<![CDATA[Psoriasis Forum

<![CDATA[Psoriasis Forum - All Forums]]> http://psoriasisclub.org/ Sat, 18 May 2013 12:00:22 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[Do Men get better psoriasis treatment than Women?]]> http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1284&pid=5450#pid5450 Thu, 16 May 2013 06:30:29 -0400 http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1284&pid=5450#pid5450 More Men are offered Biological Treatments for psoriasis than Women. Is it sex discrimination, or is there another reason? This survey from researchers at Sweden's Umeå University thinks it has found the answer.

Quote:
Objectives:
Moderate to severe psoriasis, once regarded as merely a skin disease, is today seen as an inflammatory systemic disease. The sex ratio of the prevalence of psoriasis is balanced. In recent years several reports have documented that men receive more systemic or UV treatment than women, and different hypotheses were made. In PsoReg, the national registry for systemic treatment of psoriasis in Sweden, we have, like other European registries, observed a predominance of men (59%), especially of men treated with biologics (63%). Biologics are a relatively new group of very effective but high-priced drugs. The objective of this study was to analyse if women are discriminated by not having the same access to the high-priced biologics.

Design:
Population based cohort study using data from a nationwide quality register of psoriasis patients.

Population:
2294 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis receiving systemic treatment from a specialist in dermatology.

Main Outcome Measures:
Time to initiation of biologic treatment. A multiple Cox proportional hazard’s regression was performed, with time to initiating a biologic treatment as the outcome in order to assess the independent role of the patient’s sex in initiating such therapy. The psoriasis severity was defined as a time-varying variable.

Results:
Men had more severe psoriasis than women according to the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), regardless of age at enrolment, and throughout the study period. The analysis in the multiple Cox regression show that age, psoriasis severity and psoriasis arthropathy were relevant factors for initiating biologic therapy, whereas sex is not.

Conclusions:
Although as many women as men are believed to suffer from psoriasis, men seem to be more severely affected by psoriasis. The asymmetry in allocation of biologic therapy thereby probably reflects the differing disease activity between the sexes, and is not a discrimination against women per se.

Source: http://www.plosone.org]]> More Men are offered Biological Treatments for psoriasis than Women. Is it sex discrimination, or is there another reason? This survey from researchers at Sweden's Umeå University thinks it has found the answer.

Quote:
Objectives:
Moderate to severe psoriasis, once regarded as merely a skin disease, is today seen as an inflammatory systemic disease. The sex ratio of the prevalence of psoriasis is balanced. In recent years several reports have documented that men receive more systemic or UV treatment than women, and different hypotheses were made. In PsoReg, the national registry for systemic treatment of psoriasis in Sweden, we have, like other European registries, observed a predominance of men (59%), especially of men treated with biologics (63%). Biologics are a relatively new group of very effective but high-priced drugs. The objective of this study was to analyse if women are discriminated by not having the same access to the high-priced biologics.

Design:
Population based cohort study using data from a nationwide quality register of psoriasis patients.

Population:
2294 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis receiving systemic treatment from a specialist in dermatology.

Main Outcome Measures:
Time to initiation of biologic treatment. A multiple Cox proportional hazard’s regression was performed, with time to initiating a biologic treatment as the outcome in order to assess the independent role of the patient’s sex in initiating such therapy. The psoriasis severity was defined as a time-varying variable.

Results:
Men had more severe psoriasis than women according to the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), regardless of age at enrolment, and throughout the study period. The analysis in the multiple Cox regression show that age, psoriasis severity and psoriasis arthropathy were relevant factors for initiating biologic therapy, whereas sex is not.

Conclusions:
Although as many women as men are believed to suffer from psoriasis, men seem to be more severely affected by psoriasis. The asymmetry in allocation of biologic therapy thereby probably reflects the differing disease activity between the sexes, and is not a discrimination against women per se.

