L'Oréal takes 10% stake in Galderma, forms R&D partnership
10 years after their divorce, L'Oréal and Galderma are an item again. Plus: killer acne meds; UCB's great numbers; is this the formula for derm wait-times: {telemedicine + pharmacists + AI}?
It’s officially the Dog Days of Summer, and here’s a special shout-out to those of you taking the time to read Dermatology.Business while you’re on vacation. That is what we call “dedication bordering on obsession.” So, let’s inform you about the latest commercial developments in derm, so you can get back to what you were doing with the kids’ puppy. Thanks for continuing to spend five minutes with us every other Wednesday. And, say, why not share this newsletter with your vacationing teams and colleagues? They’re probably just as fascinated by the dermasphere as you are.
Why it matters: This move signals L'Oréal’s strategic push into the prescription dermatology market, leveraging Galderma’s expertise to enhance its many OTC skincare offerings.
What’s the idea? The collaboration between the beauty giant and the medical dermatology specialist aims to accelerate innovation in skin aging treatments and expand both companies’ product portfolios.
Details
L'Oréal acquired a 10% stake in Galderma from a consortium led by EQT, ADIA, and Auba Investment.
The companies signed an MOU for a scientific partnership focused on complementary research projects.
No changes to Galderma’s Board of Directors or governance are planned.
What they’re saying
Flemming Ørnskov, Galderma CEO [pictured below]: “We are delighted to welcome L’Oréal as a new, long-term Galderma shareholder and see their investment as a sign of confidence in our strategy, track record and growth potential.”
Michael Bauer, partner in Swedish investment firm EQT: “Selling a minority stake to a reputable strategic partner such as L’Oréal, the global leader in Beauty, is a direct reflection of our commitment.”
Between the lines: This partnership combines L’Oréal's beauty tech expertise with Galderma's dermatology leadership, potentially creating a powerhouse in the consumer-focused segments of both markets.
What to watch: Developing new products from this collaboration could reshape the landscape of anti-aging skincare treatments.
You look familiar: Galderma was founded in 1981 through a joint venture between L’Oréal and Nestlé. Nestlé acquired L’Oréal’s 50 per cent stake in 2014 and sold the company five years later for US$10 billion to a consortium led by EQT.
Acne medications linked to rare, life-threatening drug reaction
Common acne treatments are among the drugs that can trigger a rare but potentially fatal condition, raising concerns for pharmaceutical companies and dermatologists, reports the Washington Post.
Why it matters: DRESS (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) syndrome can be triggered by widely prescribed acne medications, including antibiotics such as minocycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Many physicians are unaware of this risk.
Key medications linked to DRESS
Minocycline
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
Other antibiotics: vancomycin
Anti-seizure drugs (lamotrigine, phenytoin, carbamazepine) and gout medication allopurinol
By the numbers
DRESS affects up to one in 1,000 people exposed to certain medications
It’s fatal in up to one in 10 cases
More than 7,000 people in North America may have DRESS at any given time
Physician awareness gap
Many doctors overlook DRESS due to its rarity and delayed onset
Misdiagnosis and delayed treatment can lead to fatal outcomes
Experts call for improved medical education about DRESS
What they’re saying: “Most doctors should have learned about DRESS in medical school, but it can easily be overlooked if you’re not thinking about it frequently,” says Dr. Steven Chen, director of inpatient dermatology consultation at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Industry implications
There is a need for enhanced drug safety monitoring and reporting, even for first-line therapies
Opportunity to emphasize the need for newer, safer acne treatments
Importance of educating healthcare providers about DRESS risks
What’s next
Potential for genetic screening to identify at-risk patients
Calls for long-term studies on DRESS complications
Updated treatment guidelines for acne may affect drug recommendations
The bottom line: Pharmaceutical companies must balance the demand for effective acne treatments with the need to address the serious risks posed by DRESS syndrome.
A quick explainer on DRESS Syndrome
Can online dermatology fill the care gap in northern Ontario?
Why it matters: Virtual clinics such as DermCafé may be emerging as partial solutions to Canada’s dermatologist shortage, potentially reshaping both healthcare delivery and market dynamics.
By the numbers
• Current five-month wait time for local dermatologists in Sudbury
• Up to two-year wait times in some Canadian provinces
• 16 dermatologists available through DermCafé
Driving the news: Patients in northern Ontario reportedly turn to online dermatology clinics to avoid long wait times for in-person appointments.
Key points
Virtual clinics diagnose common skin conditions and prescribe treatment within a week
The model could extend to family medicine and psychology
Regulatory and reimbursement challenges persist
What’s next: Advocates call for government support to financially sustain online clinics.
Big picture: Virtual care models could significantly influence healthcare access in underserved areas, affecting patient care pathways and treatment initiation.
