August is Psoriasis Awareness Month so we’re shining a spotlight on the disease and how UCB is working to deliver solutions that patients value. 

What is psoriasis? Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder caused by a rapid buildup of extra skin cells that form thick, silvery scales and itchy, dry red patches. For many patients, the effects of this disease are more than just skin deep. In fact, research shows psoriasis is often related to psoriatic arthritis, has a significant involvement on other body systems, and can have a deep emotional impact on patients. Other health complications, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease have been associated with psoriasis—and beyond the physical manifestations of the disease, psoriasis can have emotional impacts. 

How common is psoriasis? Recent research indicates that approximately 125 million people worldwide live with psoriasis, with at least 7.5 million people in the United States affected.¹ Plaque psoriasis is the most common form—approximately 80 to 90 percent of all cases. Patients often suffer isolation, preferring not to be seen in public, stress, anxiety, embarrassment, and exclusion.

Learn more about the history of psoriasis. 

So, how does UCB deliver what people living with psoriasis value? 

UCB recently entered the immuno-dermatology space to bring new and effective solutions to patient’s unmet needs. Women and men of all ages and ethnicities are affected by psoriasis. However, there are gaps in knowledge and research on therapies for women of child bearing age. Since many women face a guessing game when deciding to stay on treatment for chronic illness during pregnancy or lactation, UCB has committed to helping find solutions to fill this gap for women with chronic inflammatory disease. Check out two new ways we’re working to deliver solutions: 
 

• Autoimmune Motherhood (AIM) Movement™ to Empower and Inform Women with Chronic Inflammatory Disease About Family Planning
• UCB Participates on National Institutes of Health (NIH) Task Force on Research Specific to Pregnant and Lactating Women (PRGLAC)

At UCB, we are committed to finding solutions that improve the lives of people affected by psoriasis. By engaging with patients living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, we are able to develop a better understanding of their experience and unmet needs so that we can find solutions that work for them. With this insight and consideration of the complexity—both physically and emotionally – of psoriasis, our scientists work continuously to apply their expertise in the immune system and inflammatory diseases to find breakthrough science and solutions.

More info on UCB’s recent announcement about the Approval of CIMZIA® (certolizumab pegol) for Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis. 


References:
¹  https://www.psoriasis.org/
https://www.ucb.com/patients/magazine/article/Psoriasis-a-common-disease-with-a-profound-impact-on-patients