MEDIA RELEASE 18 OCTOBER 2011 GALDERMA LABORATORIES AND SINGAPORE IMMUNOLOGY NETWORK COLLABORATE TO DEEPEN UNDERSTANDING OF ACNE 1. A*STAR’s Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN) and Galderma Laboratories, a Swiss pharmaceutical company and world leader in the research and development of dermatology products, have signed an agreement to study how acne develops in the skin. The research may lead to new treatments for acne, which has a global market estimated to be worth US$3 billion. Acne – actually an immune condition 2. The collaboration aims to elucidate previously unknown immune mechanisms behind acne – a chronic disorder caused by inflammation of the hair follicles and sebum-producing glands in the skin. Acne is characterised by infection with the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) and its associated inflammatory response, which causes lesions on the skin. Current treatment involves killing P. acnes with bactericidal agents such as benzoyl peroxide and oral or topical antibiotics. 3. Exactly how this inflammation in the skin develops is not clear, but it may be induced by a combination of hormonal, microbiological and immunological factors. Understanding the immune mechanisms that contribute to the development of the inflammatory phase of acne will help scientists to identify molecular targets for the treatment of this condition at its roots. 4. Led by SIgN Principal Investigator, Dr Florent Ginhoux, a team of scientists will develop and characterise a mouse model of P. acnes infection to investigate the roles of different types of immune cells, known as dendritic cells 1, 1 Dendritic cells are immune cells found in mammalian tissues in contact with the external environment, such as the skin, the inner lining of the nose, lungs, stomach and intestines. They process antigen (foreign) material that enters the body and present it on their cell surface to activate other cells of the immune system. Some photographs of dentritic cells are at the Annex . 1 and their interactions in responding to the bacteria. Said Dr Ginhoux, “A better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to a disease should facilitate the design of effective drugs to treat it. Ultimately, we hope to identify a means to develop novel treatments of this condition that affects millions worldwide and is also known to have adverse psychological effects.” Mounting a multi-disciplinary approach 5. A coordinated effort in multiple areas will be required in this study to battle acne and its physical and psychological scars. Over the next two years, the project will be supported by several research groups at SIgN with expertise in flow cytometry, cell imaging, bioinformatics, and gene expression techniques. SIgN’s critical mass of 200 immunologists at its premises in the Biopolis research hub will facilitate the rapid generation and pooling of research data. Furthermore, a dedicated project management team at SIgN will ensure the coordination of the various groups to achieve the project milestones. 6. Said Galderma’s Research Director T. Portal, “This partnership will bring added insight into physiopathological processes of acne to complement our array of approaches, and will clearly bring direct value toward our project portfolio. Equally important is the opportunity to partner with a world-class institution, with high level scientists and technical capabilities: this further illustrates the ambition of Galderma to be recognized as the innovation leader in dermatology, in large part through a network of leading scientific partners.” Win-win collaborations with industry 7. This industry partnership is SIgN’s 11 th since its inauguration in 2008. Said Chairman of SIgN, Prof Philippe Kourilsky, “This collaboration with Galderma will create new synergies from the pooling of Galderma’s specialised knowledge of skin conditions with SIgN’s expertise in cellular and molecular immunology research. We will continue to leverage our unique combination of capabilities to pursue high-impact collaborations with industry for the benefit of mankind.” Added Dr Luigi Ricciardi, Director of Industry and Business Development at SIgN, “This is a further step towards the establishment of world- class translational research activities in Singapore.” ________________________________________________________________ For media queries, please contact: AGENCY FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH (A*STAR) 2 Ms Adela Foo Senior Officer, Corporate Communications Email: [email protected] Phone: (+65) 6826 6218 GALDERMA Corporate Press inquiries: Peter Nicholson, Corporate Development Director Email: [email protected] Phone: +33 (0)1 58 86 46 78 About the Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN) The Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), officially inaugurated on 15 January 2008, is a research consortium under the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)’s Biomedical Research Council. The mandate of SIgN is to advance human immunology research and participate in international efforts to combat major health problems. Since its launch, SIgN has grown rapidly and currently includes 200 scientists from 25 different countries of the world working under 24 renowned principal investigators. At SIgN, researchers investigate immunity during infections and inflammatory conditions including cancer and are supported by cutting edge technological research platforms and core services. Through this, SIgN aims to build a strong platform in basic human immunology research for better translation of research findings into clinical applications. SIgN also sets out to establish productive links with local and international institutions, and encourage the exchange of ideas and expertise between academic, industrial and clinical partners and thus contribute to a vibrant research environment in Singapore. For more information about SIgN, please visit www.sign.a-star.edu.sg. About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is the lead agency for fostering world-class scientific research and talent for a vibrant knowledge-based and innovation-driven Singapore. A*STAR oversees 14 biomedical sciences and physical sciences and engineering research institutes, and six consortia & centres, located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis as well as their immediate vicinity. A*STAR supports Singapore's key economic clusters by providing intellectual, human and industrial capital to its partners in industry. It also supports extramural research in the universities, hospitals, research centres, and with other local and international partners. For more information on A*STAR, please visit www.a-star.edu.sg. About Galderma 3 A COMPANY EXCLUSIVELY DEDICATED TO DERMATOLOGY Our Activity Galderma is a global leading pharmaceutical company specializing in the research, development and marketing of innovative medical solutions in dermatology. One of the leading investor in dermatology research, with global state-of-the-art R&D facilities, Galderma focuses exclusively on therapeutic and aesthetic innovations. Our Ambition Committed to the future of dermatology, Galderma’s ambition is to be recognized as the most competent and successful innovation-based company focused exclusively on meeting the needs of dermatology patients and physicians. Key Figures Number 1 * in the D class (Dermatology) and Number 1* in the D + J1A (Systemic Acne/Rosacea) + J2A (Systemic Onychomycosis) class , Sales in 2010: 1.2 billion euro , an increase of 16.1% over 2009 at comparable rates, Worldwide sales breakdown** : - North America: 58% - Europe, Middle-East - Africa, Asia-Pacific & Latin America: 42% 31 affiliates , More than 3 200 people throughout the world, Products distributed in over 70 countries , Approximately 20% of revenues invested to discover and develop new drugs and access innovative technologies. 1 700 scientific publications, more than 550 inventions and 5 500 patent applications and patents. Global Organization Headquarters: Lausanne (Switzerland), R&D centers: France, USA and Japan Manufacturing sites: France, Canada and Brazil Affiliates: in the major countries of the globe’s five continents (Europe, Africa, Australia, Asia, Americas), Joint-venture between Nestlé and L’Oréal created in 1981. Conditions and Products Therapeutic areas: Acne, rosacea, psoriasis/steroid-responsive dermatoses, onychomycosis, pigmentary disorders, skin cancer, medical solutions for skin senescence. 4 Strategic products: Epiduo (acne), Oracea (rosacea), Clobex (psoriasis), Azzalure/Dysport (skin senescence), Differin (acne), Cetaphil (therapeutic skin care line), Loceryl (onychomycosis), Rozex/Metro (rosacea), Silkis/Vectical (psoriasis), Metvix (skin cancer), Tri-Luma (pigmentary disorders), Emervel (skin senescence). For more information, please visit our site : www.galderma.com 5 ANNEX Visuals : pictures of dentritic cells Picture 1: Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of a human skin dendritic cell , highlighting its unique morphology with branch-like ramifications, called dendrites. Picture 2: Confocal microscope image of a mouse Langerhans cell , a dendritic cell found in the epidermis (appears green) . Surrounding it are keratinocytes ( main skin cells forming the epidermis ) with their nuclei stained to appear blue. 6.