In Brief: IND Applications For Cosmetic Trials? Lauder Appointment; P&G At Olympics

Comments may be submitted through April 7 regarding cosmetics-related sections in an FDA guidance that could impose the costs and burden of Investigational New Drug application on beauty companies conducting clinical trials. More news in brief.

FDA Comment Period For Cosmetic INDs

In a Feb. 6 Federal Register notice, FDA announces that it has reopened the comment period for cosmetics-related sections in its final guidance document titled “Investigational New Drug Applications (INDs) — Determining Whether Human Research Studies Can Be Conducted Without an IND.” The comment period will end April 7 and marks the first opportunity cosmetics stakeholders have to offer their opinion on the guidance, as the previous guidance version open for comments did not include a cosmetics section. The guidance suggests that cosmetics companies conducting studies involving human subjects may be required to file for an IND if a product or ingredient is being studied to assess its impact on the structure or function of the body, regardless of its final claim (Also see "FDA Guidance Could Impose Drug-Like Burden On Cosmetic Trials" - HBW Insight, 27 Jan, 2014.).

Estee Lauder Appoints Jesel To SVP Corporate Innovation

The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. announced Feb. 7 its appointment of Guillaume Jesel to the new role of senior VP and general manager, global corporate innovation. Effective March 31, Jesel will oversee corporate technologies and external initiatives and long-term efforts to sustain innovation. Working alongside Daria Myers, SVP of global innovation and sustainability, Jesel will report to Carl Haney, exec VP of global research and development, corporate product innovation and package development, the firm notes in a release. “Guillaume’s keen understanding of how innovation drives brand growth, complemented by his strong experience in marketing and branding, makes him ideally suited for this new role,” Haney said in the release. “Additionally, his leadership and close partnership with Daria will ensure we continue to build on our Company’s longstanding heritage of innovation and help set the trends in prestige beauty for many years to come.” Jesel previously held the position of SVP of global and North America marketing for the MAC Cosmetics brand for seven years, and has served at the company a total of 14 years. At MAC, Jesel worked to make the brand more relevant through fashion and pop culture programs, social media efforts, and supply chain and product marketing efforts. He also headed campaigns such as the MAC AIDS Fund and Viva Glam, Lauder notes.

P&G Family Home For Olympic Relatives

Worldwide Olympic Games partner Procter & Gamble Co. has opened the doors of its Family Home for families of Olympians competing in the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, the Cincinnati-based firm announces Feb. 6. Through the Family Home, which also serves as the “heart” of P&G’s Thank You Mom campaign during the games, families can receive pampering services via various P&G brands. Visitors can access hair washing and styling services at the Pantene and Wella studios, makeovers and manicures at the CoverGirl studio and skin care recommendations for moisturizing at the Olay studio. Men can visit the male grooming salon for hot towel shaves and face massages in the Gillette studio, hair washing and styling services at a Head & Shoulders studio and grooming treatments including the Perfect Trim by Braun. In the U.S., the campaign will come to life via media channels and in-store, where two million retailers are featuring Olympic Winter Games-themed P&G products, branded end caps and displays, according to the firm.

Unilever, FIT Partner On Beauty Master’s Program

Unilever PLC’s U.S. division will sponsor 2014 capstone research and presentations on the “evolution of the beauty landscape,” and specifically “the changing face of the beauty consumer,” under a partnership with the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing and Management master’s degree program, announced Feb. 4. “The Beauty industry is evolving rapidly. We are rushing to adapt to demographic, socio-economic, and global changes that promise to transform our business and dictate what consumers want from us,” says David Rubin, brand building VP for U.S. hair care at Unilever North America. “We at Unilever are proud to collaborate with FIT and its world-class students to acquire their expert view on how we build the beauty business of the future to meet the needs and wants of our changing consumer.” Created in 2000 to provide advanced education for “outstanding mid-career executives” in the beauty industry, FIT’s master’s program this year will address “the new beauty customer,” assessing the influence of factors such as ethnicity and changing lifestyles on purchasing trends; the concept of “accessible beauty,” or what value means to consumers and how companies can deliver it; and “men’s beauty and grooming,” exploring ways in which companies can make the category more accessible to male consumers, according to the release. Research from the program will be released in June. Unilever reported a 3% decrease in 2013 turnover, but expects continued innovation to drive success in 2014 (Also see "Unilever Looks To Personal-Care Innovation, Improved “Agility” In FY 2014" - HBW Insight, 3 Feb, 2014.)