Source: http://www.plosone.org]]> <![CDATA[Undateables TV Program wants people with psoriasis]]> http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1283&pid=5449#pid5449 Wed, 15 May 2013 08:41:04 -0400 http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1283&pid=5449#pid5449
‘betty’ are making a third run of the romantic, insightful and acclaimed documentary series The Undateables for Channel 4.

Once again they will be following people with a variety of conditions through the highs and lows of their quest to find love. As with both previous acclaimed series they will explore and challenge some of the issues and barriers that are faced.

They are very interested to hear from you if you suffer from psoriasis and feels this affects your search for love.

If you are interested in taking part please get in touch on 020 7290 0223 or email them at undateables@betty.co.uk

Please mention Psoriasis Club, and if you do take part please add to this thread.]]>
‘betty’ are making a third run of the romantic, insightful and acclaimed documentary series The Undateables for Channel 4.

Once again they will be following people with a variety of conditions through the highs and lows of their quest to find love. As with both previous acclaimed series they will explore and challenge some of the issues and barriers that are faced.

They are very interested to hear from you if you suffer from psoriasis and feels this affects your search for love.

If you are interested in taking part please get in touch on 020 7290 0223 or email them at undateables@betty.co.uk

Please mention Psoriasis Club, and if you do take part please add to this thread.]]> <![CDATA[RE: Just dropping by]]> http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1281&pid=5448#pid5448 Tue, 14 May 2013 08:48:02 -0400 http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1281&pid=5448#pid5448 (Sun-12-05-2013 19:26 PM)ELT Wrote: We could start a poll Smile

lol

Im sure the proof would be in the pudding haha
Fred's one of the softiest members of the forum.... I am in favor of a poll. ;-)

Welcome to the forum by the way.. :-)]]> (Sun-12-05-2013 19:26 PM)ELT Wrote: We could start a poll Smile

lol

Im sure the proof would be in the pudding haha
Fred's one of the softiest members of the forum.... I am in favor of a poll. ;-)

Welcome to the forum by the way.. :-)]]> <![CDATA[RE: Just dropping by]]> http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1281&pid=5446#pid5446 Sun, 12 May 2013 16:46:29 -0400 http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1281&pid=5446#pid5446 ]]> ]]> <![CDATA[RE: Just dropping by]]> http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1281&pid=5445#pid5445 Sun, 12 May 2013 16:21:19 -0400 http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1281&pid=5445#pid5445 <![CDATA[RE: Just dropping by]]> http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1281&pid=5444#pid5444 Sun, 12 May 2013 14:26:43 -0400 http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1281&pid=5444#pid5444 lol

Im sure the proof would be in the pudding haha]]> lol

Im sure the proof would be in the pudding haha]]> <![CDATA[RE: Just dropping by]]> http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1281&pid=5443#pid5443 Sun, 12 May 2013 14:22:58 -0400 http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1281&pid=5443#pid5443 (Sun-12-05-2013 19:21 PM)ELT Wrote:

(Sun-12-05-2013 19:13 PM)Fred Wrote: Hello and to Psoriasis Club.

Nice to meet you, have a good look around and feel free to shout out. You will find us a small but friendly bunch, and if anyone asks I'm the sensible one around here.

Regards.

Fred.

Hi Fred

Well im guessing from your post and quickness in protesting your innocence that you in fact must be the naughty one of the group!

Nice to meet you also :O)
No way Angel

]]> (Sun-12-05-2013 19:21 PM)ELT Wrote:

(Sun-12-05-2013 19:13 PM)Fred Wrote: Hello and to Psoriasis Club.

Nice to meet you, have a good look around and feel free to shout out. You will find us a small but friendly bunch, and if anyone asks I'm the sensible one around here.

Regards.

Fred.

Hi Fred

Well im guessing from your post and quickness in protesting your innocence that you in fact must be the naughty one of the group!

