02 Transforming patients’ lives
In our commitment to advance the scientific understanding of skin and its diseases, our primary focus is on patients—aiming to address the key factors affecting those suffering from skin conditions, specifically focusing on mental and emotional well-being in addition to treating physical symptoms. Our passion for medical dermatology enables us to develop and deliver new treatments for skin diseases, transforming our patients’ world by helping them realize their hopes and dreams for a healthy life.
Patients
Collaborating with patient advocacy groups
In 2024, our commitment to patients further intensified as we engaged in new strategic partnerships with prominent organizations in accordance with the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries Associations’ (EFPIA) Code of Practice and European national codes.
international
spain
germany
italy
united kingdom
france
united states
the netherlands
nordics
IFPA
In 2024, we collaborated with the global patient organization IFPA (International Federation of Psoriasis Associations) in its important mission to unite, strengthen, and lead the global psoriatic disease community. By supporting IFPA, we reach more than 60 million people living with psoriasis worldwide through their flagship programmes:
- World Psoriasis Day: 2024’s theme "Psoriatic Disease and the Family" underlined the profound impact that this condition has not only on individuals, but also on their families.
- IFPA Forum: an initiative to strengthen networks across countries and stakeholder groups supporting people living with psoriatic disease and addressing their unmet needs.
- The IFPA Accelerator: a growing network of national patient organizations working to improve the lives of people with psoriatic diseases.
Global Skin (International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations)
We supported this unique global alliance by committing to improving the lives of patients around the world, fostering relationships with members, partners and all those involved in healthcare. We supported creating a dialogue with decision-makers around the world to advance patient-centred healthcare. GlobalSkin connects more than 200 dermatology-focused patient organizations and is based on three pillars: research, advocacy, and support. We supported their Atopic Eczema Community in building a strong and united voice for Atopic Eczema around the world, and we also actively participated in the Atopic Eczema Forum 2024.
European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients' Associations (EFA)
In 2024, we initiated an additional significant partnership with the European
Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients' Associations (EFA), an organization
dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with allergies, atopic eczema, and asthma.
This collaboration aligns with our commitment to advancing patient-centred care and raising
awareness about dermatological diseases.
Through this partnership, we support EFA's vision of ensuring that all individuals affected
by these conditions have access to the highest quality of care, a safe environment, and
active participation in decisions concerning their health.
EFA's objectives focus on three key pillars: Inform, by building patient evidence, capacity,
and momentum for change in prevention, care, and participation; Prevent, by championing
better prevention and innovation in European policies; and Care, by advocating for timely,
accessible, and patient-centred care and innovation.
In addition, we proudly supported World Atopic Eczema Day, reinforcing our dedication to
enhancing the quality of life of patients with atopic eczema and their families. By
collaborating with EFA and participating in these initiatives, we continued to address unmet
patient needs and to build greater understanding and awareness of chronic conditions across
Europe.
European Patients' Academy on Therapeutic Innovation (EUPATI)
In 2024, we partnered with EUPATI, the European Patients' Academy on Therapeutic
Innovation, to support the development of more patient-centred treatments. EUPATI's mission
is to ensure that patients are well-informed and actively involved in the development and
evaluation of medicine and health technology. They provide training and guidance, outlining
best practices for engaging patients throughout the R&D process. EUPATI promotes
transparency and mutual respect between patients and industry stakeholders, enhancing trust
and collaboration.
Additionally, EUPATI provided training and resources to help our employees better understand
patient engagement and enhance their patient-centric approach.
Acción Psoriasis
In 2024, our collaboration with the patient advocacy group Accion Psoriasis focused on three areas:
- Raising disease awareness on key dates such as World Psoriasis Day and National Psoriasis Day, while continuing to empower psoriasis patients.
- Getting topicals into action, an initiative aimed at supporting patients treated with topical products. Patients’ voices are key to driving positive change and improvements in care. Acción Psoriasis launched a survey that gathered insights from 1,101 patients to identify areas of improvement in healthcare assistance and to improve their overall quality of life.
