GlobalSkin - International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations

What GlobalSkin - International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations does

GlobalSkin - International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations (IADPO) is a Canadian nonprofit alliance founded in 2015 during the World Congress of Dermatology in Vancouver, and headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario. The organization operates as an umbrella network for not-for-profit dermatology patient organizations, currently serving 193 member organizations across approximately 86 countries and 54+ dermatological disease areas, with regional networks in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Latin America. Its core offerings center on four pillars: (1) research, anchored by the GRIDD initiative and its PRIDD patient-reported outcome measure that generate unique patient-perspective impact data; (2) member support programs, including the Member Impact Fund, World Atopic Eczema Day Fund, Rare Disease Day Fund, and the EUPATI Patient Expert Scholarship; (3) biennial international conferences (2019, 2021, 2023, 2025) plus regional convenings and webinars; and (4) advocacy, including the successful May 2025 adoption of the WHA Skin Diseases Resolution at the 78th World Health Assembly.

Name

GlobalSkin - International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations

Legal name

International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations

Website

https://globalskin.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

GlobalSkin is a Canadian nonprofit global alliance founded in 2015 that unites 193 dermatology patient organizations across 86 countries, delivering GRIDD research, funding programs, biennial conferences, and advocacy that secured the 2025 WHA Skin Diseases Resolution.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Patient Advocacy / Nonprofit Health Alliance

NAICS

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

Global Health Advocacy, Policy & Rights Organizations (HLAJAKAO)

Keywords

• Patient advocacy alliance
• Dermatology patient organizations
• Patient-reported outcomes research
• Nonprofit health coalition
• Global health advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Ottawa

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Industry Sponsorship and Funding: GlobalSkin is 100% funded by industry partners. In Fiscal Year 2025, the organization received sponsorship from 21 pharmaceutical and healthcare companies including AbbVie, Almirall, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, Incyte, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, and others. None of these companies provided 25% or more of GlobalSkin's funding, with the Sanofi/Regeneron alliance providing the highest percentage at 11.9%. Revenue was also comprised of thought leadership income (1.3%).

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

GlobalSkin is a global alliance that connects, supports, and represents not-for-profit dermatology patient organizations worldwide. It advances patient-centered healthcare through research initiatives (GRIDD/PRIDD), advocacy campaigns (including the adopted WHA Skin Diseases Resolution), grant and scholarship programs for members, biennial international conferences, and strategic partnerships with WHO, EMA, and industry sponsors. The organization offers Full, Associate, and Affiliate membership tiers along with funding programs such as the Member Impact Fund, World Atopic Eczema Day Fund, Rare Disease Day Fund, and the EUPATI Patient Expert Scholarship.

Product overview

GlobalSkin is a global alliance of dermatology patient organizations, not a traditional technology company with software products. Its core offerings consist of research initiatives, measurement tools, grant programs, educational scholarships, and biennial conferences. The flagship offerings are the Global Research on the Impact of Dermatological Diseases (GRIDD) initiative and the PRIDD (Patient-Reported Impact of Dermatological Diseases) measurement tool, which generate patient-perspective data to influence healthcare policy. Additional offerings include member granting programs (Member Impact Fund, World Atopic Eczema Day Fund, Rare Disease Day Fund), the Patient Expert Scholarship in partnership with EUPATI, and biennial international conferences for patient leader community building and advocacy training.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• GRIDD (Global Research on the Impact of Dermatological Diseases) A groundbreaking international research project led by GlobalSkin that develops the PRIDD patient-reported outcome measure, generating unique, verifiable patient-perspective data on the impact of dermatological diseases worldwide. Designed for use by patient organizations, researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to inform treatment development and health policy.
• PRIDD (Patient-Reported Impact of Dermatological Diseases) Tool A patient-reported outcome measure developed through the GRIDD project that captures the impact of dermatological diseases on patients' daily lives, mental health, and overall well-being. Used in research and clinical settings to ensure patient voices inform treatment development and policy decisions.
• GlobalSkin Member Impact Fund A grant program providing financial support to member patient organizations for capacity building, programming, and organizational development initiatives to strengthen their work serving skin patients. Now in its sixth year.
• World Atopic Eczema Day Fund A grant program that financially assists member organizations in planning and implementing activities to raise awareness for Atopic Eczema on September 14th annually, including event planning, marketing, and mental health support categories.
• Patient Expert Scholarship Program A scholarship program offered in partnership with EUPATI (European Patients' Academy on Therapeutic Innovation) that provides financial support for patient experts to complete online training and in-person education on medicine research and clinical trials development.
• GlobalSkin Biennial Conference Biennial international conferences (2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2025) bringing together dermatology patient leaders worldwide for networking, learning, advocacy training, and knowledge sharing on research, science, and organizational capacity building.
• Rare Disease Day Fund A grant program supporting member organizations in raising awareness for Rare Disease Day (February 28 annually), including campaign toolkits, graphics, and resources shared with patient organizations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 193 member organizations across 65 countries representing 54 disease areas
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.

