Psoriasis Foundation grant goes to Oregon researcher
PORTLAND, Ore., April 20, 2005 -- The National Psoriasis Foundation and the Dermatology Foundation have jointly granted a $55,000 career development award to Allen G. Li, M.D., Ph.D., of Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).
The award, announced at the American Academy of Dermatology meeting in February, is a three-year annual stipend that goes to an individual who demonstrates meritorious work and potential in psoriasis genetics, immunology or clinical research focused on understanding the mechanism of the disease.
An assistant professor in the research division of OHSU's Department of Dermatology, Dr. Li is studying the role that a specific protein plays in psoriasis skin inflammation. He hopes to expand his research to the development of treatments that target psoriasis cells.
"We, along with other psoriasis researchers, are putting the pieces of the puzzle together to understand the molecular basis underlying psoriasis," said Dr. Li, who has worked in the field of investigative dermatology since 1991.
The Psoriasis Foundation provides competitive grants, such as the career development award, to promote promising areas of research. This year's award was funded in conjunction with the Dermatology Foundation, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Illinois that supports dermatology research. The Psoriasis Foundation has awarded more than $3.5 million in grants and fellowships to researchers in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
About psoriasis
Psoriasis is a noncontagious, genetic skin disease that results when faulty signals in the immune system prompt skin cells to regenerate too quickly, causing red, scaly lesions that itch, crack and bleed. It often affects the elbows, knees, scalp and torso but can appear anywhere on the body. Ten percent to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints. There is no cure yet for these chronic diseases, which can disrupt daily life and are debilitating for some people.
About the National Psoriasis Foundation
The National Psoriasis Foundation is a patient-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of more than 5 million Americans diagnosed with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis and their families. For more information, please call the Psoriasis Foundation, headquartered in Portland, Ore., at 800-723-9166 or visit www.psoriasis.org
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