TFS buys dermatology specialist SCIderm

Following the strategic partnership entered between the two companies in 2014 to combine resources and scientific expertise within dermatology development, the parties have now agreed to fully leverage on the growing industry demands in dermatology research and bring the partnership into a fully integrated therapeutic area division within TFS.

The acquisition will provide industry leading capabilities combined with high level scientific and regulatory expertise and will further enhance the existing close relations to world renowned dermatology investigators and sites.

The acquisition enables TFS to reach 350 investigational sites in Europe and North America.

SCIderm shareholder Dr. Ina Zschocke said: “SCIderm’s unsurpassed experience in dermatology, allergology as well as aesthetic drug development and device certification fits precisely with the TFS therapeutic strategy and existing global footprint.

“With deep scientific expertise and global capabilities at hand, we look forward to leading our clients through all phases of clinical development towards approval and beyond, as well as product positioning”.

Over the last three years TFS and SCIderm have managed 63 global clinical trials in dermatology, recruiting more than 17,000 patients in 18 indications and collaborated with the top 15 biopharmaceutical companies in dermatology.

The acquisition will significantly increase TFS’ operational capabilities in Germany with offices in Hamburg and Munich employing more than 100 professionals in the country.

Professor Dr. Kristian Reich, one of the shareholders of SCIderm will become a strategic scientific advisor at TFS and will be instrumental in providing scientific- and strategic advice for new drugs and products in dermatology and immunology indications.

SCIderm shareholder Prof. Kristian Reich said: “For the first time the merger will give us the opportunity to take our unique knowledge in dermatology to a global level. This is important because we have seen the bars for clinical development in dermatology and chronic inflammatory diseases significantly rising over recent years with later strategic advantages in a highly competitive environment depending on early expert decisions in study design and outcome selection.

“The formation of a new global player able to cover all aspects of drug development in dermatology will be likewise interesting for small companies with novel drugs in dermatology, companies that specifically focus on dermatology as well as big pharma with novel developments in this interesting specialty”.

The therapeutic area division in dermatology will be led by Dr. Ina Zschocke. The dermatology division is currently managing 53 studies in 12 indications with 13,000 patients. The team will during quarter 4, 2016 add several new global clinical development programs in dermatology that have been awarded to the business.

Dr. Peter Weisenseel, will be responsible for the SCIderm in-house clinic that has been engaged in more than 40 dermatology trials and recruited over 500 patients in numerous indications over the last three years.

The in-house clinic is an integrated function within the therapeutic area division and has become a specialized study center for first-in-man studies and also recruits patients with dermatological indications.

 The clinic is supported by a team of physicians, amongst them several dermatologists, study nurses, study coordinators and data management.

The close partnership ties between SCIderm and the Dermatologikum Clinic in Hamburg will remain in place following the acquisition and will enable TFS to offer its customers world leading services for new therapy treatments in allergology, dermatology and aesthetics.

The Clinic also provides laboratory services in histology, mycology, bacteriology, molecular biology and quantitative RNA analysis identifying pathways of molecules and proves the mode-of-action in early development.

The Dermatologikum Clinic sees approximately 100,000 dermatology patients annually.

SCIderm’s unique dermatology expertise, access to patients and scientific approach to clinical programs will leverage on TFS global capabilities and strong executional infrastructure in conducting global pre- and post-approval trials.

TFS chief operation officer Dr. Montse Barceló said: “After a successful partnership the acquisition was the next natural step to take. SCIderm’s services and unique approach to dermatology in clinical research is going to be very beneficial to TFS but more importantly to our customers and the patients they serve.

“We will together advance clinical dermatology research programs more efficiently and provide treatment options to patients faster”.

The transaction is subject to merger control clearance.