Nice to meet you also :O)
No way Angel

]]> <![CDATA[RE: Just dropping by]]> http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1281&pid=5442#pid5442 Sun, 12 May 2013 14:21:12 -0400 http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1281&pid=5442#pid5442 (Sun-12-05-2013 19:13 PM)Fred Wrote: Hello and Welcome

to Psoriasis Club.

Nice to meet you, have a good look around and feel free to shout out. You will find us a small but friendly bunch, and if anyone asks I'm the sensible one around here. Rolleyes

Regards.

Fred.

Hi Fred

Well im guessing from your post and quickness in protesting your innocence that you in fact must be the naughty one of the group!

Nice to meet you also :O)]]> (Sun-12-05-2013 19:13 PM)Fred Wrote: Hello and Welcome

to Psoriasis Club.

Nice to meet you, have a good look around and feel free to shout out. You will find us a small but friendly bunch, and if anyone asks I'm the sensible one around here. Rolleyes

Regards.

Fred.

Hi Fred

Well im guessing from your post and quickness in protesting your innocence that you in fact must be the naughty one of the group!

Nice to meet you also :O)]]> <![CDATA[RE: Just dropping by]]> http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1281&pid=5441#pid5441 Sun, 12 May 2013 14:13:38 -0400 http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1281&pid=5441#pid5441 to Psoriasis Club.

Nice to meet you, have a good look around and feel free to shout out. You will find us a small but friendly bunch, and if anyone asks I'm the sensible one around here. Rolleyes

Regards.

Fred.]]> to Psoriasis Club.

Nice to meet you, have a good look around and feel free to shout out. You will find us a small but friendly bunch, and if anyone asks I'm the sensible one around here. Rolleyes

Regards.

Fred.]]> <![CDATA[Just dropping by]]> http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1281&pid=5440#pid5440 Sun, 12 May 2013 14:09:38 -0400 http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1281&pid=5440#pid5440
Im new to the site and forum so thought Id drop by and say hi to you all. Hope to chat more now I have found you guys Smile

Love to all

xx]]>
Im new to the site and forum so thought Id drop by and say hi to you all. Hope to chat more now I have found you guys Smile

Love to all

xx]]> <![CDATA[UPDATE]]> http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1126&pid=5432#pid5432 Wed, 08 May 2013 08:36:11 -0400 http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1126&pid=5432#pid5432
Idera Pharmaceuticals today announced presentation of data from its randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial that showed improvements from baseline of up to 90% in Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) scores in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis following four weeks of treatment with the Toll-like Receptor (TLR) antagonist IMO-3100. Additionally, analysis of biopsy samples collected from patients during the Phase 2 trial indicated that PASI score improvements were associated with significant improvement of psoriasis disease-associated gene profile, including downregulation of activated genes in the IL-17 pathway, which is central to the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Treatment with IMO-3100 was well tolerated, with no treatment-related discontinuations. The presentation entitled “IMO-3100, an antagonist of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 and 9, demonstrates clinical activity in psoriasis patients with 4 weeks of treatment in a Phase 2a trial” was made by Alexa Kimball M.D., M.P.H., Vice Chair, Department of Dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, and an investigator in the trial, at the International Investigative Dermatology meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland May 8th through 13th, 2013.

“TLR antagonism provides a novel mechanism of action for the potential treatment of patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Clinical activity demonstrated in this four-week proof-of-concept trial encourages further development of TLR antagonists over longer treatment periods,” said Dr. Kimball.

“We are very pleased that the clinical improvements observed in psoriasis patients treated with IMO-3100 for four weeks correlated with the proposed mechanism of action for TLR antagonism in autoimmune diseases,” said Robert Arbeit, MD, VP of Clinical Development at Idera. “Our next step will be a 12-week Phase 2 clinical trial in patients with psoriasis, which we expect will enable us to evaluate the continued trajectory of PASI score improvement over the 12-week treatment period and maximize the clinical benefit of the treatment. We plan to conduct this 12-week Phase 2 trial with IMO-8400, an antagonist of TLRs 7, 8, and 9, and to initiate the trial during the second quarter of 2013.”

