Amgen reveals ‘undertreatment’ of psoriasis patients

Amgen, in conjunction with the National Psoriasis Foundation, has announced the results of a survey showing that many patients suffering from chronic moderate to severe psoriasis are not receiving any medical treatment at present.

The survey results, presented to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) scientific meeting, revealed that almost 40 per cent of sufferers are not currently receiving any treatment.

Further results based on earlier surveys found that over half of patients with moderate severe plaque psoriasis are not being treated as recommended by the AAD, with 57 per cent of patients with severe cases of the condition and 73 per cent of those with a moderate form receiving treatment solely with a topical formula.

AAD therapy guidelines state that patients diagnosed with this condition could potentially receive phototherapy or systemic therapy.

Mark Lebwohl, chairman of the medical board of the National Psoriasis Foundation, said: “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.”

He added that patients should discuss the impact of their condition honestly with their dermatologist in order for both parties to ascertain the most suitable treatment for the disease.

The National Psoriasis Foundation is the largest non-profit group involved in serving, educating and empowering sufferers of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.