First-ever psoriasis legislation introduced in Congress
National Psoriasis Foundation to ask for support of bill on Capitol Hill Day
PORTLAND, Ore. (Feb. 16, 2007)—U.S. Reps. David Wu, D-Ore.-1st, and Jim Gerlach, R-Pa.-6th, have introduced the first-ever comprehensive psoriasis legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives—just as the National Psoriasis Foundation prepares to head to Washington, D.C., for its fourth-annual Capitol Hill Day, Feb. 25-26.
The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Research, Cure, and Care Act (PPARCCA) of 2007, is also supported by Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla.-20th, and Stephen Lynch, D-Ma.-9th, as they joined with Reps. Wu and Gerlach in introducing the measure. The National Psoriasis Foundation appreciates the leadership and commitment of all four of these representatives in supporting this unprecedented legislation.
The legislation was spearheaded by the National Psoriasis Foundation, which has been advocating in the nation's capital for greater federal investment in psoriasis, on behalf of as many as 7.5 million Americans with the disease.
"I believe it's important to recognize the pain caused by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and we have put forward this legislation to make treatments more accessible and find a cure for those living with these diseases," said Rep. Wu, lead author of the bill and congressman in Portland, Ore., where the Psoriasis Foundation is headquartered. "It is my hope that this bill will serve the needs of those afflicted and the community that supports them."
The legislation specifically calls on the federal government to:
- Expand psoriasis research conducted by the National Institutes of Health;
- Strengthen patient data collection on psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis by establishing a national psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patient registry through the Centers for Disease Control;
- Convene a federal summit on psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis to discuss issues and opportunities in psoriasis research;
- Direct the Institute of Medicine to create a report to evaluate and make recommendations on issues around access to care for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients.
More than 100 National Psoriasis Foundation volunteers from 29 states will visit their elected officials in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 26, and ask them to support the PPARCCA legislation. Advocates also will call upon Congress to increase funding for psoriasis research for the coming federal fiscal year.
"This is the first time psoriasis will be recognized through legislation," said Sheila Rittenberg, director of advocacy for the Psoriasis Foundation. "Psoriasis research is lagging, and treatment options are improving but still often do not meet patients' needs. This bill lays out a plan which will pave the way to a cure."
Recent studies have shown that psoriasis is a serious disease affecting the immune system and is associated with other chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
"We are honored that Rep. Wu has introduced this essential legislation and is leading the charge," said Rittenberg.
The National Psoriasis Foundation invites people to join the psoriasis community in the movement to boost research funding toward a cure. The Foundation will be promoting ways in which the general public can help build support for this historic bill at www.psoriasis.org.
About Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a noncontagious, genetic disease 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 millions of Americans with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis, and their families. The Psoriasis Foundation focuses on education, advocacy and research toward better treatments and a cure. For more information, please call the National Psoriasis Foundation, headquartered in Portland, Ore., at 800.723.9166, or visit www.psoriasis.org.
Media inquiries:
Sheila Rittenberg
Director of Advocacy
National Psoriasis Foundation
503.546.8365
Cell: 503.381.5950
srittenberg@psoriasis.org
More about the bill
 Full text: Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Research, Care and Cure Act 2007 (PPARCCA) (49k PDF)
 Bill summary and status on THOMAS (Library of Congress)
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