Source: iderapharma.com]]>
Idera Pharmaceuticals today announced presentation of data from its randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial that showed improvements from baseline of up to 90% in Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) scores in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis following four weeks of treatment with the Toll-like Receptor (TLR) antagonist IMO-3100. Additionally, analysis of biopsy samples collected from patients during the Phase 2 trial indicated that PASI score improvements were associated with significant improvement of psoriasis disease-associated gene profile, including downregulation of activated genes in the IL-17 pathway, which is central to the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Treatment with IMO-3100 was well tolerated, with no treatment-related discontinuations. The presentation entitled “IMO-3100, an antagonist of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 and 9, demonstrates clinical activity in psoriasis patients with 4 weeks of treatment in a Phase 2a trial” was made by Alexa Kimball M.D., M.P.H., Vice Chair, Department of Dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, and an investigator in the trial, at the International Investigative Dermatology meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland May 8th through 13th, 2013.

“TLR antagonism provides a novel mechanism of action for the potential treatment of patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Clinical activity demonstrated in this four-week proof-of-concept trial encourages further development of TLR antagonists over longer treatment periods,” said Dr. Kimball.

“We are very pleased that the clinical improvements observed in psoriasis patients treated with IMO-3100 for four weeks correlated with the proposed mechanism of action for TLR antagonism in autoimmune diseases,” said Robert Arbeit, MD, VP of Clinical Development at Idera. “Our next step will be a 12-week Phase 2 clinical trial in patients with psoriasis, which we expect will enable us to evaluate the continued trajectory of PASI score improvement over the 12-week treatment period and maximize the clinical benefit of the treatment. We plan to conduct this 12-week Phase 2 trial with IMO-8400, an antagonist of TLRs 7, 8, and 9, and to initiate the trial during the second quarter of 2013.”

Source: iderapharma.com]]> <![CDATA[RE: what do I do?]]> http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1256&pid=5431#pid5431 Tue, 07 May 2013 18:29:39 -0400 http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1256&pid=5431#pid5431
Hope it went ok with this girl!

I remember that feeling - i think my now husband just asked if it was contagious and when I said no told me to stop being daft cos non of us are perfect! if shes worth it she wont even notice the psorisis - pretty sure its been said before recently on here that as we have it we are more aware of it where as some pple simply dont notice!

Big Grin

]]>
Hope it went ok with this girl!

I remember that feeling - i think my now husband just asked if it was contagious and when I said no told me to stop being daft cos non of us are perfect! if shes worth it she wont even notice the psorisis - pretty sure its been said before recently on here that as we have it we are more aware of it where as some pple simply dont notice!

Big Grin

]]> <![CDATA[UPDATE]]> http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=834&pid=5430#pid5430 Tue, 07 May 2013 05:39:07 -0400 http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=834&pid=5430#pid5430
Celgene International Sàrl, a subsidiary of Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ: CELG) today announced that statistical significance was achieved for the primary endpoint of ACR 20 at week 16 for patients receiving apremilast 20 mg and 30 mg BID monotherapy in PALACE 4. PALACE 4 is the fourth randomized, placebo-controlled study evaluating the Company’s novel, oral small-molecule inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) in patients with psoriatic arthritis. This is the first Company-sponsored trial studying patients who had not previously received an oral disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD).

“Despite recent advances in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, there remains a significant need for more oral DMARD treatment options for DMARD-naïve patients,” said Randall Stevens, VP of Clinical Research and Development for Inflammation & Immunology. “PALACE-4 is now the fourth major randomized apremilast Phase III study to provide promising results for patients with psoriatic arthritis.”

Patients on apremilast also achieved a statistically significant benefit over placebo in key secondary endpoints, as demonstrated in various measures of physical function and signs and symptoms, including enthesitis.

