The World Health Assembly Resolution on Psoriasis Represents a Milestone for Campaigners. Research-based Pharmaceutical Industry Adds its Voice by Calling for Greater Focus on Awareness, Research and Access

GENEVA, May 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --



• Psoriasis is a chronic, painful, disfiguring and disabling disease affecting 125 million people worldwide for which there is no cure;
• Many go undertreated despite treatments options causing avoidable suffering and high rates of psoriasis associated illnesses; and substantial economic costs to individuals, society and healthcare systems.
• At the World Health Assembly, health ministers from around the world can contribute to raise the psoriasis on global, regional and national agendas.

Today the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) launched a call to action to bring Psoriasis out into the light. The research-based pharmaceutical industry joins campaigners in welcoming the upcoming ministerial talks for the approval of a historic resolution on psoriasis at the 67^th World Health Assembly. "This represents an important milestone in recognizing the need to stop the avoidable suffering and the substantial cost not just to individuals but also to society in terms of lost productivity, cost of healthcare services and medications" - says Mario Ottiglio, Director at IFPMA.

Psoriasis is a chronic, painful, disfiguring and disabling non-communicable disease for which there is no cure. It affects more than 125 million individuals across the globe.  It puts an enormous psychosocial burden on those affected with 89% of people suffering from shame and embarrassment, 62% experiencing depressive symptoms. Children with psoriasis are hit particularly hard by the psychosocial impact of the illness, while later in life, psoriasis increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Increased sick leave (average 26 days/year), is just one aspect of the associated economic costs of psoriasis upon individuals, societies and healthcare systems.

A number of treatments are available, but their full potential remains unrealized within healthcare systems and many people with psoriasis go untreated.  In a report released today, IFPMA firstly calls for measures to increase global access to current effective therapies and healthcare services.  Secondly, the research-based industry recognizes the need to increase research efforts from molecular science to psychology and economics as well as fostering innovation to boost the development of new therapies. Thirdly, IFPMA supports the need for greater awareness of the public health impact of psoriasis and support for organizations that can help connect people with psoriasis with organizations and professions that can help them.