Avène, a leading brand from Pierre Fabre Laboratories, in collaboration with HealthTech company BotDesign, is pioneering the use of Artificial Intelligence to significantly enhance the robustness and scale of clinical studies in dermo-cosmetics, marking a major breakthrough in dermatological research and patient care.
Pierre Fabre Laboratories, through its leading French pharmacy brand Avène, is making a significant stride in the field of dermo-cosmetics by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its clinical studies. This initiative, undertaken in partnership with the Toulouse-based HealthTech company BotDesign, aims to dramatically increase the number of patients involved in these studies, scaling from an initial 100 to an impressive 600. The primary goal is to bolster the reliability and comprehensiveness of the clinical data gathered. This major breakthrough is specifically illustrated by an upcoming comparative clinical study scheduled for 2026. This study will focus on evaluating the effectiveness of Avène’s new treatment for acne-prone skin, named Avène Cleanance Comedomed+. The evaluation will particularly concentrate on its role in the maintenance phase for adults who have previously undergone oral isotretinoin treatment for severe to very severe acne. Avène leverages its deep dermatological expertise, which is rooted in extensive therapeutic knowledge, and has been actively dedicated to advancing the treatment of various skin pathologies since its inception in 1990. By adopting AI in this domain, Avène is positioning itself as the pioneering brand to utilize Artificial Intelligence for clinical studies within the dermo-cosmetics sector. This strategic move highlights a forward-thinking approach to product development and validation, promising more robust scientific evidence for the efficacy of their dermatological solutions.
The innovative clinical study spearheaded by Avène, integrating Artificial Intelligence for dermo-cosmetic research, serves as a concrete and compelling example of Pierre Fabre Laboratories' overarching "Supportive Care" strategy. This strategic direction, which was formally launched in 2025, represents a dual commitment to scientific rigor and patient-centric care. Dr. Gautier Doat, the Medical Director for Eau Thermale Avène, elaborates on the foundational principles of this strategy. He highlights that Pierre Fabre Laboratories' unique heritage, deeply entrenched in both pharmaceuticals and dermo-cosmetics, provides a distinct advantage. This integrated background offers a superior understanding of patients and the complexities of their skin pathologies. Consequently, the company is exceptionally well-positioned to develop and offer comprehensive treatment protocols. These protocols are designed to synergistically combine dermo-cosmetic products with conventional medication. The objective is multifaceted: to extend and amplify the beneficial effects of existing medication, and critically, to potentially delay the necessity for more aggressive drug treatments altogether. Dr. Doat emphasizes the long-term applicability of dermo-cosmetics in this context, noting that unlike many pharmaceutical interventions which might have limited durations due to potential side effects or resistance, dermo-cosmetics can be safely and effectively utilized over extended periods. This characteristic makes them ideal for sustained supportive care, contributing significantly to improved patient outcomes and quality of life in managing chronic skin conditions. The use of AI in clinical trials is not merely a technological advancement but a vital tool in validating these integrated care models, ensuring that the dermo-cosmetic innovations truly deliver on their promise within the "Supportive Care" framework.