A global approach to health care
Health is more than just the absence of disease or infirmity; the World Health Organisation (WHO) defines it as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. In line with this holistic approach, Pierre Fabre Laboratories prioritizes a “prevent, treat and support” continuum. The company uses the complementarity of its two medical and dermo-cosmetics activities and new digital technologies to provide solutions for the global management of many diseases.
Improving comfort for patients
One of the Group’s key oncology products is a targeted oral therapy for patients with metastatic melanoma. These types of cancer drugs can cause various side effects, including cutaneous dryness.
To reduce these effects and promote patient well-being and quality of life, a pilot initiative was launched at the end of 2022: provision of a kit containing five Eau Thermale Avène dermo-cosmetic products and an accompanying booklet, issued to patients with B-RAF-mutated metastatic melanoma and starting their treatment with targeted therapy.
The kit is delivered by their pharmacist with the aim of informing and helping patients to manage the adverse skin reactions possible during treatment. The test is currently underway in France and involves around 50 pharmacies. It will be proposed for international deployment at the end of the pilot phase in late 2023.
Supporting colorectal cancer patients
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a difficult disease that has a considerable impact on patient quality of life. To help patients cope with the difficulties they face, Pierre Fabre’s Spanish subsidiary has partnered with We-Fight, a company specialized in the development of virtual assistants for patients and their families.
This partnership has given rise to ViK CRC, a mobile app for patients with colorectal cancer. Developed in collaboration with a scientific committee, including various health care professionals and Spain’s patient association EuropaColon, ViK CRC adapts to the specific nature of Spain’s care pathway.
ViK CRC can now use its evolving database to answer over 1,250 questions, in simple language accessible to the general public. The content was developed to meet the needs and concerns of patients, as reported by the patient association and refined in focus groups.
At the end of 2022, ViK CRC had almost 1,400 users. A satisfaction survey showed that 87% of them were satisfied with their experience. Good reasons to consider introducing ViK CRC in other countries.
Understanding skin diseases worldwide
To better understand the impacts of skin diseases and their consequences on the lives of those suffering from them, the Pierre Fabre Group has launched a major survey named ALL.
The aim is to build the largest international private database on skin diseases, representing all skin types, all skin colors and all pathologies. To achieve this, the survey has been distributed to 50,000 people in 20 countries.
It focuses on all aspects of a patient’s care pathway and on the impacts of these disease on all aspects of everyday life. The aim is to encourage more comprehensive treatment, better suited to patient pathologies : acne, eczema, psoiases and vitiligo.
Launched in 2022, the study will be deployed over five years with progressive analyses by pathology and by country. The data will namely be shared with the medical community during scientific congresses.