"Psoriasis Cure Now," a nonprofit patient group that works on behalf of the psoriasis community, today announced its 2005 "Health Care Advocates of the Year."
The recipients are Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, and Rep. Ralph Regula of Ohio. These three lawmakers were instrumental in putting Congress on record in support of increased federal research for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis research funding has traditionally lagged behind other research areas, receiving just $6.5 million last year out of a federal medical research budget at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) approaching $30 billion.
"People with psoriasis have no Hollywood stars or other glitzy backers to call on for support or to bring attention to this incurable disease," said Michael Paranzino, president of Psoriasis Cure Now. "In fact, we have traditionally suffered in silence. Yet these leaders took up our cause without fanfare and recognized how research on psoriasis will help not just the millions of Americans with the disease, but may also help us better understand other challenging diseases. We are grateful for their service to their constituents."
"The National Institutes of Health plays an important role in medical discoveries that improve people's health and save lives," said Congressman Regula (Ohio-16). "I am pleased that, together with the support of my colleagues, we have been able to direct some of NIH's focus towards this disease which affects millions of Americans."
Psoriasis is an incurable, recurring disease of the immune system that can first strike at any age, causing dry, painful skin lesions that can crack, bleed and itch. Many people with psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis, a chronic, progressive and debilitating inflammatory disease that often causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling, as well as bone damage. Studies this year found a higher incidence of autism in children of mothers with psoriasis, and a higher incidence of cardiovascular death among patients with severe psoriasis.
People with psoriasis also have higher rates of depression and suicidal ideation. "Congress really came together this year on behalf of psoriasis patients and their families," Paranzino added, "and Senator Specter, Congressman Regula and Congresswoman DeLauro led the way. A cure will come more quickly thanks to their efforts."
According to the NIH, there are as many as 7.5 million Americans with psoriasis, including an estimated 75,000 people with psoriasis in Connecticut; about 270,000 with psoriasis in Ohio; and about 285,000 with psoriasis in Pennsylvania. Each of these states also has important psoriasis research centers, including the University of Pennsylvania, Case Western Reserve University and Yale University.
"Cutting edge research like that being conducted at centers such as Yale University will help us find better treatments and ultimately a cure for psoriasis," said Congresswoman DeLauro (Conn.-3). "Federal funding for this research is critical, which is why I have fought in Congress to ensure psoriasis research continues. I am honored to be recognized by Psoriasis Cure Now for this work."
