Dr Therrien is a distinguished expert in skin biology with over 25 years of experience in dermal product development, including 15+ years creating prescription and consumer health products. Nationally and internationally recognized as an innovative leader in dermal drug development, Dr combines deep scientific rigor with a proven track record of translating discoveries into safe, efficacious products.
Dr. Therrien’s research and development initiatives encompass a broad spectrum of disciplines: molecular and cellular biology, skin biology and pathophysiology, photobiology, skin aging, gene therapy, and dermal drug delivery technologies, with responsibility for early safety assessment protocols. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership in establishing and directing skin biology research laboratories and multidisciplinary teams, guiding multiple programs through the complete development lifecycle from discovery to commercial launch. His scientific contributions are reflected in publications within high-impact peer-reviewed journals, an extensive patent portfolio, and numerous presentations at prestigious scientific conferences.
Currently a Sr Director at Allergan Aesthetics/AbbVie, Dr. Therrien leads dermatology discovery programs focused on new target identification and aesthetic therapeutics for skin quality and age-related changes. Previously, he served as Vice President of Skin Biology and Dermal Delivery at multiple contract research organizations and startups, and as Director of Skin Biology in the Dermatology Therapeutic Area at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). He also spent six years at the National Cancer Institute/National Institutes of Health as a Post-Doctoral and Research Fellow, advancing human skin gene therapy.
Dr. Therrien holds a B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Sherbrooke and a Ph.D. in Molecular & Cellular Biology/Photobiology from Laval University. He served as Adjunct Professor at NC State University (2020-now) and as a Board Member of the Society of Investigative Dermatology (2016–2021).