• International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 March 2021Formal partnership through Memorandum of Understanding signed March 31, 2021. GlobalSkin collaborates with ILDS on strategic efforts including Patient Organizations Working Group, WCD Scientific Program Committee, World Skin Summit Planning Committee, and advocacy to WHO for skin disease prioritization. Together they achieved the WHA Skin Diseases Resolution adoption in May 2025.
• European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Since 2018, GlobalSkin and EADV co-organize a Special Interest Session at EADV Congress. GlobalSkin participates in EADV Patient Advocacy Taskforce and serves as Ambassador for the Advocacy Task Force. GlobalSkin is a signatory to EADV policy statements and initiatives.
• World Health Organization (WHO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobalSkin is part of the WHO Civil Society Commission working to strengthen dialogue and collaboration with WHO at global, regional, and national levels. GlobalSkin actively engages in Civil Society Engagement Mechanism for UHC2030 (CSEM) for universal health coverage. Major advocacy success with WHA Skin Diseases Resolution adoption.
• European Medicines Agency (EMA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobalSkin was accepted into EMA network of eligible patients and consumers organizations in 2022. Became observer member of Patient and Consumer Working Party (PCWP) in 2022, transitioning to Full Member in 2024 for elevated involvement in European regulatory affairs.
• European Patients' Academy on Therapeutic Innovation (EUPATI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 2021, GlobalSkin partnered with EUPATI to offer the GlobalSkin Patient Expert Scholarship Program, providing financial support for members to complete the EUPATI Patient Expert Training Programme, including online courses and in-person training events.
• European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients' Associations (EFA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founded and co-coordinate World Atopic Eczema Day (September 14) with EFA since 2018. Collaborate annually on Campaign Toolkit development with key messages, graphics, and resources shared with patient organizations.
• Global Atopic Dermatitis Atlas (GADA)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobalSkin serves on the advisory board for the Atopic Dermatitis Atlas initiative, bringing patient voice to ensure data and insights are inclusive of real-world patient experiences.
• Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-creative partnership focused on amplifying patient and caregiver perspectives in pediatric dermatology research. GlobalSkin contributes to PeDRA Patient Advisory Committee (PeDRA-PAC) to shape research agenda and cross-disease studies.
• International Dermatology Outcome Measures (IDEOM)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobalSkin is a proud member of IDEOM initiative, contributing to establishing and validating standardized outcome measures that matter most to patients, clinicians, and researchers in dermatology.
• Global Vitiligo Atlas (GLOVA)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobalSkin serves on the advisory board of GLOVA, ensuring patient voices and lived experiences are integrated into this global resource for advancing vitiligo understanding.
• Coalition of Skin Diseases (CSD)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of Coalition of Skin Diseases, collaborating with like-minded patient advocacy groups to raise awareness, influence research priorities, and advocate for better access to care.
• Global Hidradenitis Suppurativa Atlas (GHiSA)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobalSkin serves on the advisory board for GHiSA, integrating patient voices into development of this global resource for Hidradenitis Suppurativa understanding and management.
• NCD AlliancesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn April 2024, GlobalSkin became a member of NCD Alliance, a civil society network with 300+ members in 80 countries dedicated to improving noncommunicable diseases prevention and control. Actively participated in Fourth High-level Meeting on NCDs at UN in September 2025.
• EURODISsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn March 2024, GlobalSkin became an associate member of EURODIS, a unique alliance of over 1000 rare disease patient organisations from 74 countries working to improve lives of 300+ million people with rare diseases.
• International Alliance of Patients' Organizations (IAPO)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobalSkin is a proud member of IAPO, a global network promoting patient-centered healthcare worldwide. GlobalSkin adheres to the IAPO-developed Consensus Framework for Ethical Collaboration.
• International Society for Quality of Life Research (ISOQOL)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobalSkin is a member of ISOQOL, accessing leading research, methodologies, and expert networks supporting development of patient-reported outcome measures through initiatives like GRIDD and PRIDD.
• Patient Focused Medicines Development (PFMD)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobalSkin collaborates with PFMD to advance patient engagement across medicine development lifecycle. CEO began serving on PFMD Board in 2024. GlobalSkin contributes to Remuneration and FMV Project Committee, PEOF Conference Planning Committee, and Patient Engagement and Patient Experience Data Committee.
• International Rare Diseases Research Consortium (IRDiRC)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn January 2023, GlobalSkin was accepted as member of IRDiRC Patient Advocates Constituent Committee (PACC) to support cross-cutting issues affecting rare disease patients. In June 2025, Director of Programs Tammi Shipowick was nominated as Vice Chair for PACC.
