For the past 20+ years, Innovaderm has been offering clinical research services of superior quality, serving its partners in their journey to discover new dermatologic therapies and ultimately, helping patients gain access to new and safe treatments.
Have a significant impact on patients' health and quality of life by supporting the advancement of medical knowledge and the development of new therapies.
To be the leading global CRO in dermatology through innovative research and development.
In 2000, Innovaderm began its activities as a clinical research site specialized in dermatology.
It quickly built a strong reputation based on quality of its clinical research, its successful
enrollment strategies and the care offered to its study participants.
In 2004, Innovaderm initiated strategic partnerships with research centers in the United States and Canada to offer its sponsors access to other high-quality dermatology sites. Since then, Innovaderm has created an extensive database of collaborating sites in North America.
In 2007, Innovaderm expanded its activities to include Clinical Research Organization (CRO) services for studies in dermatology. Our company offers a unique combination of a full-service CRO with advanced scientific capabilities and an expert clinical site network.
Innovaderm is internationally renowned for its numerous research studies on psoriasis, acne and atopic dermatitis, as well as for studies involving biologics and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Over 64% of our team has a background in life sciences and over 55% has a postgraduate degree (Master’s, PhD or MD).
Robert Bissonnette, MD, FRCPC
Founder and CEO
Dr. Robert Bissonnette is the chief executive officer and medical director at Innovaderm, the
company he established in 2000. For more than 20 years, Dr. Bissonnette has dedicated his
efforts towards the advancement of research in dermatology. Dr. Bissonnette has conducted nearly
200 studies ranging from proof-of-concept to phase III. As a Key Opinion Leader, he has
extensive knowledge of clinical dermatology, clinical research, and the dermatology market, and
is a great asset to our clients. Dr. Bissonnette has published more than 260 articles and book
chapters, and delivers lectures on various aspects of dermatology at national and international
conferences. After receiving his medical degree from the University of Montreal, he completed
his residency training in dermatology followed by his clinical research training at McGill
University and the University of British Columbia. Dr. Bissonnette is a board-certified
dermatologist and served as an associate professor of dermatology at the University of Montreal
until 2004. He is regularly invited to advisory board meetings to share his expert opinion on
clinical product development. Dr. Bissonnette is internationally renowned for his clinical
expertise in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
Jasmina Jankicevic, MD, MSc, CCRP
Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Jasmina Jankicevic is globally recognized as a thought leader in dermatology & medical
aesthetics drug/device development. She has led clinical development in dermatology and medical
aesthetics for CROs, pharma/biotech, medical device, and cosmetic companies. She has driven
program strategy and implementation of 350+ clinical study protocols in 30+ indications while
leading global cross-functional teams towards successful regulatory submissions, product
launches, and innovative lifecycle management. As a global expert in dermatology clinical
development, Dr. Jankicevic has served as advisor to multiple companies on their way to global
regulatory and commercial success of innovative therapeutic solutions for common and rare skin
diseases, and aesthetic disorders. Dr. Jankicevic holds Doctor of Medicine degree, Master of
Medical Sciences degree, and Board-certification in Dermatology and Venereology from the
University of Belgrade, Serbia. She is also a Certified Clinical Research Professional, and a
trained journalist. Dr. Jankicevic is a sought-after speaker, and author of numerous articles in
peer-reviewed and trade journals.
Cedric Burg
Chief Operating Officer
Cedric Burg joined Innovaderm in 2023 as the Chief Operating Officer. His role entails the
management of global operations through the close collaboration between department heads while
overseeing most of Innovaderm’s activities. Cedric has a combined 20 years’ experience in
several clinical development positions, from consultant to senior vice-president in
pharmaceuticals and CRO industries. Although his core strengths are in clinical operations and
project management, he has acquired significant experience in related fields such as data
management, regulatory affairs, and medical writing in both North America and Europe. Cedric is
the recipient of a Bachelor of Science from the American University in Washington, D.C., a
Master’s Degree in Life Sciences from the University of Rennes, and a Doctorate’s Degree in
Molecular and Cellular Biology from Nantes University.
Jason Shuris
Chief Business Officer
Jason Shuris served as Innovaderm’s Vice President of Business Development from 2018-2021.
Following a short leave, he returned to Innovaderm in August 2022 as Chief Business Officer.
Jason oversees the sales and marketing activities at the organization. In addition, he plays a
key role in strategy planning and execution. Jason began his career in finance, occupying
different roles in the accounting departments of privately held hospitals in Boston. He then
worked in the life sciences sector as the controller at several biotechnology companies before
entering the CRO industry in 2011. To date, he has held various leadership positions at
ophthalmology and dermatology-focused CROs. Jason holds a Master of Science in Accounting from
Bentley University (MA).
Stéphane Lussier
Chief Financial Officer
Stéphane Lussier joined Innovaderm in 2020 and is currently the Chief Financial Officer. His
responsibilities include the management of external and internal accounting, financial reporting
and planning and tax analysis. Stéphane has 20+ years of leadership experience in finance and
operations in medium-sized and large enterprises. His previous roles include, senior director of
finance for the Canadian business division of a US-based publicly traded company in the
aeronautic industry. Stephane holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the
Université du Québec à Montréal. He is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-CMA).
