Minor Irritation? Or $3.2 Billion Health Care Expense

Annapolis, MD December 18 2003-—According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, approximately 56 million hours of work are lost each year by people who suffer from psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the skin. Many people are familiar with the itchy, flaky, red patches on the skin that are symptoms of psoriasis, but this is more than a minor irritation: Between $1.6 billion and $3.2 billion is spent per year to treat psoriasis, and those who have this condition have to deal with discomfort, embarrassment, inconvenience, and other personal impacts.

More than 4.5 million Americans have psoriasis. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated, genetic disorder manifesting in the skin and/or the joints. Symptoms include: red, irritated, itchy, and/or scaly skin; raised patches of skin. Psoriasis affects men and women equally and affects all age groups. On average, psoriasis begins at age 22, but it can first occur at any time from birth to age 90. About 10% to 15% of people with psoriasis develop the condition before they are 10 years old.

In the absences of a cure for psoriasis, treatment usually focuses on reducing and controlling psoriatic symptoms. A wide range of therapies and medical treatments are available for psoriasis treatment, many of which can clear up the skin disorder for periods of time. Such remissions should not be confused with a cure for psoriasis: they are treatments, not cures.

Topical medications are often used to treat mild to moderate psoriasis. Corticosteroid creams help reduce both skin inflammation and itching. Steroids are only suitable for treating certain parts of the body, however; they are not suitable, for instance, for genital psoriasis. Other topical creams include synthetic versions of Vitamins A and D, and coal tar. Coal tar has been used for centuries as a psoriasis treatment. It is available both as a topical cream and shampoo, which works well for scalp psoriasis. Coal tar can be somewhat messy to use and can make skin more light sensitive, but it is a time-tested treatment for psoriasis.

Light treatments, including ultraviolet light such as those used in tanning beds, have also been helpful for some psoriasis patients. Oral medications are available for psoriasis treatment, and work with varying amounts of success. The two most common medications are methotrexate and members of the retinoid family of drugs. Immunosuppressant medications are increasingly used as well.

Not all treatments work for all people, so new treatments are continually sought. All such new medications are tested in research studies called clinical trials for their safety and effectiveness before being available for prescription. Participating in these clinical trials provides opportunities for patients to participate in the development of new treatments for their condition.

Clinical Research Associates® is conducting research for the treatment of psoriasis. The purpose of this research is to further evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication—in a topical form—for treating the signs and symptoms of psoriasis. Patients in 94 cities throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico with psoriasis can volunteer for this clinical trial. Potential study participants must have been diagnosed with, or are experiencing symptoms of, plaque or patch psoriasis. Qualified participants will receive study-related exams, lab tests, and study medication. Potential study volunteers can call 1-800-41-STUDY for additional information; or visit www.ClinicalTrials.com.





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