Professor Thierry Passeron, University Professor and hospital practitioner at Université Côte d’Azur, Head of the Dermatology Department at Nice University Hospital (CHU de Nice), and Principal Investigator of a team at the CRM laboratory of INSERM/Université Côte d’Azur dedicated to studying the molecular mechanisms involved in pigmentation and melanoma, shares his vision for Skin Excellence. Co-led with Eurobiomed, this initiative aims to create a world-leading innovation hub in the field of skin health.
How does Skin Excellence unite skin health stakeholders in Southern France?
Southern France brings together numerous industrial partners of various sizes, leading research teams, and innovative healthcare structures. Skin Excellence plays a crucial catalytic role by fostering collaboration among all these stakeholders, whether from the industrial, scientific, or medical sectors.
This synergy, orchestrated by Eurobiomed, is fundamental for the emergence of new projects and for improving patient care. The Skin Excellence initiative, unique in France and internationally, enables the provision of common and innovative solutions by closely involving all links in the chain. It also promotes greater international visibility for all these stakeholders.
What is the impact of events like the Skin Summit within this dynamic?
The Skin Summit distinguishes itself from traditional conferences by bringing together physician-researchers, industrial players, CROs, and start-ups in a collaborative approach. The objective is to foster concrete interactions among all participants. These exchanges enable smaller entities to discover new opportunities, larger groups to identify innovative solutions, and all stakeholders to develop fruitful collaborations.
What will be the contribution of the future Skin Institute to this innovation dynamic?
The Skin Institute will represent a first in Europe. This structure will physically bring together all key skin health stakeholders in one location: researchers, caregivers, industrial players, CROs, startups, and institutions. This unique convergence will not only provide very high-quality care and facilitate its access for the population, but also enable large-scale prevention initiatives and accelerate innovation, from fundamental research to therapeutic solutions.
How does the experimental hub fit into this strategy?
The hub dedicated to digital skin health represents a foundational, digital cornerstone of this ambitious endeavor. It addresses a crucial challenge: over half of French citizens forgo dermatological care due to a lack of access to a specialist. The skin, as a visible organ, is particularly well-suited for digital solutions – applications, imaging, remote expertise. By closely involving patient associations in the development of these innovations, we ensure their relevance and alignment with real-world needs.
