The future of dermatology clinical trials: Lots of challenges and some opportunities
Also: GLP-1s potential Tx for Pso; here come those 'Sephora Kids'; Hispanics underrepresented in derm; AI shows promise in cancer detection; and much more
Welcome back to the Canadian Thanksgiving edition of Dermatology.Business. This is the publication that dares to ask inconvenient questions, such as, “How did a brand name like Zepbound ever make it out of the first focus group?” We’re here every other Wednesday, stirring the pot and tossing in a soupcon of news and trends from across the Dermasphere. Pass this newsletter around to your teams and colleagues when you’ve finished because it’s always more fun to share.
Diane Bracuk reports for Dermatology.Business: The pandemic forced a rapid shift to virtual trials, but dermatology faces unique challenges in technology adoption, patient recruitment, and diversity representation.
Virtual trials: Promise vs. reality
Dr. Wayne Gulliver, founder of NewLab Clinical Research: “Some conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema are all suited to virtual analysis... However, using virtual technology for clinical trials would be difficult.”
Dr. Wayne P. Gulliver
Why it matters: Precise measurements like PASI scores for psoriasis require an in-person assessment. Yes, but: Telemedicine shows promise for day-to-day clinical practice.
The tech conundrum
Dr. David Adam, founder of CCA Medical Research: “The idea that technology brings salvation is very much a misconception.”
Dr. David Adam
The problem: Disconnect between software vendors and end-users (investigators).
Real-world impact: Glitches during patient dosing can disrupt data collection.
Bottom line: Technology meant to streamline trials can sometimes complicate them.
Recruitment challenges for rare conditions
Spotlight on: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)
Thechallenge: Getting patients properly diagnosed and into clinics.
By the numbers:
It can take patients 6-8 years to receive an accurate HS diagnosis.
This delay significantly impacts clinical trial recruitment.
Dr. Gulliver’s insight: “Unlike psoriasis, a condition well-known to many family physicians, HS remains less recognized.”
The diversity imperative
The issue: Chronic underrepresentation of people of colour in clinical trials.
What’s changing: A shift from the traditional Fitzpatrick classification system.
Why it matters: “Response to treatment can vary significantly between individuals with different skin tones,” says Dr. Gulliver.
Looking ahead: New systems are being developed to more accurately evaluate darker skin tones.
The bigger picture
Clinical trials are evolving, but dermatology faces unique challenges.
Virtual trials show promise but aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
Technology can both help and hinder trial processes.
Diversity in trials is crucial for comprehensive treatment understanding.
The takeaway: “Inclusion of diverse populations will enhance our understanding of disease dynamics, the responsive treatment, and the overall impact of the disease.” —Dr. Gulliver
What to watch: How dermatology trials will balance the benefits of virtual technology with the need for precise, in-person assessments, especially for conditions that disproportionately affect underrepresented populations.
Listen to this: “Dermatology.Business Deep Dive”
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Eli Lilly to test weight-loss drug Zepbound for psoriasis
Why it matters: Lilly is exploring whether its blockbuster obesity drug can also treat autoimmune conditions, potentially opening up a massive new market.
Driving the news: This fall, Lilly will begin trials testing GLP-1 receptor tirzepatide (Zepbound) in combination with psoriasis drug ixekizumab (Taltz.)
The big picture: GLP-1 drugs such as Zepbound have shown promise in reducing inflammation, with some observational studies suggesting benefits for autoimmune conditions.
This will be the first large clinical trial to validate the theory for psoriasis.
Lilly is also exploring Zepbound combinations for inflammatory bowel disease.
By the numbers:
The immunology market could reach $117 billion by 2028
Psoriasis affects about 3% of adults in the U.S.
Between the lines: This move represents Lilly’s strategy to:
Expand Zepbound’s use beyond weight loss
Strengthen its position in the lucrative immunology market
Create a diverse portfolio to sustain growth as patents expire
What they’re saying: “Immunology is one of the answers to what's next,” says Daniel Skovronsky, Lilly's Chief Scientific Officer.
What’s next: Results from these trials could reshape treatment approaches for psoriasis and potentially other autoimmune conditions.
‘Sephora Kids’ trend raises concerns about youth skincare obsession
A new generation of children, dubbed “Sephora Kids” or “Generation Beauty,” is increasingly interested in high-end skincare products, sparking debate about the appropriate age for complex beauty routines.