• World Patients Alliance (WPA)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobalSkin is a member of WPA, connecting with worldwide network of patient leaders and contributing dermatology patient perspectives to broader health advocacy efforts.
• Rare Diseases International (RDI)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobalSkin is an active member of RDI, advocating for rare diseases as public health priority. Serves on CGN4RD Panel of Experts. Supported Rare Diseases Resolution adopted in May 2025.
• European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobalSkin is part of EFPIA Patient Think Tank, providing forum for exchange between patient organizations and industry on topical issues impacting patients, building trust and acceptance around transparent dialogue.
• Health Diplomacy AlliancesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobalSkin collaborates with Health Diplomacy Alliance on initiatives strengthening patient role in global health diplomacy. Worked closely on WHA Resolution on Skin Diseases and co-hosted side-event in Geneva.
• Patient Movement CatalystminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobalSkin participates in Patient Movement Catalyst initiative, contributing to committee activities and co-authored publications aimed at empowering patient organizations within multi-stakeholder ecosystems.
• European Patients' Forum (EPF)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobalSkin is a member of EPF, engaging in advocacy, policy dialogue, and knowledge exchange with wide network of patient organizations to ensure dermatology patient perspectives in European health policy.
• Global GenesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobalSkin is a member of Global Genes, strengthening ties within rare disease ecosystem and supporting collective efforts to advance research, awareness, and equitable access to care for rare skin conditions.
• AbbViesecondaryOthersOne of 21 industry partners providing funding to GlobalSkin in Fiscal Year 2025.
• Eli Lilly & CosecondaryOthersOne of 21 industry partners providing funding to GlobalSkin in Fiscal Year 2025.
• NovartissecondaryOthersOne of 21 industry partners providing funding to GlobalSkin in Fiscal Year 2025.
• PfizersecondaryOthersOne of 21 industry partners providing funding to GlobalSkin in Fiscal Year 2025.
• Sanofi/RegeneronsecondaryOthersSanofi/Regeneron alliance partnership provided the highest percentage of GlobalSkin's funding at 11.9% in Fiscal Year 2025.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• International Alliance of Patients' Organizations (IAPO): Global umbrella for patient organizations across all disease areas, promoting patient-centered healthcare. GlobalSkin adheres to IAPO's Consensus Framework for Ethical Collaboration, and both operate membership-based patient alliances with industry sponsorship.
• European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients' Associations (EFA): European patient organization alliance focused on allergy and respiratory conditions. GlobalSkin co-founded World Atopic Eczema Day with EFA in 2018, making EFA a direct peer in patient-driven global awareness campaigns and chronic disease advocacy.
• EURORDIS - Rare Diseases Europe: Alliance of over 1,000 rare disease patient organizations across 74 countries. GlobalSkin is an associate member of EURORDIS, and both operate as multi-disease patient organization alliances with WHO/EMA engagement and pharmaceutical industry funding models.
• NCD Alliance: Civil society network of 300+ members in 80 countries addressing noncommunicable diseases. GlobalSkin joined in April 2024 and both organizations pursue WHO/UN policy advocacy with industry-supported funding models.
• World Patients Alliance (WPA): Global network connecting patient leaders across disease areas. GlobalSkin is a member of WPA, and both function as international patient advocacy umbrellas engaging with WHO and pharmaceutical industry partners.
• Coalition of Skin Diseases (CSD): US-focused coalition of patient advocacy groups for various skin conditions. GlobalSkin is a member of CSD, and both are multi-disease dermatology patient alliances with collaboration on research priorities and care access.
• Rare Diseases International (RDI): Global alliance of rare disease patient organizations. GlobalSkin is an active member that served on the CGN4RD Panel of Experts and supported the Rare Diseases Resolution adopted in May 2025 alongside the skin diseases resolution.

Emerging players

• National Eczema Association (NEA): US-based patient organization for eczema/atopic dermatitis. As a single-disease US-focused counterpart, NEA is comparable to GlobalSkin's disease-specific members (e.g., Institut Atopika) and shares the atopic eczema advocacy ecosystem including World Atopic Eczema Day.

Broad incumbents

• International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS): Global umbrella for dermatology societies founded in 1935. GlobalSkin has a formal MOU with ILDS since 2021 and collaborates on WCD, Patient Organizations Working Group, and advancing the WHA Skin Diseases Resolution—ILDS represents the professional/physician side while GlobalSkin represents the patient side.
• European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV): Leading European dermatology professional organization. Since 2018, GlobalSkin co-organizes special interest sessions at EADV Congress and participates in EADV Patient Advocacy Taskforce—a complementary peer on the physician/clinical side of dermatology.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/globalskin
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCNJHYaoiCn6o9C6EvwrMCmQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/globalskin
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/globalskin

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about GlobalSkin - International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations