a year at Coty’s Skincare Research & Innovation Center in Monaco
The first meeting focused on current themes in skin health and skin repair
The big picture: This move aligns with the growing trend of beauty companies investing in scientific research to drive product development and maintain a competitive edge in the skincare market.
Between the lines
The board’s creation coincides with Coty’s 120th anniversary, signalling a renewed focus on innovation
The initiative emphasizes Coty’s commitment to co-creation and aligning science with consumer needs
What they’re saying: CEO Sue Nabi says the board will “play a pivotal role as we continue to collaborate and drive skincare innovation forward for the benefit of all our consumers.”
What to watch: How will this scientific approach translate into new product launches and potentially reshape Coty’s market position in the competitive skincare industry?
7. New biotech startup launches with $100M to tackle skin diseases
Alys Pharmaceuticals, a new immuno-dermatology startup, has launched with $100 million (€93 million) in seed funding to develop treatments for chronic autoimmune skin conditions.
Why it matters: Chronic skin conditions affect millions worldwide, with one in 10 individuals developing eczema in their lifetime and 1% of the population suffering from vitiligo.
By the numbers
$100 million: Seed funding raised
14: Active R&D programs in the company's pipeline
7-10: Skin treatments targeted for proof-of-concept results in the next three years
The big picture: Alys is targeting conditions with no current cure, including:
Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Alopecia areata
Vitiligo
Spontaneous urticaria (hives)
The deets
The startup is a merger of six individual companies backed by Medicixi
It’s co-founded by Medicixi and six university scientists, including Nobel Prize winner Craig Mello
Headquartered in Boston and Geneva
What’s next: Alys is working on “breakthrough” technologies, including:
Peptides
Sophisticated antibodies
Vectorized siRNA
What they’re saying: “New dermatology products will grow the market. We can address the huge number of patients who are currently without treatment,” says Thibaud Portal, Alys’s COO.
Between the lines: This substantial seed funding and the company’s ambitious pipeline could significantly impact the dermatology market, potentially creating new treatment options for previously underserved patient populations.
8. AI could transform dermatology in Africa, but needs diverse data
Researchers from the University of Basel have created a new image dataset to train AI for diagnosing skin conditions on dark skin tones, potentially addressing the severe shortage of dermatologists in Africa.
Why it matters: Up to 87% of children in rural Africa suffer from untreated skin diseases, with less than one dermatologist per million people in many African countries.
By the numbers
WHO recommends one dermatologist per 50,000 people
The new dataset contains over 4,200 images from about 1,300 patients
Two-thirds of the patients in the dataset are under 18
The big picture: Existing AI models for dermatological diagnostics are primarily trained on images of light skin, potentially limiting their effectiveness for darker skin tones.
The deets: The PASSION project (Pediatric AI Skin Support In Outreach Nations) focuses on common skin diseases, including:
eczema
fungal infections of the skin and nails
scabies
superficial skin infections (streptococci or staphylococci)
What’s next: Researchers aim to…
Expand the database with images of neglected tropical skin diseases
Develop a smartphone-based self-diagnosis tool
Implement the AI diagnostic system when accuracy exceeds 80%
Between the lines: This initiative could open new markets for dermatology drugs in underserved regions, potentially increasing demand for treatments tailored to common skin conditions in Africa.
9. L'Oréal launches unprecedented global skin health access study
L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty and the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) revealed plans for the first-ever comprehensive global survey of dermatological care access across 194 countries.
Why it matters: Two billion people live with skin diseases globally, but fewer than half can access healthcare for their conditions.
The big quote: “This collaboration... represents a groundbreaking effort to systematically assess global access to skin health” — Dr. Esther Freeman of Harvard Medical School, highlighting the study's potential to address care disparities.
By the numbers
194: Countries to be surveyed
2B: People living with skin disease globally
1:1M: Current dermatologist-to-patient ratio in some “medical deserts”
4:100K: WHO’s recommended dermatologist-to-patient ratio
Between the lines: The study will examine "surrogate" skin health providers in dermatological deserts, potentially revealing alternative care delivery models.
The impact
88% report skin disease negatively impacts personal life
27% report depression
29% experience anxiety
What’s next: Two-phase study results expected in 2025, covering all WHO regions and income levels.
The bottom line: This landmark initiative could reshape global dermatological care distribution and accessibility strategies.
10. Dermatology pioneer and VisualDx co-founder Dr. Lowell Goldsmith dies at 86
Dr. Lowell Goldsmith, a renowned dermatologist and co-founder of the widely-used medical diagnostic tool VisualDx, died on July 10 in North Carolina.
Why it matters: Goldsmith’s contributions to dermatology and medical technology have had a lasting impact on patient care and medical education worldwide.
Key accomplishments
Co-founded VisualDx, now used by 2,300 hospitals and clinics globally
Founding chair of the Department of Dermatology at University of Rochester (N.Y.) Medical Center
President of the Society for Investigative Dermatology and Association of Professors of Dermatology
Editor of Biochemistry and Physiology of the Skin, a landmark two-volume set
The big picture: Goldsmith’s “incurable curiosity” led to breakthroughs in understanding genetic skin disorders and pioneering the use of digital technology in dermatology.
