Photos: 'Project Runway's' Tim Gunn Launches Addressing Psoriasis(TM) Campaign to Advocate That Patients Shouldn't Let Psoriasis
05 March 2009 - 12:10AM
PR Newswire (US)
Campaign Sponsored by Amgen and Wyeth Offers a Chance to Win a Walk
on the Runway in New York City Fashion Show NEW YORK, March 4
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Amgen and Wyeth today announced that they
have partnered with Tim Gunn, television host and fashion
consultant ("Project Runway," "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style") to
launch Addressing Psoriasis(TM), an awareness campaign designed to
help people with plaque psoriasis get more information about
managing their disease and feel more confident in their everyday
style. Dermatologist Susan C. Taylor, M.D., and Gunn are working
together to encourage people with plaque psoriasis to visit a
dermatologist and take the first step in managing their condition.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090304/AQ78642 ) To
view the Multimedia News Release, go to:
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/amgen/37239/ The cornerstone of the
campaign is a contest to recognize people who have moderate to
severe plaque psoriasis but who try not to allow the condition to
inhibit their personal style. Individuals 18 or older with moderate
to severe plaque psoriasis are eligible to enter for a chance to
participate in the Addressing Psoriasis(TM) Fashion Show hosted by
Gunn in New York City on Sept. 2, 2009. Eight winners will walk the
runway and help raise public awareness of this condition. To learn
how to enter the contest, view official rules, find useful
resources about psoriasis and obtain style tips from Gunn, visit
http://www.addresspsoriasis.com/. "This program is designed to help
people with psoriasis feel more confident with their everyday
style, because style is just as much about confidence as it is
clothing. When someone doesn't feel confident, it is reflected in
the clothing choices he or she makes," said Gunn. "Psoriasis is a
chronic condition, but it doesn't have to define who you are or how
you present yourself to the world. If you have psoriasis, it is
important to educate yourself about how you can take an active role
in your condition-and your style." Psoriasis, which affects nearly
7 million Americans, is a chronic disease of the immune system that
causes the skin cells to grow at an accelerated rate. Although
there are several types of psoriasis, approximately 80 percent of
patients suffer from plaque psoriasis, which causes painful and
itchy red, scaly patches. According to a 2007 National Psoriasis
Foundation survey, 40 percent of patients reported choosing their
clothing to conceal their psoriasis. The Foundation's 2008 survey
also found: -- 63 percent of respondents expressed significant
feelings of self-consciousness -- 57 percent indicated that their
psoriasis impacts their self-esteem -- 62 percent of respondents
reported significant itching -- 49 percent reported significant
pain Each survey had approximately 400 respondents, two-thirds of
which reported being diagnosed with moderate to severe psoriasis.
Dr. Taylor, assistant clinical professor of dermatology, University
of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the College of Physicians
and Surgeons, Columbia University, adds, "I've seen many psoriasis
patients limit their clothing selections in order to cover their
disease. I urge people with psoriasis to visit a dermatologist to
learn more about their disease and find a treatment regimen that
may work for them." About Addressing Psoriasis(TM) The Addressing
Psoriasis(TM) campaign was developed to inspire people with plaque
psoriasis to be confident and not allow the condition to inhibit
their everyday style. Addressing Psoriasis(TM) is sponsored by
Amgen and Wyeth with participation from the American Academy of
Dermatology, the National Psoriasis Foundation and Psoriasis Cure
Now. To learn more about Addressing Psoriasis(TM) or to enter the
contest, visit http://www.addresspsoriasis.com/. Entrants are asked
to submit a video testimonial or personal essay explaining their
story of how they have overcome the challenges of living with
moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and how the condition has
impacted their personal style and the clothing they wear. Entries
will be judged based on the inspirational nature of their story,
not on specific psoriasis treatment options. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY
TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF
WINNING. See Official Rules for details and restrictions. The
"Addressing Psoriasis(TM)" essay/video contest is open to legal
residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, 18
years of age and older on date of entry. Contest begins at 12:00:00
(Noon) PM Eastern Time ("ET") on Monday, March 2, 2009 and ends at
11:59:59 PM ET on Thursday, April 30, 2009. Void outside the 50
United States and District of Columbia. Void where prohibited. To
enter and view Official Rules, visit
http://www.addresspsoriasis.com/. Sponsored by Amgen Inc., One
Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 and Wyeth
Pharmaceuticals, 500 Arcola Road, Collegeville, PA 19426. About
Amgen and Wyeth Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures and
delivers innovative human therapeutics. A biotechnology pioneer
since 1980, Amgen was one of the first companies to realize the new
science's promise by bringing safe and effective medicines from
lab, to manufacturing plant, to patient. Amgen therapeutics have
changed the practice of medicine, helping millions of people around
the world in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid
arthritis, and other serious illnesses. With a deep and broad
pipeline of potential new medicines, Amgen remains committed to
advancing science to dramatically improve people's lives. To learn
more about our pioneering science and our vital medicines, visit
http://www.amgen.com/. Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth,
has leading products in the areas of women's health care,
infectious disease, gastrointestinal health, central nervous
system, inflammation, transplantation, hemophilia, oncology,
vaccines and nutritional products. Wyeth is one of the world's
largest research-driven pharmaceutical and health care products
companies. It is a leader in the discovery, development,
manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines,
biotechnology products and non-prescription medicines that improve
the quality of life for people worldwide. The Company's major
divisions include Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Wyeth Consumer Healthcare
and Fort Dodge Animal Health. To learn more, visit
http://www.wyeth.com/. About American Academy of Dermatology
Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of
Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most
influential, and most representative of all dermatologic
associations. With a membership of more than 15,000 physicians
worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and
medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and
nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education,
and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient
care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more
information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or
http://www.aad.org/. About National Psoriasis Foundation The
National Psoriasis Foundation is the world's largest nonprofit
organization dedicated to educating, serving, and empowering people
with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. For more than 35 years, the
Psoriasis Foundation has made a significant difference in the way
psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are treated and perceived. We are
supported by the donations of thousands of members, and with every
new member, our voice grows stronger. http://www.psoriasis.org/
About Psoriasis Cure Now Psoriasis Cure Now is a nonprofit
organization fueled by a nationwide network of volunteers. Our
focus is on accelerating the search for a cure by mobilizing people
in support of increased research funding for psoriasis and
psoriatic arthritis. We also work to educate psoriasis patients
about their treatment options and the public about the seriousness
of psoriasis. http://www.psoriasis-cure-now.org/ (Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081015/AMGENLOGO )
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081015/AMGENLOGO
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090304/AQ78642
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/amgen/37239/DATASOURCE: Amgen
CONTACT: Media, Sonia Fiorenza of Amgen, +1-805-447-1604; or
Danielle Halstrom of Wyeth, +1-484-865-2020 Web Site:
http://www.amgen.com/
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