Anne Marie Gaulin
Executive VP, Europe Expansion
Anne Marie Gaulin is responsible for the creative vision and strategic plan of action for
Innovaderm’s European Expansion initiative. Based in Europe, she will develop the region’s
clinical trial activities and expertise. Anne Marie joined Innovaderm in 2009 as the director of
business development. A strategic thinker, she greatly contributed to the success and growth of
the company by managing sales, marketing, recruitment, operations and commercial development.
Anne Marie’s sound knowledge of clinical trials in dermatology and 25+ years’ experience in the
pharmaceutical industry fostered strong relationships with our clients. Prior to joining
Innovaderm, she worked in business development at Cirion Biopharma, served as an operations
manager at Alcan Packaging, and occupied different roles in sales and marketing at Rhône-Poulenc
Rorer (now Sanofi) and Sandoz Consumer Health, a division of Novartis.
Yvon Leduc
VP, Human Resources
Yvon Leduc serves as the Vice President of Human Resources at Innovaderm. His responsibilities
include developing strategies, establishing programs and setting goals for the department while
fostering a diverse workplace that allows employees to flourish. Yvon has 25+ years of
leadership experience in human resources management. Prior to joining Innovaderm, he was a
Senior Director of Human Resources at a global pharmaceutical company. Yvon holds a bachelor’s
degree in Industrial Relations from the University of Montreal. He also holds the designation of
Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) from Quebec.
Guillaume Gigon
VP, Process Improvement
Guillaume Gigon joined Innovaderm in 2018 and is currently the Vice President of Process
Improvement. Throughout his career, he has held different positions including managing director
at a large CRO. Guillaume has 15+ years’ experience in the clinical trial and biomedical
industries, including project management and validation. He holds a Master of Science in
Biochemistry, a DESS in Information Technology and multiple certifications including Certified
CSTB Tester, LSS Green Belt and Portfolio Management.
Diane Leclerc
VP, Project Management
Diane Leclerc joined Innovaderm in 2021 in the role of Senior Director, Project Delivery and was
promoted to Vice President, Project Management in October 2022. She currently leads the Project
Management department comprised of Project Delivery, Patient Recruitment, Vendor Management,
Project Start-up and Operational Support, Operational Strategy and Project Management Learnings
and Development. Her group includes employees based in North America, Europe, and Asia. Diane is
a versatile, seasoned and dynamic executive leader experienced in the management of large
portfolios with strategic partners in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. She is
well-versed in the development phasess of investigational products and medical devices in
several therapeutic areas including dermatology. Diane holds a bachelor’s degree in Nursing
Sciences from Université Laval and is certified as both a clinical research and project
management professional by the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) and the Project
Management Institute (PMI).
Pina D'Angelo
VP, Biometrics
Pina D’Angelo holds a master’s degree in Mathematics and Statistics from McGill University. She
has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for over 25 years, both on the generic as well as on
the innovator side. Pina has extensive experience in many therapeutic areas in clinical trials
ranging from Phase 1 to 4 studies to PK/PD and bioequivalence studies. She has also served as a
lecturer of statistics for at various colleges and universities in Montreal and Toronto.
Mélanie Pomerleau
Sr. Director, Quality and Compliance
Mélanie Pomerleau joined Innovaderm in 2018 as Director, Quality Assurance. For the past four
years, she has held the position of Senior Director, Quality and Compliance. Mélanie has over 25
years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with a focus on clinical research. She has
served as a quality assurance manager in large CROs in both Canada and the United States (Phase
I and II). Additionally, she was the Head of Clinical Quality for a small-sized pharmaceutical
company specialized in women’s health where she was actively involved in phase III studies and
post-approval monitoring.
Our team is fully invested in the development of your projects, striving to help you achieve success in your mission of improving patients’ lives. Our teams are devoted to applying custom solutions to the complex and ever-changing landscape of clinical research and development.
To overcome these challenges, our team, with their life-sciences background, is trained in dermatology and understands the intricacies of your clinical program. In addition, our Quality Assurance unit is dedicated to supporting your project throughout each step of its execution, endeavoring to meet high-standard quality controls.
Our continuous and rapid growth positions us to tackle the most difficult aspects of your dermatology clinical trials. We are always aiming to exceed your expectations, contact us to learn more about our capabilities.
We are located in Montreal, one of the largest and most multicultural cities in North America. Montreal is internationally renowned for its world-class education and for its large pool of diverse talent. Many of the world’s top research and technology institutions are located in Montreal, making it a remarkable science and innovation hub.
With its significant number of teaching hospitals, phase 1 units, laboratories and access to a
large pool of research volunteers coming from diverse ethnic backgrounds, Montreal is a
significant contributor to clinical research.
We have modern, state-of-the-art facilities that are conveniently located in downtown Montreal,
30 minutes away from the Montreal-Trudeau International Airport.