Adult skincare products for tweens: a 2024 craze. Photo by Ilona Virgin.
By the numbers
Global baby and child skincare market expected to reach Cdn$512 million (US$380 million) by 2028
17% increase in social media usage among teenagers and tweens from 2019 to 2021
Some children as young as six participate in this trend
Why it matters: This trend raises concerns about the impact of social media on children’s self-image and the potential harm of using adult skincare products on young skin.
Driving the trend
Viral “get ready with me” (GRWM) videos on platforms such as TikTok
Influence of young social media personalities and celebrity children
Increased exposure to beauty advertising on social media
What they’re saying: “The platform thrives on viral content, which often includes beauty challenges and tutorials that have to be entertaining,” says David Connor, CEO of Kanzen Skincare.
The bottom line: While the beauty industry and derm marketers may profit from this trend, experts warn about the potential physical and psychological consequences for children engaging in adult skincare routines.
Takeda’s zasocitinib could offer psoriasis patients a new oral treatment option with biologic-level efficacy and fewer side effects than current JAK inhibitors.
By the numbers
48.9% of patients on 30mg zasocitinib achieved PASI 75 vs. 4.3% on placebo
33% of patients on 30mg zasocitinib achieved PASI 100
44-62% of patients experienced treatment-emergent adverse events across all groups
The big picture: This trial demonstrates zasocitinib’s potential to expand treatment options for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis patients.
Details
259 patients participated in the 12-week trial across 55 centers in the US and Canada
Four doses (2mg, 5mg, 15mg, 30mg) were tested against placebo
Primary endpoint was achieving PASI 75 at week 12
What they’re saying: “Offering [patients] multiple different options in terms of how they would like to take their medications is really important,” says study author Dr. April Armstrong.
What’s next: Further studies will be needed to confirm zasocitinib's long-term efficacy and safety profile.
The widening Hispanic dermatology gap poses risks for patients
Why it matters: The lack of diversity in dermatology, with only 4.2% of U.S. dermatologists being Hispanic, is directly harming patient care and outcomes, according to a recent article in Elle magazine.
Key details
Hispanic patients are more prone to certain skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and alopecia but are less likely to seek dermatological care
The lack of Hispanic representation in clinical images and trials means many dermatologists are not trained to properly diagnose and treat skin conditions in diverse skin tones
Melanoma is often diagnosed later in Hispanic patients due to difficulty spotting it on darker skin, reducing treatment options
The backstory
Studies show Hispanic patients report higher satisfaction and receive more tailored care when seeing a dermatologist of a similar background
Organizations such as the American Academy of Dermatology are working to increase the pipeline of Latiné dermatologists, aiming for a 150% increase by 2027
Efforts are also underway to improve representation in clinical resources and education
What’s next: Closing the dermatology gap will require sustained diversity initiatives and better integration of culturally competent care. The stakes are high, as missed diagnoses and inadequate treatment can have serious consequences for Latiné patients.
The bottom line: The dearth of Hispanic representation in dermatology is a patient safety issue that urgently needs to be addressed.
Why it matters: Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a chronic, debilitating skin condition with limited treatment options. The success of dupilumab (Dupixent) in treating other conditions could offer new hope for BP patients.
By the numbers
20% of Dupixent patients achieved sustained disease remission vs. 4% for placebo
41% of Dupixent patients saw ≥90% reduction in disease severity vs. 10% for placebo
40% of Dupixent patients achieved clinically meaningful itch reduction vs. 11% for placebo
The big picture: Dupixent, approved for several inflammatory conditions, could expand its reach to treat BP, potentially transforming the treatment landscape.
What's next: Sanofi and Regeneron plan to submit regulatory applications, starting with the U.S. later this year.
Between the lines: The study also tested Dupixent for chronic pruritus of unknown origin (CPUO), but results were mixed, with plans for a subsequent pivotal study.
The bottom line: If approved, Dupixent could become the first targeted biologic treatment for BP, offering patients a new option beyond current corticosteroid and immunosuppressant therapies.
Exosome skincare market could reach Cdn$908M globally by 2030: report
By the numbers
Worldwide market valued at Cdn$345 million (US$256 million) in 2023
Projected to hit Cdn$908 million (US$674.2 million) by 2030
9.6% CAGR from 2024-2030
Why it matters: Exosomes, tiny vesicles crucial for cell communication, are emerging as an area of interest in skincare. They purportedly have skin renewal, healing, and anti-aging properties.
