European Center of Excellence for Dermatology Research

With the integration of SGS proderm into the global SGS testing network in 2022, we were able to specifically expand our therapeutic expertise to include the aspect of dermatology. The institute has been conducting clinical dermatological tests since 1995. Today, it is one of the world's leading contract research organizations for dermatology and is valued by its international clients for its expertise, methodological performance and innovative technologies.

Therapeutic focus

SGS proderm focusses on clinical trials with topical and transdermal drugs and medical devices applied to the skin. Products for the treatment of classic skin diseases such as neurodermatitis, psoriasis and rosacea as well as products from the fields of wound healing and aesthetic dermatology are frequently tested.

• Acne vulgaris
• Actinic keratosis
• Aesthetic dermatology
• Androgenetic alopecia
• Atopic dermatitis
• Blepharitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Dermatoporosis
• Fungal infections
• Indications concerning women’s health (e.g. genitourinary syndrome of menopause GSM)
• Psoriasis
• Rosacea
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Warts

Patient availability

Depending on the type and scope of the project requirements and the resulting patient recruitment strategy, the full-service institute conducts its trials at its own CRO site or in its network of pre-qualified trial centres. The internal CRO site comprises two locations in the Hamburg metropolitan region, so that the best conditions exist on site for even challenging inclusion criteria. For multi-centre studies, SGS proderm relies on a pre-qualified site network consisting of over 50 medical practices, hospitals and university institutions.

A head start through the use of innovative technology

The unique mix of dermatological methods and innovative technologies, on the basis of which the Institute's scientists design a clinical trial plan, is an aspect that gives many customers a competitive edge. The Raman Spectroscopy and Line-Field Confocal Optical Coherence Tomography methods are currently of particular interest, as their properties represent real added value in clinical dermatological testing. However, the Suction Blister method, which is often used in wound healing, and the comprehensive solutions offered by the institute in the field of clinical photography also enrich the possibilities of examinations.

Key Figures

• 2 in-house clinical units
• 50+ pre-qualified, external sites
• 28+ years of experience
• 6,500+ active study participants in database
• 10,000+ annual enrolments in studies