Zoom in on VisualDx
Born from Goldsmith’s vision to digitize dermatology slides for wider access
Developed before widespread internet use and digital photography
Now employs more than 80 people and is regarded as a staple in medical education and diagnosis
What they’re saying
“That's how this company started—from his openness and curiosity,” said Dr. Art Papier, VisualDx CEO and co-founder with Goldsmith.
“He was the epitome of a lifelong learner,” said Peter Robinson, former VP and COO of URMC.
Between the lines: Goldsmith’s legacy extends beyond his scientific achievements. Colleagues remember his warmth, humour, and dedication to mentoring the next generation of dermatologists.
Who’s hiring: Five interesting jobs open this week
1. L’Oreal is looking for a Regional Dermo-cosmetics Trainer in Montreal
The Regional Dermo-cosmetics Trainer plays a vital role in the brand's success in Quebec by designing, developing, and delivering effective and engaging training programs, both in-person and remotely, for Beauty Advisors (BAs), internal staff, and business partners. This individual will join a nationally recognized training team known for its expertise and professionalism, contributing to the brand's success in Quebec by creating innovative training content and tools and managing the complete logistics of training events. The ideal candidate is a dermo-cosmetics expert, an exceptional communicator, and an organized and proactive manager.
Duties include
Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and make necessary adjustments to continuously improve the quality of learning
Creation of Content and Educational Tools
Develop original, innovative training materials adapted to various pedagogical methods (experiential learning, role-playing, case studies, flipped classroom, etc.)
Create and maintain an up-to-date library of educational resources (videos, presentations, documents, etc.) easily accessible to participants
Utilize digital technologies to create interactive content and enrich the learning experience
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in adult education, communication, marketing, or a related field such as health sciences, biology, or pharmacy
Minimum 2 years of experience in training, ideally in the dermo-cosmetics or cosmetics industry
Excellent oral and written communication skills in French and English
Valid driver's license
Availability to travel within Quebec
2. Galderma needs a National Education Manager in Toronto
This role will work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including healthcare professionals (HCPs), Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs), and key opinion leaders (KOLs), to deliver high-quality, scientifically accurate educational programs. The National Medical Education Manager ensures that all initiatives comply with industry regulations and align with the company's strategic goals.
Key Responsibilities
Accountable for identifying and transforming HCPs and patients' needs into the development and execution of fair and balanced educational solutions aligned with principles of adult education, instructional design and medical affairs strategy and objectives.
Plan, designed, and led, in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, the execution of national and regional medical education programs, including, but not limited to, speaker programs, webinars, digital content, and other learning activities (OLA).
Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure the delivery of integrated and compliant educational initiatives.
Manage external vendors and agencies involved in program delivery.
Build and maintain relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs) and subject matter experts to facilitate their involvement in educational initiatives.
Organize or participate in advisory boards and focus groups to gather insights that inform medical education strategies when needed.
Collaborate with the cross-functional team to ensure appropriate dissemination of educational content using an omnichannel approach.
Ensure all educational activities comply with industry regulations.
Manage program budgets and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of educational initiatives.
Qualifications
Minimum of 3 years of experience in medical education, medical affairs, or a similar role within the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry.
CCPE Certification in Continuing Health Education is preferred.
Strong understanding of medical education regulations, including other learning activities (OLA) and compliance standards.
Proven experience in working with KOLs and organizing educational programs.
3. LEO Pharma seeks a Senior Manager of specialty pharmacy and trade relations in Toronto or Madison, N.J.
Key Responsibilities
Support the Sr. Director and Associate Director, managing relationships with wholesalers, specialty pharmacies, and copay vendors, and collaborating with home office teams
Implement innovative specialty pharmacy partnerships, including contracts, to support the SP network strategy
Maintain an integrated business plan, exploring specialty pharmacy opportunities and monitoring contract progress and performance
Measure program performance quarterly and communicate results to leadership, Patient Access, and Patient Engagement teams
Manage contractual agreements with wholesalers and Specialty Pharmacies
Participate actively in cross-functional efforts to address customer service needs and implement solutions.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in life sciences, pharmacy, or related field
Minimum 3 years experience in medical education or medical affairs
CCPE Certification in Continuing Health Education preferred
Strong understanding of medical education regulations
Experience working with KOLs and organizing educational programs
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Project management and organizational abilities
Experience in dermatology and immunology
Key Skills
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
5+ years’ pharma industry experience with 2+ years of specialty pharmacy experience is preferred
Strong understanding of specialty distribution processes and pharmaceutical regulatory requirements; experience working with a sales force
Experience in dermatology or dermatology specialty pharmacy would be a plus
Demonstrated contract negotiation skills
4. Bausch Health seeks a medical science liaison (Western Canada) based in Vancouver.
Reporting to the MSL Manager/Medical Advisor – Dermatology, your mission will be to play a role as an MSL for the Dermatology Products Portfolio. This field-based position will cover Western provinces.