Big picture: North America leads the market, fueled by early adoption, substantial R&D investments, and a consumer base seeking innovative skincare solutions.
A new National Health Service (NHS) England report reveals that artificial intelligence can autonomously detect skin cancer slightly more accurately than human dermatologists.
By the numbers
AI’s negative predictive value (NPV): 99.8%
Human dermatologists’ NPV: 98.9%
Potential savings: Cdn$4.09 for every Cdn$1.78 spent (£2.30 for every £1 spent)
Estimated savings per case: Cdn$153 (£86)
Why it matters: With a 170% rise in urgent suspected cancer referrals over the past decade and insufficient dermatologist training positions, AI could significantly alleviate current service burdens.
The big picture: Skin Analytics’ DERM, a UKCA Class IIa AI medical device, is already being used for one in 10 urgent skin cancer referrals across 18 NHS sites in the U.K.
Figures
116,000+ NHS patients seen since 2020
63% reduction in face-to-face urgent suspected skin cancer appointments
What they’re saying: “Skin cancer generates the most urgent referrals of any cancer in the U.K., and this is growing every year,” says Neil Daly, CEO of Skin Analytics.
The bottom line: A.I. implementation in skin cancer detection could lead to significant cost savings and improved patient care in the NHS.
Long wait times for dermatology appointments in Scotland are forcing some patients to seek private care, highlighting growing pressure on the National Health Service (NHS.)
By the numbers
8,000+ people joined dermatology outpatient waiting lists in Q2 2023
670,000+ total patients waiting for non-urgent specialist care
Cdn$1,420 to $6,200 (£800 to £3,495) cost range for common private dermatology procedures
Why it matters: Delays in treatment can cause skin conditions to worsen, affecting patients’ quality of life and mental health.
The big picture: Dermatology, alongside cardiology and neurology, saw the highest increase in waits for new outpatient appointments last year.
Case study: Charlotte Brown waited nearly four years for NHS treatment for psoriasis, during which time her condition worsened significantly.
What they’re saying: “When we go to years waiting for that treatment, it’s just not workable for the average individual,” says Dr. Cormac Convery, a private clinic practitioner.
What’s next: The Scottish government has pledged Cdn$178 million (£100 million) annually to reduce waiting lists, aiming to cut 100,000 patients over three years.
Organon Canada reshuffles leadership, plans for derm launch
Organon Canada, a spin-off from Merck & Co., announced key leadership changes effective October 2024.
Why it matters: These moves signal Organon’s continued commitment to women's health and established brands in the Canadian market.
Jeffrey Malawski becomes Executive Director of Women’s Health and Established Brands.
Geneviève Gauthier takes over Malawski’s former role as head of Corporate Affairs and Community Engagement.
Between the lines: Both executives have been with Organon Canada since its inception in 2021, bringing continuity to the leadership transition.
What does the boss think?
“These leadership changes reflect our commitment to fostering a high-performance culture while ensuring we continue to meet the unmet health needs in women and the needs of our community.” — Michael Casia, President and Managing Director
The big picture: Organon Canada boasts gender parity in its leadership team and holds the Women in Governance Parity Certification.
What’s next: Organon is on track to buy Dermavant for Cdn$238 million upfront, plus more than Cdn$1.36 billion in potential additional payments based on milestones. This will give Organon access to Dermavant’s approved topical psoriasis Tx, Vtama.
Who’s hiring
Bausch Health is looking for 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
Minimum of one year in MSL or 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
Vivier Pharma needs an account representative for the Toronto East territory
Vivier Pharma is a Canadian Pharmaceutical Skin Care company with over 20 years of experience in the Medical Aesthetic Industry. We are currently looking for an Account Representative to join our Ontario Team. The Account Representative is responsible for uncovering and driving sales for the Vivier Pharma portfolio of products. The focus will be on prospecting, driving new business, and building relationships while maintaining high customer satisfaction. The candidate must live in the Toronto area, as travel will be required to manage accounts in this territory (Yonge St. and East Toronto to Belleville). This is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about skincare and dermatology and looking for a rewarding career in this growing Medical Aesthetic industry. This is a permanent, full-time remote position.
