Novartis partners with medical experts, patient group to raise awareness on psoriasis

• In observance of World Psoriasis Day on October 29, 2017 Novartis Healthcare Philippines in partnership with the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS), Philippine Rheumatology Association (PRA), and Psoriasis Philippines (PsorPhil) will run a series of activities to raise public awareness on psoriasis and enhance its diagnosis and management. 

Pasig City, October 26, 2017 – In observance of World Psoriasis Day on October 29, 2017 Novartis Healthcare Philippines in partnership with the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS), Philippine Rheumatology Association (PRA), and Psoriasis Philippines (PsorPhil) will run a series of activities to raise public awareness on psoriasis and enhance its diagnosis and management.

Psoriasis causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin, forming thick, silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches (plaques) that are sometimes painful. Worldwide, more than 125 million people are affected by psoriasis, with over a third suffering from the moderate to severe form of the skin condition. PsorPhil estimates that between 1 and 2 million Filipinos have psoriasis.

“Psoriasis is a common and distressing skin condition that greatly impacts patients’ quality of life. It is associated with other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression.¹ We are pleased to continue our advocacy to increase awareness on psoriasis and help eliminate the social stigma attached to it,” said PDS President Dr. Ma. Angela T. Medina-Lavadia.

“Up to 30% of patients with psoriasis have, or will, develop psoriatic arthritis, in which the joints are also affected, causing debilitating symptoms including pain, stiffness and irreversible joint damage.^1,2 We welcome Novartis support in providing continuing medical education to local rheumatologists in the management of psoriatic arthritis and other chronic diseases of the joints,” said PRA President Dr. Bernadette Heizel Manapat-Reyes.

“Many Filipinos with psoriasis are denied school and work opportunities while others feel discouraged to pursue their aspirations or hone their talents and skills. PsorPhil is committed to work with our partner-stakeholders in promoting awareness on psoriasis and celebrating the life, productivity and beauty of individuals with psoriasis,” said PsorPhil President Mr. Josef De Guzman.

“We are leveraging digital platforms to raise public awareness on psoriasis and enhance its diagnosis and management by launching the ‘Ask Your Derm’ website which aims to empower patients and their caregivers in dealing with psoriasis. Through these digital platforms we are also striving to provide high quality medical education to our local physicians as evidenced by our VivindaTV initiative that will provide local rheumatologists access to the American College of Rheumatology Annual Congress,” said Dr. Francis M. Domingo, Chief Scientific Officer, Novartis Healthcare Philippines.

“Last year, our coalition led the country’s observance of World Psoriasis Day themed “Breaking Barriers for People with Psoriasis,” through a series of activities, including a photography workshop, a Fun Walk, and a photo exhibit. This year, we are sustaining our advocacy by celebrating World Psoriasis Day 2017 themed ‘Psoriasis Inside Out,’ which aims to show all aspects of the disease, give a face to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and share stories,” said Ms. Cheryl Maley, President & Managing Director, Novartis Healthcare Philippines.

To showcase the confidence and freedom from psoriasis of PsorPhil members, the coalition held the “Ask Your Derm Fashion Show” on October 26, 2017 at the Ace Hotel and Suites in Pasig City. Dermatologists from the PDS and rheumatologists from the PRA joined individuals with psoriasis in walking the runway and strutting their avant-garde wardrobe.

About Novartis

Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic and biosimilar pharmaceuticals and eye care. Novartis has leading positions globally in each of these areas. In 2016, the Group achieved net sales of USD 48.5 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.0 billion. Novartis Group companies employ approximately 119,000 full-time-equivalent associates. Novartis products are sold in approximately 155 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.

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