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The basics:

• Pierre Fabre opens new U.S. headquarters in Secaucus
• Focus on dermo-cosmetics, rare disease and oncology growth
• Office features immersive skin and hair care experience center
• Strategic location offers access to NYC and tri-state workforce

Pierre Fabre Laboratories recently marked its next chapter here in the Garden State. The French-based global health care company cut the ribbon on its new U.S. office in Secaucus, which will host Pierre Fabre’s dermo-cosmetics and medical care subsidies.

“This new office is more than just a space, it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation and showcases the team’s hard work and dedication,” said Lisa Morris, president and CEO of Pierre Fabre USA. “It embodies the group’s commitment to pushing boundaries across both business units in derm-cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, while providing New Ways to Care for all.”

Pierre Fabre is the world’s second-largest dermo-cosmetics manufacturer and a global player in oncology, cell and gene therapy, rare disease and dermatology.

Located on 500 Plaza Drive, the U.S. headquarters relocated from Parsippany to this office in Secaucus – continuing its longstanding ties to New Jersey. The new location provides a link to New York City and the Tri-State Area; as well as a commitment to sustainable innovation. It also allows for hands-on learning through an on-site hub that offers an immersive skin and hair care experience. The office was designed and curated to spark creativity and foster collaboration across all departments.

In the 1990s, the company introduced global dermo-cosmetics brands Eau Thermale Avène, Klorane, and René Furterer to the U.S. market. The company recently expanded its medical investments in the U.S. through the creation of a dedicated pharma unit – Pierre Fabre Pharmaceuticals. The group is focused on delivering breakthrough therapies in rare diseases and oncology to American patient populations with high unmet needs and limited treatment options.

Eric Ducournau, CEO of Pierre Fabre Laboratories, said the company has declared the United States a priority geography for it.

“The U.S. is not only the biggest market in world for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics alike, but also the most disruptive market for therapeutic innovation,” Ducournau said. “For 15 years, we have built strategic partnerships with highly innovative U.S. biotechnology companies in the fields of oncology, rare diseases and medical dermatology.

“We have also multiplied by 10 times the turnover of our blockbuster brand Eau Thermale Avène since 2010, and its potential remains huge given the growing appetite of American consumers for cosmetics designed and tested with the same rigor as for medicines. We are now determined to walk the next step forward and the opening of our new office in Secaucus with plans to expand in the rare diseases and oncology business is a testimony to this dedication.”

Just the beginning

“Today’s office opening demonstrates the steadfast commitment of Pierre Fabre Laboratories to building a powerful presence for medical innovation and patient impact in the U.S.,” said Adriana Herrera, CEO of the pharma unit, at the ribbon cutting. “Leveraging our strength as a humanitarian foundation-owned company, PFP has been focused over the past 18 months on building the U.S. Medical Care operations and to bring on board an experienced, agile, and purpose-driven U.S. team focused on creating long-term value and hope for patients – by delivering innovative therapies to people living with cancer who are in urgent need of effective life-extending treatment options.”

Pierre Fabre said that with this new footprint in the U.S., the company is positioning itself to have an even greater impact with American patients and health care professionals — stressing that this is only the beginning.

In an interview following the recent ribbon cutting, Morris told NJBIZ that the selection of Secaucus for its new office was a strategic decision driving by three factors: opportunities for company growth; the exceptional accessibility to New York City and broader tri-state; and a desirable environment for employee enjoyment and well-being.

“Secaucus offers a dynamic business environment, thanks to its diverse range of industries and major corporate neighbors. The availability of modern office spaces also provided the ideal foundation for our evolving needs,” Morris said. “As we explored options, a paramount consideration was seamless access to New York City for our employees, vendors and partners.

“With excellent transportation links at Secaucus Junction, this made it an ideal option to make commuting for employees and client visits convenient. Beyond business benefits, we want our employees to be excited to come to the office, and to be able to enjoy the surroundings – the Harmon Meadow area offers a variety of restaurants, hotels, retail stores, and entertainment options that our employees will love.”

NJ ‘a key priority’

Morris noted that the plan is to have about 100 staff members at the Secaucus site.

“This new office will host our dermo-cosmetics and pharmaceuticals subsidiaries. As Pierre Fabre Laboratories is the world’s second-largest dermo-cosmetics manufacturer and a global player in oncology, cell & gene therapy, rare diseases and dermatology – this new office underscores the commitment to advancing in both these areas with a dedicated space to innovate and collaborate,” said Morris.

“This office will allow for hands-on learning through a space that offers an immersive skin and hair care experience for brands Eau Thermale Avène, Klorane, and René Furterer,” she said.

Morris stressed that New Jersey is incredibly important to the company’s next chapter.

“Our U.S. headquarters has proudly called New Jersey home for over 20 years, during which it has played a critical role in driving our pharmaceuticals and dermo-cosmetics innovation,” Morris explained. “As we planned for our future, remaining in New Jersey was a key priority. We also wanted to be closer to New York City, and Secaucus proved to be the perfect fit.

“It offers the ideal combination of our established roots in the state with enhanced proximity to the vibrant energy and inspiration from NYC.”

[Secaucus] offers the ideal combination of our established roots in the state with enhanced proximity to the vibrant energy and inspiration from NYC.
– Lisa Morris, president and CEO, Pierre Fabre USA

Morris said that the new office is a representation of the team’s hard work and dedication.

“It embodies the group’s commitment to pushing boundaries and the entire company is enthusiastic and excited about this new chapter for Pierre Fabre USA,” she said. “The corporate purpose states, “every time we care for a single person, we make the whole world better.””

“This new footprint will position us for great impact with patients, and health care professionals in dermo-cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. We look forward to continuing to make an impact.”