No new safety and tolerability signals identified, with fewer AEs and SAEs reported than in PALACE 1, 2&3. Importantly, in PALACE 4, no systemic opportunistic infections (including TB) or lymphoma were observed through week 24, and there was no increase in risk of cardiovascular events. The most common AEs in PALACE 4 (≥5%) were nausea, diarrhea and headache.

The PALACE 4 study is ongoing and the study extension remains blinded until all patients complete week 52. Full data from this phase III study will be submitted for presentation at appropriate medical meetings.

Source: http://celgene.com]]>
Celgene International Sàrl, a subsidiary of Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ: CELG) today announced that statistical significance was achieved for the primary endpoint of ACR 20 at week 16 for patients receiving apremilast 20 mg and 30 mg BID monotherapy in PALACE 4. PALACE 4 is the fourth randomized, placebo-controlled study evaluating the Company’s novel, oral small-molecule inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) in patients with psoriatic arthritis. This is the first Company-sponsored trial studying patients who had not previously received an oral disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD).

“Despite recent advances in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, there remains a significant need for more oral DMARD treatment options for DMARD-naïve patients,” said Randall Stevens, VP of Clinical Research and Development for Inflammation & Immunology. “PALACE-4 is now the fourth major randomized apremilast Phase III study to provide promising results for patients with psoriatic arthritis.”

Patients on apremilast also achieved a statistically significant benefit over placebo in key secondary endpoints, as demonstrated in various measures of physical function and signs and symptoms, including enthesitis.

No new safety and tolerability signals identified, with fewer AEs and SAEs reported than in PALACE 1, 2&3. Importantly, in PALACE 4, no systemic opportunistic infections (including TB) or lymphoma were observed through week 24, and there was no increase in risk of cardiovascular events. The most common AEs in PALACE 4 (≥5%) were nausea, diarrhea and headache.

The PALACE 4 study is ongoing and the study extension remains blinded until all patients complete week 52. Full data from this phase III study will be submitted for presentation at appropriate medical meetings.

Source: http://celgene.com]]> <![CDATA[RE: Help]]> http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1277&pid=5427#pid5427 Mon, 06 May 2013 18:05:45 -0400 http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1277&pid=5427#pid5427

Here's what I know when it comes to some scalp treatments..
Tar shampoos are smelly Wink

tar is an old treatment and some find tar very helpful the 2 main tar shampoos in uk are polytar and T-gel both can be prescribed

Another tar based scalp application is cocois, its thick you squirt it on and massage in leave for some time ... Stinks ... Then wash out

I have a medicated shampoo called etrivex, this isn't tar based apply a small amount leave for 15mins then wash out....this is very strong stuff and more pleasant smelling

You used to be able to get betnovate drops which always worked well for me, but they stopped them as I think to strong but dovonex released their own version.....these again are strong and can be extremely painful if your scalp is sore with open areas. And can smell a bit like the old nit lotion!

The other methods I've used have been to apply oil to scalp leave for a while and then comb out flakes, this will never treat the problem the way some of the medicines can I also found that having long hair made it all the more messy and when I cut my hair short (very short) my scalp got worse.....I also found a metal nit comb and would pull massive chunks of skin out NoNo

(When trying to wash hair after using oil, I found rubbing a small amount of lemon juice would help get the oil out)

Apple cider vinegar is also another method, mix with water or use neat apply to scalp and leave for a while when rinse through

As for head and shoulders, I now use the MENTHOL version it has been working well for me for about 9 years

Also a note to people in the UK ........ Don't be scared to tell your GP what YOU want to try....invest in a pre paid prescription and try out various products so you can see what works for you.
(Head and shoulders menthol not on prescription, I did contact the company asking if they would but they can't)]]> <![CDATA[RE: Help]]> http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1277&pid=5426#pid5426 Mon, 06 May 2013 17:31:01 -0400 http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1277&pid=5426#pid5426 ]]> ]]> <![CDATA[RE: Help]]> http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1277&pid=5425#pid5425 Mon, 06 May 2013 17:23:04 -0400 http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1277&pid=5425#pid5425 (but then I don't have much hair these days) Rolleyes

I cant remember the one I was given years ago but I remember it smelled horrible, made my head sting, and didn't really do much.