Responsibilities
Assist in marketing and selling all Vivier product brands in the designated territory in compliance with established monthly, quarterly and yearly strategies
Seek out new business opportunities, create lead generation lists, and close new business opportunities to help meet sales targets
What they’re looking for
University degree, business/science preferred
Minimum two (2) years of previous outside sales experience
Highly motivated and target-driven with a proven track record in sales
Galderma’s looking for a Senior Product Manager, Dermal Fillers
Reporting to the Director, Aesthetic Business Unit, the Sr. Product Manager, Dermal Fillers (Restylane), is responsible for designing and deploying marketing programs and strategies that foster a strong brand positioning and differentiation while enhancing our brand awareness and demand for the assigned product/franchise in the market. This individual will be driven by data, insights, and market opportunities and will work extremely collaboratively in a matrix environment, especially with the sales leadership, to ensure optimal execution from a field force perspective. They will embrace technology, customer engagement, tracking against KPIs, and the ability to leverage multiple channels to create integrated campaigns that demonstrate impact.
Key Responsibilities
Leads the design and implementation of the Brand Strategy and collaborates on the integrated portfolio strategy with other aesthetic franchises across the business unit in order to present as One Galderma for customers and consumers.
Designs and executes robust multichannel/omnichannel marketing tactics along the customer journey to address opportunities, including the creation of innovative tools geared for in-person, digital, virtual, or social channels for HCPs and consumer audiences (B2B/B2C/B2B2C)
Skills & Qualifications
Hands-on, dynamic team player who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Strong external focus and customer-orientation
Driven by curiosity, competitiveness and results-orientation
Challenges the status quo and in doing so, fosters an innovative mindset
Strong solution-orientation with growth mindset
Experience and proficiency in designing robust multichannel/omnichannel brand strategies, product and campaign launches, including tactics leveraging in-person, digital and virtual engagements
LEO Pharma requires a Medical Information Manager
The role is dynamic, pro-active, strategic, and fast-paced, providing a high-quality Affiliate Medical Information service to the Affiliate, Healthcare professionals, patients and other stakeholders. It involves working in close collaboration across the Canadian Affiliate, Global Medical Information (GMI) colleagues and Outsourcing vendor and Healthcare Professionals.
Professional Competencies
Scientific Degree level or equivalent/Pharmacist/Nurse (If higher qualification required for your Country, Affiliate please update)
Significant experience in a Senior Medical Information role in the pharmaceutical industry
Have a strong and high level of scientific knowledge to be able to analyze data from all types of clinical data, including Clinical Study Reports and published data in all forms etc
Must have proven strong technical/scientific writing skills and verbal communication, including face-to-face with Healthcare Professionals and presenting to a variety of audiences
Proven high-level technical and compliance skills when reviewing LMR materials and authoring SOPs and other high-level process-driven documentation
In-depth knowledge and efficiency in Medical Information systems
Eli Lilly needs a Medical Science Liaison, Dermatology/Autoimmune Disorders
The MSL will serve as a scientific resource for Canadian experts in the field of Dermatology and related autoimmune disorders. The MSL is responsible for responding to requests for in-depth, cutting-edge scientific information from the medical community in the autoimmune field, including the latest scientific literature, the latest research from major scientific conferences, updates on Lilly’s educational activities and Lilly’s pipeline research activities. The MSL will also gather feedback and insight from Scientific Experts and Thought Leaders to better inform Lilly’s research and overall strategic direction. By facilitating scientific exchange between the academic community and Lilly, the MSL has the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare with information that addresses important clinical and scientific questions.
Objectives
Develop and maintain mutually beneficial, peer-to-peer relationships with the scientific community
Effectively communicate with scientific experts and Thought Leaders using up-to-date scientific knowledge and provide services that meet their needs.
The MSL will be considered a reliable, trusted resource of accurate, up-to-date medical and scientific knowledge requested and desired by their customers. They will respond in a timely way to personal or electronic inquiries with any available information which may include reprints or posters, medical letters, literature citations, access to internal and external experts, slides and other teaching-related material.
Basic Requirements: Education and Experience
Advanced degree in health sciences (PhD, MD, Pharm D) with 2-3 years of relevant clinical or therapeutic experience in dermatology.
OR: MSc in health care/professional designation (BScN, PT, RD etc.) considered if 5 or more years of relevant clinical experience in dermatology
OR: previous MSL experience and sound knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry
Additional Skills/Preferences
Intellectual curiosity and intelligence about the field of immunology/autoimmune disorders
Coverage territory: British Columbia
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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