Key Responsibilities
Support Key Opinion Leaders and other Healthcare Professionals in understanding complex scientific/clinical concepts and product-related data. This will lead to higher levels of awareness and understanding of the science behind new Bausch Health products or new indications for existing products
Develop strong relationships with Canadian KOLs, HCPs, researchers and professional organizations in their therapeutic field
Conduct KOL mapping and gain medical insights on the current market, clinical practice, patient flow, etc.
Evaluate research proposals from institutions or individuals based on mutual scientific needs. Support the development and evaluation of preliminary protocols of investigator-initiated studies. Supervise the execution of Investigator Initiated Trials
Provide scientific/strategic support to ongoing post-marketing studies (phase IV, registries, etc.)
Support product/disease training for Bausch Health products to sales representatives
Conduct scientific presentations for Bausch Health products or disease related educational presentations
Collaborate with regional sales teams to provide support for local initiatives: educational programs, round tables, regional consult meetings, train-the-trainer, speaker tours, symposia/conferences etc.
Qualifications
MD, PhD or MSc in health sciences, PharmD, bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy
A minimum of one year in an MSL or a related field position is preferable, or 2 years in another pharmaceutical position (e.g. Medical Advisor or specialty sales representative).
Experience with biological treatments and/or psoriasis and/or autoimmune diseases are important assets.
Competencies
Strong strategic thinking and networking skills with good business acumen
Good scientific background with excellent communication/presentation skills
Resourceful and flexible in accepting change in priorities
Excellent team player with experience in cross-functional teams
5. UCB needs a HCP Partner (Territory Manager – Quebec West) Immunology - Dermatology
What you’ll do
Possess a high level of product, competitive, customer and territory knowledge and acts as the primary point of contact for HCPs, with a primary focus on Dermatologists
Through strong business relationships with HCPs, and deep knowledge of UCB solutions, communicate key benefits to targeted customers to support product positioning and drive patient value through quality face-to-face and virtual customer interactions
Develops and ensures optimal implementation of territory business plan, sales analysis, and allocation of promotional resources
Defines, develops, and executes impactful tactical plans and HCP learning programs, including speaker programs and other educational events, designed to enhance HCP knowledge and experience with UCB products, drive customer engagement and value, and meet the needs of patients
Effective utilization of approved omnichannel marketing tools and clinical studies to advance the understanding of the science supporting marketed products and indications
Organize and coordinate promotional speaker programs and other educational events to meet customer needs
What you’ll need
A bachelor’s degree in health sciences, business or a related field is required
Strong collaboration and interdependent partnering skills to work closely with multiple internal business partners, including HCPs (Primary focus is Dermatologists/Internists), KOLs, AHPs, nurses, pharmacists
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Position territories are based in West Quebec, QC; a qualified candidate must reside in the geographic boundaries of the territory (Montreal, QC) and have a valid driver’s license
Relevant biopharma sales experience (5 years) will be considered, and experience selling in Immunology/Dermatology
High personal motivation with a customer-service orientation and an entrepreneurial mindset
Psst. We’ve got some prime real estate we think you might be interested in. If you’ve got a message, a campaign, or a service proposition you’d like to communicate to an audience of 1,400 managers, executives and decision-makers in the dermatology space, Dermatology.Business wants to partner with you. We can work with you to create and deploy sponsored content (images, text, video), advertising positions, along with some other stuff you probably haven’t heard of. Get in touch at health@chronicle.org or call 416-916-2476
We hope you enjoyed this issue of Dermatology.Business. We’ll be back to report to you again in two weeks. Meanwhile, stay in touch by letting us know what’s going on in your world: spread the word about your wins, and keep the community posted about job openings, career moves, new pipeline prospects and other items of interest. Please pass the newsletter on to your teams, colleagues, and friends by clicking the link below.
You are receiving this newsletter because you are a client of Chronicle Companies, attended a National Pharmaceutical Congress live event or webinar, or previously requested a subscription to one of our newsletters. If you no longer wish to subscribe to this newsletter, please email the subject line “Unsubscribe Dermatology.Business” to health@chronicle.org.
Dermatology.Business is published by Chronicle Companies, 701 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203. Canadian Offices: 1460 The Queensway, Suite 212, Etobicoke, Ont. M8Z 1S4
Mitchell Shannon, Publisher; R. Allan Ryan, Editorial Director; John Evans, Joyce Pitters-Hands, Jeremy Visser, Shannon Abbott, Contributors; Cristela Tello Ruiz, New Business Development; Darren Stallman, Consultant; Amy Elder, Intern
Content is copyright © 2024, Chronicle LifeSci America Corp., except as indicated. Are you interested in contributing to this newsletter or learning about the Chronicle’s services? Please write to us at health@chronicle.org.
Hey, thanks for reading Dermatology.Business. Subscribe for free to receive new posts and continue the conversation.