Source: CBC News
Ontario’s proposed expansion of pharmacists’ scope sparks debate
Why it matters: The plan to allow pharmacists to diagnose and prescribe for 14 new minor illnesses could affect Ontario’s healthcare delivery and pharmaceutical sales. Pharmacists are empowered to prescribe for dermatologic conditions, notably mild to moderate acne.
Key points
Pharmacists could treat conditions such as routine sore throats, mild headaches, and sleeping disorders
Ontario Medical Association warns of misdiagnosis risks and increased healthcare costs
Consultation fees: Cdn$19 for in-person, Cdn$15 for virtual assessments
What they’re saying
Dr. Dominik Nowak, OMA: “This is a band-aid idea that's not going to solve the crisis in our healthcare system.”
Justin Bates, Ontario Pharmacists Association: “We have data to show not only how the public enjoys this access but also wants it.”
Big picture: This expansion reflects a broader trend of increasing pharmacists’ roles in primary care, potentially reshaping patient pathways and pharma-pharmacy relationships. There are pronounced implications for dermatology marketers.
Meanwhile, UK launches dermatology courses for community pharmacists
Why it matters: This initiative by the British College of Dermatology could significantly expand the role of pharmacists in dermatological care, potentially impacting prescription patterns and over-the-counter product sales.
Key details
Six online interactive courses covering common skin conditions
Topics include acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin infections, and sun safety
Courses support delivery of Pharmacy First services
What they’re saying
Rod Tucker, course author: “These new courses provide community pharmacists with the necessary skills and knowledge to advise and support patients with a skin problem.”
Barbara Mason, British Association of Dermatologists: Emphasizes pharmacists' “vital role in the early detection of many skin diseases.”
Big picture: This move aligns with broader Canadian and worldwide trends of expanding pharmacists’ roles in primary care, potentially altering patient pathways and creating new opportunities for industry-pharmacy partnerships in dermatology. The UK derm college is getting in front of the parade.
Source: The Pharmaceutical Journal
Here at home, Loblaw’s expanding healthcare ambitions
Big Picture: The Globe & Mail reports that Loblaw Companies Ltd., known for its grocery and pharmacy operations, is aggressively expanding into health care, aiming to fill gaps in the Canadian medical system. This includes telemedicine, physiotherapy, and primary care services, leveraging its Shoppers Drug Mart (SDM) chain.
Driving the news: Loblaw’s healthcare unit is transforming traditional SDM pharmacies into comprehensive health clinics. These clinics offer services such as travel vaccinations, cholesterol screenings, and consultations for conditions such as skin rashes and pink eye. The company plans to replicate this model across Canada.
Strategic moves
Acquisitions and investments: Loblaw has invested in telemedicine provider Maple Corp., acquired Lifemark Health Group, and integrated electronic medical record-keeping service QHR Corp.
Clinic expansion: The company aims to launch more pharmacy care clinics by 2025, focusing on provinces such as Alberta and Nova Scotia, where pharmacists have broader prescribing powers.
Challenges and controversies
Regulatory scrutiny: Loblaw’s health care expansion has faced backlash from Canada's public health care system proponents. Critics argue that private companies should not dominate health care delivery.
Internal and external pushback: The company has dealt with complaints from pharmacists alleging unethical practices and external criticism over exclusive deals, such as the controversial agreement with Manulife for specialty drugs.
A pair of points to ponder
Telemedicine integration: Loblaw’s investment in telemedicine provider Maple Corp. and its integration with Shoppers Drug Mart clinics could facilitate remote dermatology consultations. Dermatology product executives should explore digital health solutions and telemedicine platforms to reach a broader audience.
Data-driven insights: The PC Health app integrates with Loblaw’s loyalty program and offers valuable data on consumer health behaviours and preferences.
AI revolutionizes dermatology, reshaping practice and industry
A recent article on the tech website itmunch.com highlights the transformative impact of AI in dermatology.
Key takeaways
AI enhances diagnostic accuracy, potentially matching dermatologists in skin cancer detection
Machine learning enables personalized skincare recommendations
AI-powered telemedicine improves access to dermatological care
Automated skin lesion classification and AI-enhanced microscopy boost efficiency
Why it matters: AI integration in dermatology presents significant opportunities for pharmaceutical companies to develop innovative diagnostic tools and personalized treatments.
Challenges ahead
Ensuring data privacy and security
Addressing potential algorithmic bias
Navigating regulatory approval processes
What’s next
More sophisticated AI models for diagnosing a more comprehensive range of skin conditions
Integration with augmented reality and wearable devices
AI-powered predictive analytics for skin aging and preventive care
What does it all mean? AI in dermatology offers immense potential for improving patient care and treatment outcomes but requires careful navigation of ethical and regulatory landscapes. Several North American startups claim to be working in this space. None has yet emerged as a sector leader.
