CRO Industry Pulse
U.S. Senate Passes Psoriasis Resolution Calling For
Improved Research and Access to Care
August 2, 2006
The U.S. Senate passed Senate Resolution
420 (S. Res. 420), a bipartisan resolution calling for
improvements in treatment and access to care for individuals
with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Sen. Gordon
Smith, R-Ore., lead sponsor of the resolution, is a
dedicated champion for the psoriasis community and worked
to ensure passage of the measure prior to Psoriasis
Awareness Month in August.
Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., joined
Smith in leading the effort; they were supported by
Sens. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., Robert Menendez, D-N.J.,
Rick Santorum, R-Pa., John Warner, R-Va., and Ron Wyden,
D-Ore.
The resolution recognizes that psoriasis
and psoriatic arthritis can be painful, debilitating
diseases that can significantly and adversely impact
quality of life. Millions of people hold misconceptions
about psoriasis, and it remains an often misunderstood
disease. The resolution draws muchneeded attention to
the seriousness of psoriasis, the importance of early
diagnosis and proper treatment, and the need for public
awareness about psoriasis.
Through passage of the resolution,
the U.S. Senate is encouraging the federal government
to expand its psoriasis research efforts, including
the psychological and physical effects of the disease.
The Senate resolution also supports efforts to increase
access to treatments for individuals living with psoriasis
and psoriatic arthritis. The National Psoriasis Foundation
will work with members of Congress and federal research
agencies to ensure that the intent of the resolution
is carried out.
"The National Psoriasis Foundation
applauds today's Senate passage of an important resolution
seeking to improve psoriasis research and access to
care," said Gail M. Zimmerman, president and CEO
of the National Psoriasis Foundation. "According
to the National Institutes of Health, as many as 7.5
million Americans live with psoriasis. Thanks to the
leadership of Senators Smith and Lautenberg, the need
to boost psoriasis research and access to care has been
elevated at the highest level of government."
Passage of S. Res. 420 is part of
a comprehensive federal legislative agenda being pursued
in Washington, D.C., by the Psoriasis Foundation. The
Psoriasis Foundation is also advocating passage of a
resolution in the House of Representatives that is similar
to the Senate resolution. The House resolution (H. Con.
Res. 340) urges expansion of genetic, clinical and basic
research focused on increasing understanding of the
causes of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It also
calls for the Secretary of Health and Human Services
to convene a special panel to study the availability
of treatments for individuals with psoriasis and psoriatic
arthritis.
About Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a non-contagious, genetic
disease of the immune system that results when faulty
signals in the immune system prompt skin cells to regenerate
too quickly, causing red, scaly lesions that can crack
and bleed. It often affects the elbows, knees, scalp
and torso but can appear anywhere on the body. As many
as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis, according to
the National Institutes of Health. Ten percent to 30
percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic
arthritis, an inflammatory disease which causes pain,
stiffness and swelling in and around the joints. Psoriasis
can affect anyone at any age, including children. There
is no cure yet for this lifelong disease.
About the National Psoriasis Foundation
The National Psoriasis Foundation
is the leading patient-driven, nonprofit organization
dedicated to improving the quality of life of people
who have psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. We focus
on education, advocacy and research toward better treatments
and a cure. For more information, please call the Psoriasis
Foundation, headquartered in Portland, Ore., at 800-723-9166
or visit http://www.psoriasis.org/.
Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com
|
