Despite some recent breakthroughs, psoriasis research does not receive federal funding on a level appropriate to the impact of the disease. With only about $1 per patient spent by the federal government annually on psoriasis research, developments have not kept pace with the needs of the millions of Americans affected by this disease.
People with psoriasis would benefit greatly from the development of effective, safe and affordable therapies, which could potentially be identified through an increased federal commitment to—and investment in—genetic, clinical and basic research. The Psoriasis Foundation maintains a strong commitment to securing federal funding, public policies and programs to achieve a cure, help make progress toward better treatments and end health insurance policies and procedures that are harmful to people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. We must ensure that people with psoriatic disease have full access to the care and treatment options they need to function normally and live full lives.
Through education of policy-makers, legislative action and grassroots activity, we know it is possible to strengthen and expand psoriasis research and access to care, and that a cure is on the horizon. Long a "silent" community, we are now active in Washington, D.C., and in federal congressional districts around the country, advocating for changes that will catapult us forward toward better treatments, a cure and improved quality of life for everyone affected by psoriasis.