In a recent episode of the Derm Club podcast, I had the distinct privilege of sitting down with Dr. Flemming Ørnskov, the visionary CEO of Galderma. Our conversation delved into the fascinating world of dermatology, revealing Dr. Ørnskov’s unwavering passion for the field and Galderma’s innovative strides towards becoming a leader in all aspects of dermatology. Dr. Flemming Ørnskov brings a wealth of experience to his role as CEO of Galderma. Before taking the helm at Galderma in October 2019, he held the prestigious position of CEO at Shire plc, a FTSE 100 specialty biopharmaceutical company. His tenure at Shire was marked by significant accomplishments, making him a respected figure in the biopharmaceutical industry.
Prior to his time at Shire, Dr. Ørnskov contributed his expertise to several renowned pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. He held pivotal roles at Bayer, Bausch & Lomb, and Novartis, each experience contributing to his extensive knowledge of the healthcare landscape. His medical background, with a focus on pediatrics, provided a foundation for understanding dermatology, albeit from a slightly different angle. Dr. Ørnskov’s journey through these diverse roles and industries granted him a unique perspective that now fuels his vision for Galderma.
Galderma’s Diverse Business Lines
What makes Galderma stand out in the dermatology landscape is its multifaceted approach. The company spans multiple exciting and rapidly growing segments within dermatology. These segments include aesthetics, non-prescription skincare, and therapeutic dermatology, all of which cater to diverse needs within the field. One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the significance of synergies within Galderma’s various business lines. Dr. Ørnskov stressed the importance of focusing on healthcare professionals in the dermatology space, providing them with superior services, and consistently innovating their product offerings.
He highlighted how Galderma’s broad portfolio serves these professionals’ needs effectively, enabling them to better address their patients’ concerns. The company actively encourages cross-fertilization and cross-selling, evident through the distribution of thousands of samples to practitioners and the continuous development of innovative products that span the spectrum of dermatology needs.
As the dermatology field becomes increasingly digitalized and e-commerce gains traction, the integration between Galderma’s diverse offerings becomes more apparent. Dr. Ørnskov emphasized that an integrated innovation system allows the company to develop prescription products, consumer skincare items, over-the-counter solutions, and aesthetic products. The common thread is the focus on what the products should achieve, their development process, texture, and mechanisms.
Galderma’s Competitive Edge
With a diversified approach that caters to all age groups and various skin conditions, Galderma secures a competitive edge in the dermatology industry. Dr. Ørnskov highlighted the company’s unique focus on dermatology as its core strength, driving innovation and a unified purpose. Galderma’s commitment to servicing the needs of dermatologists, customers, and patients around the world distinguishes it from the competition. Operating predominantly in the premium segments and serving over 100 countries, the company leverages synergies across its various product ranges to provide comprehensive solutions.
Our conversation naturally turned to the challenge of tailoring products and services to meet the unique dermatological needs of different populations, especially in regions like the Asia-Pacific where the demand for skincare products is skyrocketing. Dr. Ørnskov emphasized Galderma’s commitment to expanding its global footprint, opening new offices, and entering new markets. Galderma’s approach involves adapting products to local needs, ensuring accessibility, and, where necessary, acquiring distributors to establish a presence in new territories. With digitalization and e-commerce bridging global gaps, the company aims to provide dermatological solutions to customers worldwide.
Biologic Innovations: The Nemolizumab Breakthrough
Dr. Ørnskov also shed light on Galderma’s remarkable foray into the biologics space, exemplified by their investigational monoclonal antibody, Nemolizumab . This groundbreaking medication targets interleukin 31 (IL-31) and offers potential solutions for conditions like prurigo nodularis and atopic dermatitis, both characterized by significant unmet needs. We discussed the challenges involved in entering the biologics space and the substantial investments required. However, the promise of Nemolizumab lies in its unique approach to disrupting the IL-31 pathway, potentially providing relief not only for skin lesions but also for itching and overall well-being, including sleep quality.
Innovations Beyond Biologics
While biologics represent a significant stride in Galderma’s innovation journey, Dr. Ørnskov emphasized that the company’s commitment to dermatology extends to other areas as well. The company is dedicated to addressing acne, a pervasive skin condition that affects countless teenagers and young adults globally. Galderma’s strategy includes a comprehensive range of products, from single agents to multi-agent combination products. The goal is to offer a broad portfolio to meet the diverse needs and severity levels of individuals grappling with acne, ultimately preventing the potentially devastating consequences of scarring.
The conversation also touched on the aesthetics segment, where Galderma has been making waves. Dr. Ørnskov highlighted the significant unmet needs in this space and the company’s plans to expand its reach. He specifically discussed Galderma’s fully liquidized neuromodulator, which promises to bring new levels of convenience and efficacy to aesthetic treatments. The CEO acknowledged the crowded nature of the aesthetics market but stressed that Galderma’s unique formulation and focus on onset, duration, and convenience could set their product apart. The company sees ample opportunities for growth, both in markets where they are already present and in untapped territories.
As technology continues to advance, I asked Dr. Ørnskov about Galderma’s approach to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations. He detailed the company’s efforts to develop innovative AI tools, such as “FACE by Galderma” and an AI skin analysis tool. These tools empower aesthetic professionals and patients to visualize treatment outcomes before they occur, offering a transformative experience and boosting confidence in the procedures. Galderma’s strategy with AI, as with their products, is marked by thorough research, comprehensive testing, and adaptation based on feedback. Their goal is to provide safe, effective, and innovative solutions to practitioners and patients alike.
Dr. Flemming Ørnskov reiterated Galderma’s unwavering dedication to dermatology. He emphasized the company’s commitment to building a truly global platform, reaching customers with dermatological needs across the world. Galderma’s integrated approach, diverse portfolio, and innovative spirit position them as a formidable force in the ever-evolving field of dermatology. My conversation with Dr. Ørnskov left me inspired by the boundless possibilities within dermatology and biotechnology. With Galderma’s relentless commitment to innovation and patient care, the future of dermatology appears brighter than ever.
