Dermatology Consulting Services (DCS) is a research organization headed by Zoe Diana Draelos, MD, offering research, consulting, marketing, and communication services to the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. Dr. Draelos is a board-certified dermatologist and a past Vice-President of the American Academy of Dermatology. She holds a clinical faculty appointment as a Consulting Professor of Dermatology at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina. She is the author of over 650 published articles and has served as principal investigator for 862 studies.
DCS can develop a specialized protocol to meet your needs or provide an additional site for research studies already underway. Our past research experience includes phase II, III, and IV FDA studies, in addition to studies on devices, cosmetics, OTC drugs, and other skin care products from moisturizers to lip balms to cosmeceuticals. We can use the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of your choice and, if desired, develop protocols and consent forms for submission to obtain IRB approval for study initiation.
Our clinical research facility is outfitted to examine both medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatologic issues. We are able to provide high quality reproducible digital photography. A variety of noninvasive, biomechanical assessments can also be performed. In addition, our lab can collect and prepare urine and blood specimens for shipment and processing. Biopsies and other surgical specimens can also be obtained and prepared as needed. We even have facilities for subjects requiring an extended stay for evaluations or the collection of laboratory specimens. We have an onsite analytical chemistry lab able to perform High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (LCMS). Our skin biomechanical laboratory can perform 3D printing and develop research equipment or devices to explore new skin analytical techniques.
Basic testing can be performed to assess comedogenicity, acnegenicity, or hypoallergenicity for claims substantiation. Several formulas can be tested to determine which provides optimal results with enhanced safety. Repeat insult patch testing (RIPT) is also offered. DCS maintains a variety of research panels to quickly complete assessments required prior to product launch. Studies can be easily and creatively customized to meet the desired goal and creatively substantiate any sponsored desired claims.
DCS can provide a variety of consulting services on and hourly or daily basis regarding issues related to the skin, hair, and nails. Expert opinions can be provided on formulation, study design, raw materials, etc. Consulting services are offered via phone conference, expert opinion letters, or an on-site visit. Dr. Draelos can put together training presentations on dermatologic issues for corporations or individuals.
In addition to consulting and research services, DCS can also help by organizing focus group sessions or developing marketing data questionnaires. The results of clinical studies can be transformed into marketing brochures or previously developed marketing materials can be fact checked by Dr. Draelos for scientific accuracy. Our marketing facility provides an informal atmosphere in which subjects can be queried for responses or where skin care habits can be observed. Marketing materials can be developed for a variety of media including print, radio and TV, and the Internet. Dr. Draelos has designed web sites for several skin care companies.
Communicating the results of clinical research to the media is the final service offered by DCS. This completes the full circle from research study conception to the release of results. Dr. Draelos can help by answering media telephone inquires or chairing launch events in person. She has extensive media training and can serve as the spokesperson for satellite media tours or conduct desk side chats with beauty editors.
The uniqueness of DCS is the speed and flexibility with which research projects can be completed. All research is personally performed and supervised by Dr. Draelos and her trained staff. This yields results that are accurate, reliable, and useful. DCS can also provide a complete research package from protocol development to IRB approval to data collection to statistical analysis to preparation of a report for journal publication or media presentation. This unique blend of services allows DCS to see a project from conception to completion all under the supervision of a board-certified dermatologist.