RICHARDSON, Texas & PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Stephens & Associates, Inc., a contract research organization (CRO) dedicated to providing the most advanced, comprehensive clinical research services with the highest quality standards to skin science clients in dermatology, cosmetics, medical devices and personal care, announces it has expanded its study capabilities with a secure, outdoor swimming facility in Phoenix. The outdoor research asset enhances the company’s substantial laboratory sunscreen testing program. Studies include outdoor swimming and exercise-induced sweat studies for safety, children’s safety studies and sunscreen product efficacy as part of the company’s expanded outdoor Photobiology Program. As of February 5, 2018, the Stephens Phoenix center will also begin offering contract research services for industry standard sunscreen testing, including in-vitro UVA critical wavelength analysis, with the support of world-renowned photobiologist, Curtis Cole, Ph.D.
“We are excited to be able to offer an exceptional full suite of photobiology studies to complement the center’s growing safety and efficacy capabilities for products ranging from skin care and cosmetics to general household goods,” comments Thomas J. Stephens, Ph.D., president and founder of Stephens & Associates. “With 340 days of sunshine and low humidity, the exclusive outdoor swimming resource in Phoenix enhances our company’s services tremendously and provides unique opportunities for real-world sunscreen testing year round.”
Stephens adheres to the most stringent regulatory requirements for the US and key countries outside of the US where the company has relationships, including Japan, Korea and Australia.
Lawrence A. Rheins, Ph.D., Senior Director of the Phoenix research center, remarks, “The Stephens organization continues to make significant investment into its recently opened Phoenix operation, including the consultative expertise of Dr. Curtis Cole. Dr. Cole is providing advanced training to our experienced staff to ensure every sunscreen test meets the current state-of-the-industry standards for SPF testing and the highest quality standards our clients expect.
“Dr. Cole brings world-class, career-length experience focused solely on innovative testing for sun and skin products to Stephens,” continues Dr. Rheins. “His applied research in sunscreen evaluation methodologies, product design support, and management of innovation groups for discovery and validation of new photobiology technologies, reinforces our state-of-the-art services to our global clients. Stephens is honored to have his expertise and enthusiastic support for expanding our Photobiology Program.”
For more than 25 years, Dr. Cole was the Vice President for Research & Development at Johnson & Johnson. While at J&J, he developed new test methods and instrumentation for sunscreen evaluations, resulting in the development and launch of the first stabilized retinol products for photo-damaged and aging skin, along with Helioplex™ photostabilized sunscreens. Dr. Cole has contributed to numerous industry collaborations including leading the development of new ISO standards for sunscreen testing. He is currently the president of Sun & Skin Consulting, LLC, and has authored numerous published academic articles.
To participate in a study, call toll free 1-833-530-7596, email recruitingAZ@stephens-associates.com, or apply online at www.sastudies.com.
To inquire about clinical trial services, please contact Dr. Lawrence Rheins, Phoenix Senior Director, at 480-682-0317 or lrheins@stephens-associates.com.
Stephens & Associates
Stephens & Associates, Inc. is a contract research organization (CRO) with state-of-the-art technology and full service capabilities to maximize clinical success in all phases of testing. With superior in-house scientific expertise, meticulous quality standards and more than 28 years of experience, Stephens consistently provides top quality, value added clinical trials to a variety of clients, including companies developing and manufacturing skin care products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, medical devices and personal care products. The firm’s size, flexibility and relentless focus on the skin care niche, enables Stephens to offer industry-leading turnaround times, impeccable study execution and data analysis. For information about clinical trial services, go to www.stephens-associates.com. Study participants should visit www.sastudies.com.