- Inpsight Project, which is aimed at establishing a consensus of the definition of well-being in psoriasis. This multidisciplinary approach incorporates patient perspectives alongside insights from dermatologists, pharmacists, and psychologists.
AADA
In collaboration with AADA (Association of People Affected by Atopic Dermatitis), we are committed to raising disease awareness through various initiatives. For World Atopic Dermatitis Day, we co-created a video portraying a day in the life of a person living with AD. Additionally, on National AD Day we supported a session featuring patients and experts to share their experiences to help empower patients. AADA is also involved in several internal initiatives at Almirall, such as the YouFeelWell initiative.
Fundació Esclerosi Múltiple
In the field of multiple sclerosis (MS), we collaborated with Fundació Esclerosi
Múltiple to launch the project “Cuéntalo” (“Say It”). The initiative aimed to improve
communication between neurologists and patients – helping patients express their symptoms
and favouring management by professionals. Other collaborations include the ‘’MOU-TE’’
virtual race campaign; the 'An apple for life' campaign - which raised funds and increased
visibility for the 9,000 families affected by multiple sclerosis in Catalonia - and
“Mulla't”, an event held in swimming pools across Spain.
At a regional level, we also took part in the World and National Multiple Sclerosis Day
campaigns and conducted workshops on MS symptoms. These sessions provided patients with
techniques to optimize exercise therapy and establish routines that support symptom
improvement over the medium to long term.
Deutscher Neurodermitis Bund e.V, Deutscher Allergie-und Asthmabund and Netzwerk Autoimmunerkrankter
In Germany, we supported the educational and awareness campaigns of patient organizations representing people with chronic skin diseases, autoimmune diseases or allergies. Deutscher Neurodermitis Bund e.V. (DNB) disseminated educational information for patients. We collaborated with the Deutscher Allergie-und Asthmabund (DAAB) to co-create a patient brochure, and supported the patient organization Netzwerk Autoimmunerkrankter (NIK e.V.) and its cooperation with Derma2go – a leading expert in digital dermatology – as well as its "Skin Week" campaign dedicated to psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
ADIPSO & APIAFCO
We continued our commitment to patient-centred initiatives by sponsoring the
DERMA-POINT portal, a project validated by dermatological specialists and scientific
societies like SIDeMaST. This platform is designed to inform, educate, and support patients
in managing conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and actinic keratosis. Through
self-assessment tools and educational content, the portal enhances disease awareness and
screening efforts, enabling more timely patient care and improved access to therapeutic
assistance. The initiative is sponsored in collaboration with APIAFCO (Associazione
Psoriasici Italiani Amici della Fondazione Corazza) and L’ADIPSO (Associazione per la Difesa
degli Psoriasici).
Furthermore, we supported a press conference held at the Senate of the Republic on World
Psoriasis Day. The event gathered representatives from the scientific and academic
communities, as well as patient associations (such as ADIPSO and APIAFCO), to discuss
legislative measures promoted by the Parliamentary Intergroup on skin diseases, with a
particular focus on psoriasis. The conference served as a platform for collecting insights
and suggestions to further improve patient care and advocacy efforts.
ANDEA
In 2024, Almirall also started a partnership with ANDEA (Associazione Nazionale Dermatite Atopica), an atopic dermatitis patient association. This collaboration includes a multi-faceted project involving a patient survey, a multi-stakeholder advisory board, and a comprehensive report. The goal is to identify key patient needs and co-create solutions to enhance the patient journey for those living with atopic dermatitis, reflecting Almirall's dedication to addressing unmet patient needs through collaborative efforts.
Eczema Outreach Support (EOS)
In support of neurodiverse children and young people living with atopic dermatitis, we provided a grant to Eczema Outreach Support (EOS) to help address the unmet needs of this community in the UK. The funding enabled EOS to develop tailored solutions that will help families better manage and cope with day-to-day challenges of living with eczema.