Have you tried Coconut Oil ? Rub it into your scalp, wrap in cling film, and leave it a few hours or overnight, then wash out.

I think Hanna uses a Head & Shoulders one that she swears by, but I'm not sure which one. Try sending her a PM as she is busy these days with the new baby and may not see this thread.]]> <![CDATA[Tar Shampoo advice]]> http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1277&pid=5424#pid5424 Mon, 06 May 2013 17:08:03 -0400 http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1277&pid=5424#pid5424
My scalp psoriasis is currently out of control I currently use Ketopine shampoo but it doesn't seem to be working at the minute if anything making it worse. I was just wondering people's views on tar shampoo and if someone could explain how the shampoos work, and any tips or advice on controlling the flakes although at the minute there more like bits. I have to tie my hair back to cover it but its not wlenoygh at the minute :(

Thanks Kath]]>
My scalp psoriasis is currently out of control I currently use Ketopine shampoo but it doesn't seem to be working at the minute if anything making it worse. I was just wondering people's views on tar shampoo and if someone could explain how the shampoos work, and any tips or advice on controlling the flakes although at the minute there more like bits. I have to tie my hair back to cover it but its not wlenoygh at the minute :(

Thanks Kath]]> <![CDATA[Professor studies own brain for fluctuations in his psoriasis]]> http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1276&pid=5423#pid5423 Fri, 03 May 2013 04:30:16 -0400 http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1276&pid=5423#pid5423
His study consists of a weekly blood sample and two MRI scans per week paired with mood questionnaires, according to Poldrack. Poldrack said he also completes daily surveys measuring aspects such as sleep quality, diet and what happened that day. Poldrack said he began data collection in September 2012 and plans to publish his results in the fall.

Poldrack said he tracks the fluctuations of his psoriasis and has found that on days he recorded it being worse, the genes related to psoriasis are expressed more.

“Even though this is really preliminary, it starts to show us the kinds of stuff that we might be able to find,” Poldrack said. “The question is if we had enough data could we relate this back to brain function, too.”

There is no research on how brains change over a period of weeks and months, and because some disorders, including depression, fluctuate over this period, people with these disorders could get scanned regularly to measure which treatments work, Poldrack said.

One of Poldrack’s colleagues, Tom Schonberg, said that his research receives some criticism. “His colleagues try to plant the seeds of doubt and criticism all the time because when it’s out there scientifically, when he reaches the stage of trying to publish this, he’ll get criticism from all directions,” Schonberg said.

Poldrack said although it will be challenging to find people willing to participate, he wants to do the study on a large set of people. Poldrack said he may not have the funds to analyze a year’s worth of blood samples, which show how gene levels relate to what is happening in the body, because it costs $700 to analyze a week’s worth of blood.

“If we could find the money … then we could go back and do it,” Poldrack said. “It would be a really unique data set. I don’t know of any other data sets of a person who collected blood at the same time every week for such a long period of time.”

Source: http://www.dailytexanonline.com]]>
His study consists of a weekly blood sample and two MRI scans per week paired with mood questionnaires, according to Poldrack. Poldrack said he also completes daily surveys measuring aspects such as sleep quality, diet and what happened that day. Poldrack said he began data collection in September 2012 and plans to publish his results in the fall.

Poldrack said he tracks the fluctuations of his psoriasis and has found that on days he recorded it being worse, the genes related to psoriasis are expressed more.

“Even though this is really preliminary, it starts to show us the kinds of stuff that we might be able to find,” Poldrack said. “The question is if we had enough data could we relate this back to brain function, too.”

There is no research on how brains change over a period of weeks and months, and because some disorders, including depression, fluctuate over this period, people with these disorders could get scanned regularly to measure which treatments work, Poldrack said.

