Take action for a cure during Psoriasis Awareness Month
The National Psoriasis Foundation sets goal of 2,000 samples for its BioBank research study by end of 2007
PORTLAND, Ore. (July 25, 2007) — August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, and the National Psoriasis Foundation is asking the public for help with a research program aimed at finding a cure for psoriasis—a disease that affects as many as 7.5 million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Earlier this year, the Psoriasis Foundation launched the National Psoriasis Victor Henschel BioBank—an initiative that will create the largest collection of psoriasis DNA samples ever gathered for psoriasis genetics research. The Psoriasis Foundation is seeking BioBank participants to help reach a goal of 2,000 samples by the end of 2007. Participants do not have to have psoriasis to qualify for the study; the research calls for 1,000 cases (people with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis) and 1,000 controls (people without the disease and without psoriasis in their family).
In the past, psoriasis was often dismissed as a cosmetic skin disorder. Research over the past 10 years, however, has shown that while psoriasis may manifest itself on the skin or in the joints, it actually starts beneath the skin's surface, in the immune system. Richard Mengelkoch of Union City, Calif., has had psoriasis for 34 years. He tried "what seems like every over-the-counter and prescription drug available." He's participated in clinical trials in his search to find a treatment that works.
"I've always held hope for a cure," said Mengelkoch. "Participation in the BioBank was one of the easiest things I've ever done."
According to Gail Zimmerman, president and CEO of the National Psoriasis Foundation, "Researchers believe there is a genetic component to this disease, so it's important to gather samples from people with and without psoriasis for the study."
The National Psoriasis BioBank is unique in two ways: The study has a software component that will collect data to study disease trends such as age of onset, effectiveness of treatments and health conditions associated with psoriasis. Moreover, scientific research studies like the BioBank are typically conducted in large hospitals or universities; the National Psoriasis BioBank was created, funded and is managed by the National Psoriasis Foundation—a nonprofit patient advocacy organization.
Participation in the BioBank begins with a simple online registration at www.psoriasis.org/biobank. A variety of factors determine who is qualified to participate. Qualified individuals submit a blood sample and swab of cheek cells via a kit provided by the BioBank, along with a completed medical history booklet. There is no cost to the participant and rigorous processes have been integrated into the program to protect the privacy of each contributor.
"Some people will qualify for all phases of the study. Others won't," said Zimmerman. "But even those who don't qualify can make an important contribution to our work by stepping up to register, spreading awareness about psoriasis and asking others to participate."
For more information, or to submit a registration form for the BioBank, go to www.psoriasis.org/biobank, or call the National Psoriasis Foundation at 800.723.9166.
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. 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 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.
|
