U.S. Senate Passes Psoriasis Resolution Calling For Improved Research And Access To Care

The U.S. Senate passed Senate
Resolution 420 (S. Res. 420), a bipartisan resolution calling for
improvements in treatment and access to care for individuals with psoriasis
and psoriatic arthritis. Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., lead sponsor of the
resolution, is a dedicated champion for the psoriasis community and worked
to ensure passage of the measure prior to Psoriasis Awareness Month in
August.


Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., joined Smith in leading the effort; they
were supported by Sens. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., Robert Menendez, D-N.J., Rick
Santorum, R-Pa., John Warner, R-Va., and Ron Wyden, D-Ore.


The resolution recognizes that psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can be
painful, debilitating diseases that can significantly and adversely impact
quality of life. Millions of people hold misconceptions about psoriasis,
and it remains an often misunderstood disease. The resolution draws
much-needed attention to the seriousness of psoriasis, the importance of
early diagnosis and proper treatment, and the need for public awareness
about psoriasis.


Through passage of the resolution, the U.S. Senate is encouraging the
federal government to expand its psoriasis research efforts, including the
psychological and physical effects of the disease. The Senate resolution
also supports efforts to increase access to treatments for individuals
living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The National Psoriasis
Foundation will work with members of Congress and federal research agencies
to ensure that the intent of the resolution is carried out.


"The National Psoriasis Foundation applauds today's Senate passage of
an important resolution seeking to improve psoriasis research and access to
care," said Gail M. Zimmerman, president and CEO of the National Psoriasis
Foundation. "According to the National Institutes of Health, as many as 7.5
million Americans live with psoriasis. Thanks to the leadership of Senators
Smith and Lautenberg, the need to boost psoriasis research and access to
care has been elevated at the highest level of government."


Passage of S. Res. 420 is part of a comprehensive federal legislative
agenda being pursued in Washington, D.C., by the Psoriasis Foundation. The
Psoriasis Foundation is also advocating passage of a resolution in the
House of Representatives that is similar to the Senate resolution. The
House resolution (H. Con. Res. 340) urges expansion of genetic, clinical
and basic research focused on increasing understanding of the causes of
psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It also calls for the Secretary of
Health and Human Services to convene a special panel to study the
availability of treatments for individuals with psoriasis and psoriatic
arthritis.


About Psoriasis


Psoriasis is a noncontagious, genetic disease of the immune system 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 of people
who have psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. We focus on education, advocacy
and research toward better treatments and a cure. For more information,
please call the Psoriasis Foundation, headquartered in Portland, Ore., at
800-723-9166 or visit psoriasis/.


The National Psoriasis Foundation

psoriasis/