UCB’s strong H1 2024 signals sought-after ‘decade of growth’
Why it matters: Belgian drugmaker UCB Pharma’s focus on severe diseases and successful product launches positions it for long-term growth in the pharmaceutical sector, the company crowed in its 2024 first-half earnings report.
By the numbers
Revenue: Cdn$4.13 billion
Net sales: Cdn$3.91 billion, up 11%
Underlying profitability: Cdn$965 million (23% of revenue)
Five new products: More than Cdn$740 million in net sales
Key developments
Five US regulatory filings
Five approvals in EU, Japan, and China
Improved ESG ratings, placing UCB in the top 10% of pharma companies globally
What’s next? UCB updates 2024 guidance:
Revenue expected at the top end of Cdn$8.14 to 8.44 billion range
Adjusted EBITDA: 23.0-24.5% of revenue
Core EPS: Cdn$5.48-6.51
Big picture: UCB’s strong performance and regulatory successes set the stage for sustained growth, driven by its focus on severe diseases and successful product launches.
Here’s what growth looks like if you’re UCB Pharma
Coming this weekend: Saturday, Aug. 17 marks the 3rd Colloquium on the Black Patient in Dermatology
More than 200 HCPs have already registered. Find the program information at https://skinspectrum.ca
Who’s hiring
Allergan Aesthetics needs a Territory Manager, Facial Aesthetics for MB and SK, based in Winnipeg
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Science or equivalent.
Minimum of two years in a Specialty Sales role within the pharmaceutical and aesthetic industry,
Physician/account-based selling, training, managed health care, B2B experience, or Marketing experience preferred
Proven track record in sales and solid presentation skills
Strong ability to proactively identify customer style/behaviour and to quickly adapt all aspects of the selling approach required
Key Responsibilities
Deliver sales performance, brand KPIs, financial targets, and marketing objectives to meet or exceed business objectives
Create pre-call plans and execute post-call evaluations to improve sales performance continuously
Proactively and continuously engage and collaborate with key stakeholders in support of their needs, expectations, and challenges to build trusted relationships
Execute a call plan that achieves set metrics and optimizes coverage of key customers to maximize sales opportunities
Novartis requiert Directeur(rice) Commercialisation Stratégique – Cosentyx (Rhumatologie et Dermatologie) Lieu de travail : Montréal ou Toronto
Principales responsabilités
Responsabilité globale des performances de la marque et du P&L en maintenant une responsabilité des objectifs de vente annuels et de l'investissement budgétaire
Diriger avec une mentalité interfonctionnelle "une équipe" en incarnant des attentes claires en matière de priorisation avec les principaux partenaires interfonctionnels
Favoriser et maintenir de solides relations client avec les principaux experts dans le domaine thérapeutique
Diriger le développement stratégique et l'exécution d'initiatives clés de marketing concurrentiel pour soutenir la performance de l'entreprise
Engagement continu auprès des marchés internationaux/région pour fournir des informations et gérer l'exécution locale de la stratégie sur le marché canadien
Présenter à la direction supérieure la stratégie et les plans d'action pour faire face à la concurrence et aux événements du marché externe
Veiller à un leadership solide et à des conseils sur toutes les exigences d'excellence en marketing, un plan d'impact (plan de marketing stratégique), des réunions de vente et des mises à jour commercials
Veiller au respect de toutes les exigences internes, externes de codes et d'éthique.
Compétences Essentielles
8 à 10 années d’expérience dans l’industrie biopharmaceutique, pharmaceutique ou des soins de santé
3 à 5 années d’expérience en gestion de marque
Sens aigu des affaires et réflexion et planification stratégiques
Agilité, ingéniosité, excellentes aptitudes en matière de leadership, de collaboration, de communication, de présentation et de négociation
Sens de l’initiative, motivation et aptitudes supérieures à la moyenne en matière d’organisation et de gestion du temps
Merz Therapeutics seeks a western district rep for its Ultherapy line, based in Calgary
Qualifications
BA/BS degree is required
Min. 3 years experience in Aesthetics in either a Clinical, Marketing or blended role is required.
At least two years of experience training others in the clinical administration of aesthetic/pharmaceutical products
Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to clearly articulate complex scientific concepts in 1:1 and group settings
Aesthetic background, plastic surgery or dermatology experience
Key Responsibilities
Develop a working territory business plan that includes account segmentation, forecasting, marketing and sales execution strategies
Provide clinical training related to new customer startups as well as advanced training on Ultherapy to improve clinical outcomes
Train practice staff how to sell the Ultherapy procedure to potential patients through role-playing and the “see one, do one, teach one” technique
Conduct marketing installation on Ulthera by training all practice management personnel on available tools and resources
Provide patient consultation coaching
Effectively manage the Ulthera Consumables portfolio (TDs) and possibly capital sales & skincare portfolios.