National Eczema Society (NES)
As part of National Eczema Week, the patient organization National Eczema Society (NES) produced a series of podcasts for patients, with support from Almirall and other organizations. These podcasts powerfully conveyed the impact of atopic dermatitis (AD) on people’s lives, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the condition through real-life patient experiences. In addition, Almirall also involved NES in the review of a planned phase IV study to ensure that information documents are relevant for participants.
British Skin Foundation
We ran a disease awareness initiative with the British Skin Foundation and ITN (Independent Television Network) to highlight the impact of atopic dermatitis on young people and their families. The initiative featured real-life stories from a young patient, her mother, and a dermatologist based in the UK.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patient Advocacy Groups
We supported several French associations for patients with Verneuil’s disease
(Hidradenitis Suppurativa, HS) by funding and organizing a comprehensive study involving
1,200 patients. The study focused on better understanding the patient expectations and
perceptions surrounding this debilitating condition. As a result of this collaboration, the
study has already yielded five publications, including several in the Journal of the
European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (JEADV), along with numerous abstracts
presented at both international and French conferences.
Beyond the study itself, the connections fostered through this partnership have led to one
of the patient associations join a European expert committee led by Almirall. This milestone
reaffirmed our ongoing commitment to placing patients at the heart of our innovation
efforts, particularly in addressing unmet medical needs in rare and challenging conditions.
Skin Cancer Foundation
In the United States, we committed to enhancing patient well-being through innovative therapies and also to raising disease awareness to support prevention efforts. We partnered with the Skin Cancer Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing resources for the prevention, early detection, and treatment of skin cancer. For the second consecutive year, Almirall contributed with donation through the YouFeelWell wellness challenge in support of their mission.
National Eczema Institutional Project (NCEP)
We sponsored the National Eczema Institutional Project (NCEP), which brings together all stakeholders within atopic dermatitis care. The project’s goal was to provide information, training and tools for both patients and healthcare professionals - making resources readily accessible, widely disseminated, and effectively implemented. Its success stems from our focus on close collaboration with patient associations and all parties involved in the direct or indirect provision of care. As a result, the project delivered information and support tools that could be used nationwide, in line with Almirall’s commitment to improving patient access to education, care and HCPs.
Atopisk Eksem Forening (Denmark)
We financially supported the project of the patient organization Atopisk Eksem Forening, which aims to raise awareness of the reduction of referral time for dermatological treatments, including supporting a meeting organized in the Danish National Parliament. Almirall also provided a financial grant to support the campaign for Professor Tove Agner's new book on atopic dermatitis to educate patients, healthcare professionals and parents.
Psoriasisförbundet, Psoriasis og Eksem Forbundet and Psoriasisforeningen Halland, (Sweden and Norway)
Almirall carried out surveys in collaboration with the psoriasis patient organization "Psoriasisförbundet" in Sweden and "Psoriasis og Eksem Forbundet", the psoriasis and atopic eczema patient organization in Norway. The surveys focused on patient quality of life, overall well-being and satisfaction with the treatment they received. The goal was to collect the first data on well-being of Swedish and Norwegian patients with psoriasis, aiming to raise awareness among patients, dermatologists, and policymakers about its importance for patients. We also supported the conference of the Swedish regional patient organization "Psoriasisforeningen Halland" to raise awareness of the burden and unmet needs of psoriasis patients and to discuss the future of patient care with regional politicians.
DISEASE AWARNESS INITIATIVES
At Almirall, our mission is to transform patients’ lives by adopting a holistic approach to treating skin diseases. We strive to better understand the physical symptoms but also the emotional and psychological impact that these conditions have on patients and their families. Part of our commitment involves raising awareness about skin diseases and in 2024, we launched several disease awareness initiatives, including:
Atopic
dermatitis (AD)
To mark World Atopic Eczema Day, we launched True Colours Unfiltered – an initiative focused on the reality of living with AD, highlighting the physical and emotional challenges patients face every day. The campaign featured social media posts showcasing testimonials from both experts and patients, an educational website, and media coverage with a call to action to foster empathy and support for AD patients.
