Washington, D.C., Feb. 2, 2007 — The National Psoriasis Foundation and Amgen
(NASDAQ: AMGN) today announced survey findings which show
that nearly 40 percent of 1,142 patients
surveyed with chronic moderate or severe psoriasis are not currently
receiving any treatment. These results were presented at the American
Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Scientific Meeting in Washington, D.C.
According
to AAD therapy guidelines, patients diagnosed with chronic moderate to
severe plaque psoriasis are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy,
including biologic agents. Despite the increased number of psoriasis
treatment options, the findings show no significant change in treatment
patterns across three survey years.
According
to further data presented at AAD, based on National Psoriasis Foundation
surveys from 2003 to 2005, more than half of moderate to severe patients on
treatment are not being treated as recommended by AAD guidelines.
Of those treated, 57 percent of patients
with severe psoriasis (n=459) and 73 percent of patients with moderate
psoriasis (n=683) are receiving topical treatment alone.
"Psoriasis is not a cosmetic disease, but rather a chronic inflammatory
condition that can have a profound negative impact on a person's ability to
function," said Mark Lebwohl, M.D., Chairman of the National Psoriasis
Foundation Medical Board. "It's important for patients to openly discuss
with their dermatologist how the condition may be impacting them, so that
together they can determine the most appropriate treatment option."
According
to additional survey findings, severe psoriasis is associated with lower
income. Data presented at AAD show that 21 percent of patients with severe
psoriasis (n=179) had a low household income (<$30,000), compared to 13
percent for patients with mild psoriasis (n=180).
"These
are the first data to show a relationship between psoriasis severity and
household income," said Liz Horn, Ph.D., director of research, National
Psoriasis Foundation. "Psoriasis is a serious disease that can significantly
impact a patient's life by interfering with everyday activities, including
work. Further research will be valuable in supporting these data and will
hopefully lead to the improved treatment of psoriasis."
Data from
semi-annual patient surveys conducted by the National Psoriasis Foundation
from 2003 to 2005 were combined and analyzed to study treatment patterns for
psoriasis patients. Psoriasis severity was assessed using patient-reported
affected body surface area (BSA) and was defined as mild (<3% BSA), moderate
(3-10% BSA), or severe (>10% BSA). A separate analysis was conducted in
patients greater than 30 years of age to study the relationship between
psoriasis severity and household income. The research was funded by the
National Psoriasis Foundation, Amgen Inc. and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals
