Developing impactful and innovative solutions for patients whose lives have been challenged by severe diseases is our focus at UCB. This Arthritis Awareness Month, learn more about psoriatic arthritis (PsA), one of the many types of arthritic disease.

What is psoriatic arthritis?
PsA is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes swelling, pain in the joints, swollen fingers and toes, splitting fingernails and toenails that often peel away from the nail bed, eye pain and redness, and pain in the back of the heel. In general, PsA affects those who already have psoriasis, which is a skin condition that causes scaly skin lesions. Though patients are typically diagnosed with psoriasis first, it is not uncommon for joint problems to proceed the skin lesions.

How does PsA progress?
For most individuals, PsA worsens overtime if not managed properly. Unfortunately, once joint damage occurs it cannot be reversed, even when PsA becomes inactive.

How does PsA impact patients?
PsA can make everyday tasks that normally wouldn’t be hard very challenging. For example, someone living with PsA may have trouble showering, getting dressed, doing chores, and running errands. PsA flares can last for years or go into remission for extended periods of time. Persistent inflammation can lead to progressive joint damage, pain, disability, and further restrictions to carrying out everyday tasks.    

We are dedicated to continuing our mission to address unmet needs for patients living with PsA and are proud to contribute to advances in the understanding of PsA to enable patients to live their best lives.


Sources:

1. https://www.ucb.com/disease-areas/psoriatic-arthritis