Psoriasis
For World Psoriasis Day 2024, we launched “Me & My Inner Circle”, an initiative that recognizes the challenges psoriasis poses not only for individuals living with the condition but also for those around them. The campaign shines a light on family members who have to adapt their lives to provide unwavering support for their loved ones who are affected by this often-debilitating condition.
Non-melanoma skin cancer
In May 2024, we launched the online campaign “Stay Vigilant” in recognition of AK Global Day. The campaign highlighted the importance of recognizing and monitoring skin lesions for those with extensive UV exposure and skin cancer education. Additionally, the campaign highlighted the crucial importance of appropriate sun protection in preventing actinic keratosis.
Acne
For World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week 2024, we launched the social media campaign “Educate. Advocate. Act now” to reflect on the global challenge posed by antimicrobial resistance and to reinforce our role in addressing it. For Acne Awareness Month we also launched the campaign «It’s more than just skin’’, aiming to raise awareness of the emotional and mental challenges experienced by those living with acne.
Advancing medical dermatology
Throughout the year, our engagement at dermatology congresses around the world has facilitated the presentation of our scientific breakthroughs while allowing us to learn from and network with peers and other healthcare professionals.
At Almirall, we advance research and forge strategic partnerships with leading experts worldwide to develop better treatments tailored to individual patient needs.
Our approach goes beyond addressing physical symptoms.
We strive to enhance overall wellbeing and mental health to improve the lives of patients, their families, and entire communities.
ADDRESSING KEY DISEASES IN DERMATOLOGY
A key element of our leadership in medical dermatology is our commitment to offering a broad and relevant range of products for patients and the medical community. With a diverse range of treatment modalities, we offer tailored solutions for several dermatological conditions with high prevalence and high burden. Our focus on innovation aims at enhancing our positive impact in medical dermatology by offering novel solutions for additional diseases.
Currently, our product development efforts are concentrated in three main disease categories within medical dermatology: immune inflammatory diseases, non-melanoma skin cancer, and rare diseases. In the immune inflammatory disease category, we lead with cutting-edge portfolios in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. In the area of non-melanoma skin cancer, we are advancing breakthrough treatments for conditions such as actinic keratosis. To address rare diseases, we are actively pursuing innovative solutions for some of the over 1,000 rare dermatological conditions – 90% of which currently lack effective treatments. Conditions such as autoimmune bullous disease, palmoplantar pustulosis, and ichthyosis are among the areas we focus on to significantly impact in the future through our R&D pipeline.
While we focus on research and strategic partnerships with leading experts around the world to develop better treatments tailored to individual patient needs, our approach goes beyond addressing physical symptoms. We strive to enhance overall well–being and mental health to improve the lives of patients, their families, and their communities.
Inmune inflammatory diseases
Atopic dermatitis
Alopecia areata
Vitiligo
Hidradenitis suppurativa
Psioriasis
In the immune inflammatory disease category, we lead with cutting-edge franchises in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
Non-
melanoma
Skin Cancer
Actinic keratosis
Basal cell carcinoma
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
In the area of non-melanoma skin cancer, we are advancing breakthrough treatments for conditions such as actinic keratosis.
Rare
Diseases
Actinic keratosis
Basal cell carcinoma
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
In the rare disease space, we are dedicated to finding innovative solutions for over 1,000 rare dermatological diseases as more than 90% of these currently have no available treatment. Conditions such as autoimmune bullous disease, palmoplantar pustulosis, and ichthyosis are among the areas we focus on and are set to significantly impact in the future through our R&D pipeline.
Our dermatology portfolio
Key & strategic products of our portfolio
