Washington - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today introduced legislation aimed at expanding research on psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and improving access to care for people with these conditions. The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Research, Cure and Care Act, outlines a comprehensive national response to treating this painful and misunderstood disease.
"Too many people mistakenly think that psoriasis is merely a mild inconvenience," said Menendez. "I believe it's time for the federal government to recognize the pain and suffering caused by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. I am introducing this legislation to make treatments more accessible and to find a cure for those living with these difficult diseases."
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as many as 7.5 million Americans are affected by psoriasis - a chronic, inflammatory, painful, disfiguring and disabling disease for which there are limited treatments and no cure. In New Jersey alone, almost 220,000 people suffer from the disease that causes an increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, obesity and mental health conditions.
The legislation will increase psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis research, improve and expand psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis data collection, and increase access to care and treatment for these diseases.
"We are honored that Sen. Menendez is a leader and champion for the psoriasis community," said Sheila Rittenberg, director of advocacy for the Psoriasis Foundation. "With the introduction of this legislation in the Senate, both chambers of Congress have the opportunity to take a much-needed step in enacting comprehensive psoriasis legislation that will pave the way to a cure."
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