Landmark psoriasis bill introduced in U.S. Senate
PORTLAND, Ore. (May 23, 2007) — Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., today introduced the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Research, Cure, and Care Act of 2007—the first-ever comprehensive psoriasis legislation to be introduced in the U.S. Senate. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., joined as an original co-sponsor with Sen. Menendez in introducing the bill.
The legislation was spearheaded by the National Psoriasis Foundation, which advocates in the nation's capital for greater federal investment in psoriasis, on behalf of as many as 7.5 million Americans with the disease.
A companion measure, H.R.1188, was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in February by Rep. David Wu, D-Ore.-1st.
"Too many people mistakenly think psoriasis is merely a mild inconvenience," said Sen. Menendez, adding that approximately 220,000 people in New Jersey alone have the disease. "I believe it's time for the federal government to recognize the pain and suffering caused by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. I am introducing this legislation to make treatments more accessible and find a cure for those living with these difficult diseases."
Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the immune system which appears on the skin as red, scaly lesions that can itch, crack and bleed. Some people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory disease of the joints. For many, the disease is disabling, and recent studies have shown that psoriasis is associated with other serious medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
The psoriasis legislation specifically calls on the federal government to:
- Expand psoriasis research conducted by the National Institutes of Health;
- Strengthen patient data collection by establishing a national psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patient registry through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;
- Convene a federal summit on psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis to discuss issues and opportunities in psoriasis research; and
- 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.
The National Psoriasis Foundation calls on the colleagues of Sen. Menendez and Sen. Lautenberg to co-sponsor this important legislation. The Foundation is promoting ways in which the general public can help build support for this historic bill at www.psoriasis.org.
"We are honored that Sen. Menendez is a leader and champion for the psoriasis community," said Sheila Rittenberg, director of advocacy for the Psoriasis Foundation. "With the introduction of this legislation in the Senate, both chambers of Congress have the opportunity to take a much-needed step in enacting comprehensive psoriasis legislation that will pave the way to a cure."
The National Psoriasis Foundation appreciates the leadership and commitment of Sen. Menendez and Sen. Lautenberg along with their many colleagues who we hope will support this unprecedented legislation.
About psoriasis
Psoriasis is a genetic, life-altering disease that results when faulty signals in the immune system prompt skin cells to regenerate too quickly, causing red, scaly lesions that can itch, crack and bleed. 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. 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 millions of Americans 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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