Develop an individual account business plan to drive procedure growth and treatment pull-through
Ensure full compliance with all business hygiene-related activities, including (but not limited to) expense reporting, entering calls in the Merz CRM system, online module training, sample reporting, and management. Adhere to all compliance protocols as they relate to Customer activities.
Galderma is seeking a Senior Medical Scientific Liaison, Dermatology Biologics (Bilingual) in Thornhill, Ont.
Key Responsibilities
Provide scientific support to the field-based salesforce, behaving as a credible partner to support their immediate needs through non-promotional training, education, presentations, and other engagement
Develop and maintain professional and trustful relationships with key opinion/ thought leaders (KOLs/KTLs) and academic centers to ensure access to current medical and scientific information on areas of therapeutic interest
Develop, maintain and share internally and externally an in-depth knowledge of Dermatology/Skin disorders
Deliver credible scientific and medical presentations to physicians, healthcare providers and other stakeholders as needed
Identify, develop and maintain contact with local, regional and national key opinion leaders and experts through internally approved field engagement plans
Contribute to identifying physicians, investigators, healthcare providers, and administrative stakeholders requiring support from medical-scientific liaisons and increasing the diversity profiles of our KOLs/KTLs and HCPs to better meet the needs of every skin story
Provide field-based support to assist Medical Information in dealing with enquiries
Requirements
Medical, Pharmacy or higher degree qualification (e.g. MSc, PhD) in a relevant life sciences field
Dermatology/Immunology-Biologics experience
Proven several years of related medical and research and development experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical devices industry
Demonstrable experience in developing and presenting scientific/medical content at a variety of levels, including to practicing clinical peers and seniors
Good communication and presentation skills
Telus Health is looking for a Senior Program Manager - Service Design & Implementation, Aesthetics & Dermatology in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton or Vancouver
Needed to lead the launch of premier aesthetic services, including introducing state-of-the-art skin analysis equipment, Botox, dermal fillers, IV Therapy and advanced treatments. You will create and implement user-centred solutions that enhance the patient experience and comply with regulatory standards.
The ideal candidate will have a robust background in dermatology or aesthetics and a passion for leveraging technology to improve patient outcomes. Your expertise in navigating the regulatory landscape, combined with your determination, creativity, and meticulous execution, will ensure the successful launch of new services. Telus seeks individuals who think strategically yet are equally committed to rolling up their sleeves to ensure the job is done flawlessly.
Qualifications
5-7 years of relevant experience in healthcare or private clinic environments, with a focus on aesthetics and or dermatology
Expert project management skills with experience leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously
Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and market research to drive product decisions
Team player: Proven relationship-building skills, including the ability to lead multi-disciplinary, cross-functional teams, collaborate with stakeholders at all levels and thrive in a remote setting
Passion for improving healthcare delivery through technology and innovation
Bachelor’s degree or, post-secondary diploma, or equivalent education and program management experience is required/preferred
Great-to-haves:
MBA or other advanced degrees in a related field
PMP designation, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, or equivalent designations
Bilingual English/French is considered an asset
Sun Pharma is seeking a Medical Science Liaison - Southwest Ontario and Toronto, located in Toronto
Responsibilities
Interact with healthcare providers and grow relationships with thought leaders to communicate and advance the scientific platform, which is aligned with Sun Pharma’s corporate goals and objectives
As these relationships develop, some HCPs will be recognized as potential advocates for using our products, possible speakers or investigators in clinical trials. The MSL will develop strategies to develop selected HCPs as Key Opinion Leaders depending on their specific interests, enthusiasm for, or experience with our products
Communicate complex scientific information, provide services if appropriate like slides, scientific literature acquisition, and or PSP service offerings, and research concepts to HCPs
Territory planning is a key activity in a field-based position. This will be done in collaboration with the Medical Advisor and the commercial team and will involve identifying a focus of effort and the metrics for customer calls. The plan must be dynamic regarding the specific brand, territory, and product line's life cycle. The focus of effort may vary occasionally, and the territory plan must be flexible to accommodate this
Qualifications
MD, PhD, or PharmD preferred.
A minimum Master’s degree and/or Health care professional background will be considered
Immunology and/or dermatology background
Minimum of one year of field medical experience is a must
Proven ability to develop and foster peer-to-peer relationships with stakeholders
Thorough knowledge of the healthcare system, disease management and medical research
Pharmaceutical business and market knowledge and experience are considered an asset
Excellent teaching skills and ability to present and discuss scientific material clearly and concisely
Travel up to 60-70%