New Jersey continues to solidify its reputation as a premier destination for global businesses, attracting innovative companies that contribute to our state’s economy and beyond. We at Explore New Jersey are excited to announce a significant development in our thriving business landscape: Pierre Fabre USA, the American arm of the esteemed French-based global healthcare company, has officially opened its new U.S. headquarters in Secaucus!
This strategic move from Parsippany to a cutting-edge facility at 500 Plaza Drive in Secaucus marks a pivotal new chapter for Pierre Fabre, deepening its longstanding ties to the Garden State. The new office will serve as the central hub for both its world-renowned dermo-cosmetics division and its rapidly expanding medical care subsidiaries, focusing on critical areas like rare disease and oncology.
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A Strategic Relocation for Growth and Innovation
Lisa Morris, President and CEO of Pierre Fabre USA, highlighted the multifaceted benefits of the Secaucus location, emphasizing that it’s “more than just a space; it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation, and showcases the team’s hard work and dedication.” She added that the move “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.”
The decision to choose Secaucus was driven by three key factors: significant opportunities for company growth, exceptional accessibility to New York City and the broader Tri-State Area workforce, and a desirable environment that fosters employee enjoyment and well-being. The Harmon Meadow area, with its diverse range of restaurants, hotels, retail stores, and entertainment options, provides an attractive backdrop for employees and partners alike. As Morris put it, “Secaucus offers the ideal combination of our established roots in the state with enhanced proximity to the vibrant energy and inspiration from NYC.”
Leading the Way in Dermo-Cosmetics and Medical Care
Pierre Fabre is globally recognized as the world’s second-largest dermo-cosmetics manufacturer and a significant player in the fields of oncology, cell and gene therapy, rare disease, and dermatology. This new U.S. headquarters is designed to foster creativity and collaboration across all departments, featuring an immersive skin and hair care experience center that allows for hands-on learning – a testament to their dedication to innovation in their popular brands like Eau Thermale Avène, Klorane, and René Furterer, which were first introduced to the U.S. market in the 1990s.
Beyond beauty, Pierre Fabre’s medical investments in the U.S. have significantly expanded with the creation of a dedicated pharmaceutical unit, Pierre Fabre Pharmaceuticals. This unit is laser-focused on delivering breakthrough therapies to American patients facing high unmet needs and limited treatment options, particularly in oncology and rare diseases.
Eric Ducournau, CEO of Pierre Fabre Laboratories, underscored the strategic importance of this U.S. expansion, stating, “The U.S. is not only the biggest market in the world for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics alike, but also the most disruptive market for therapeutic innovation.” He expressed the company’s determination to take the “next step forward,” with the Secaucus office serving as clear evidence of this commitment.
Adriana Herrera, CEO of the pharma unit, reiterated this dedication at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, emphasizing the company’s “steadfast commitment… to building a powerful presence for medical innovation and patient impact in the U.S.” She highlighted the company’s foundation-owned structure, which allows for a “purpose-driven U.S. team focused on creating long-term value and hope for patients.”
A Commitment to Ethical Practices and Global Well-being
Beyond their market leadership, Pierre Fabre, particularly its Dermo-Cosmétique division, adheres to a strict policy of not testing any of their products or ingredients on animals. This commitment aligns with stringent European cosmetic regulations. They actively champion alternative methods for safety assessments, including substitution tests on artificially reconstructed skin, utilizing molecular modeling, and financially supporting research into animal experimentation alternatives.
It’s important to note that while Pierre Fabre does not conduct animal testing themselves, their products are sold in certain countries where animal testing might be required by local law for imported cosmetics. The company is actively working with industry partners and authorities to advocate for the global elimination of animal testing, acknowledging the complexities of international regulations while striving for a cruelty-free world. Their corporate purpose, “every time we care for a single person, we make the whole world better,” truly encapsulates their comprehensive approach to business, blending scientific rigor with ethical considerations and patient-centric care.
This move to Secaucus signifies that this is “only the beginning” for Pierre Fabre’s impact in the U.S., positioning them for even greater engagement with American patients and healthcare professionals. Their continued presence in New Jersey not only strengthens our state’s robust healthcare and beauty sectors but also brings a global leader’s commitment to innovation and responsible practices right to our doorstep.
The Humane State: New Jersey’s Commitment to Compassionate Practices (and a Global Perspective!)
New Jersey is a place where innovation flourishes, but it’s also a state increasingly dedicated to ethical practices and the well-being of all living creatures. At Explore New Jersey, we champion businesses and initiatives that embody compassion, and we’re always keen to highlight the evolving landscape of humane standards.
To delve deeper into the efforts shaping a more compassionate New Jersey, explore our dedicated section: The Humane State!
One area where ethical considerations are making significant strides is in the beauty and healthcare industries, particularly concerning animal testing. Take, for example, Pierre Fabre, the global healthcare and dermo-cosmetics company that recently reinforced its commitment to New Jersey with a new U.S. headquarters in Secaucus. Their approach to product testing offers a compelling case study in the complexities and progress of cruelty-free practices.
Pierre Fabre: A Nuanced Approach to Cruelty-Free
Pierre Fabre, and specifically its Dermo-Cosmétique division (which includes popular brands like Avène), proudly states that they do not test any of their products or ingredients on animals. This steadfast commitment aligns with the rigorous European cosmetic regulations, which have largely banned animal testing for cosmetics.
The company emphasizes its dedication to cutting-edge alternative methods for safety assessments, investing in science and technology to ensure product safety without harming animals. These innovative approaches include:
- Substitution tests on artificially reconstructed skin: This involves using advanced laboratory models that mimic human skin to evaluate product reactions.
- Utilizing alternative toxicology methods like molecular modeling: Employing computational and scientific techniques to predict how ingredients might interact with biological systems without any animal involvement.
- Financial support for research into alternatives to animal experimentation: Actively funding the development of new, humane testing methods globally.
However, the path to a universally cruelty-free status is complex, especially for global companies. While Pierre Fabre does not conduct animal testing themselves, some consumers might hold a different perspective on their “cruelty-free” status because their products are sold in certain countries where animal testing is still required by law for imported cosmetics. This means that while Pierre Fabre isn’t performing the tests, third parties might be mandated to do so on their behalf to meet local regulations in those specific markets.
Pierre Fabre openly acknowledges this intricate global challenge. They are actively engaged in working with other industry leaders and international organizations to advocate for the elimination of animal testing worldwide, striving for a future where such practices are universally obsolete. Their presence in markets with evolving regulations highlights the ongoing global effort required to achieve truly comprehensive cruelty-free standards. In essence, while Pierre Fabre asserts its internal commitment to no animal testing, their global market presence brings a nuanced discussion to the forefront of cruelty-free consumerism.
New Jersey’s Role in a Humane Future
The efforts of companies like Pierre Fabre resonate with New Jersey’s broader commitment to animal welfare and ethical considerations. Our state has been a strong advocate for humane practices, with legislation and public awareness campaigns continually pushing for greater protection and responsible treatment of animals.
From promoting animal adoption and supporting local shelters to encouraging ethical consumer choices, New Jersey communities and businesses are contributing to a more compassionate world. The discussions around corporate responsibility in product testing, as exemplified by Pierre Fabre’s transparent approach, serve as important benchmarks for what can be achieved when innovation and ethics converge.
At Explore New Jersey, we believe that understanding these intricate aspects of business practices helps consumers make informed choices and encourages more companies to adopt and advocate for humane standards. The journey towards a fully cruelty-free world is ongoing, and New Jersey, with its progressive outlook and compassionate citizens, continues to play a vital role in shaping that future.