One of Poldrack’s colleagues, Tom Schonberg, said that his research receives some criticism. “His colleagues try to plant the seeds of doubt and criticism all the time because when it’s out there scientifically, when he reaches the stage of trying to publish this, he’ll get criticism from all directions,” Schonberg said.

Poldrack said although it will be challenging to find people willing to participate, he wants to do the study on a large set of people. Poldrack said he may not have the funds to analyze a year’s worth of blood samples, which show how gene levels relate to what is happening in the body, because it costs $700 to analyze a week’s worth of blood.

“If we could find the money … then we could go back and do it,” Poldrack said. “It would be a really unique data set. I don’t know of any other data sets of a person who collected blood at the same time every week for such a long period of time.”

Source: http://www.dailytexanonline.com]]> <![CDATA[Enbrel makers Amgen settle rip off charge]]> http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1273&pid=5414#pid5414 Wed, 01 May 2013 10:19:23 -0400 http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1273&pid=5414#pid5414
“There are no excuses for ripping off New York State taxpayers and defrauding our Medicaid programs,” Attorney General Schneidermansaid.“At a time when state budgets are already strained, I am committed to going after any company that rips off our taxpayers-no matter how big they are.With this settlement the message we are sending is clear: Biotechnology giants are not above the law and my office will continue to ensure that those who cheat the system are held accountable.”

The drug pricing data at issue in this settlement concerns the “Average Wholesale Price” (AWP) and “Wholesale Acquisition Cost” (WAC), benchmarks used by most states’ Medicaid programs, including New York, to set pharmacy reimbursement rates for pharmaceuticals dispensed to state Medicaid beneficiaries.New York and the 35 other states alleged that Amgen reported inflated AWP and WAC pricing data, thereby creating an artificially inflated “spread” between the price at which Medicaid providers dispensed the named drugs and the price at which the states reimbursed providers for the drugs. After creating the inflated spread, Amgen marketed that spread to Medicaid providers in order to boost Amgen’s sales of Aranesp, Enbrel, Epogen, Neulasta, Neupogen, and Sensipar.

This settlement was part of a larger investigation into allegations of illegal marketing practices, which included promoting the drugs for unapproved uses, and illegal kickbacks schemes by Amgen. The investigation resulted in a misdemeanor guilty plea in federal court by Amgen for introducing a misbranded drug into interstate commerce. The company has now paid a total of more than $647 million in damages related to the investigations, with New York’s Medicaid program recovering over $19.2 million of the money.

New York’s recovery pursuant to this national, multi-state settlement is $3.3 million.

In this instance, as in the previous settlements, New York lead a national team made up of state attorneys and analysts from California, Illinois, Indiana and North Carolina and worked through the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units.

The New York team was headed up by Jay Speers, Counsel to the New York MFCU; Carolyn Ellis, Special Assistant Attorney General; Michael LaCasse, Chief Auditor for MFCU’s Civil Enforcement Division; Meghan Collins, Associate Special Auditor Investigator; Matthew Tandle, Senior Special Auditor Investigator; Karin Flynn, Associate Special Auditor Investigator; Colin Ware, Special Auditor Investigator and Nicholas Furnari, Computer Programmer Analyst. The team was supervised by Deputy Attorney General Monica Hickey-Martin, Director of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and Executive Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice Kelly Donovan.

Source: http://www.ag.ny.gov]]>
“There are no excuses for ripping off New York State taxpayers and defrauding our Medicaid programs,” Attorney General Schneidermansaid.“At a time when state budgets are already strained, I am committed to going after any company that rips off our taxpayers-no matter how big they are.With this settlement the message we are sending is clear: Biotechnology giants are not above the law and my office will continue to ensure that those who cheat the system are held accountable.”

The drug pricing data at issue in this settlement concerns the “Average Wholesale Price” (AWP) and “Wholesale Acquisition Cost” (WAC), benchmarks used by most states’ Medicaid programs, including New York, to set pharmacy reimbursement rates for pharmaceuticals dispensed to state Medicaid beneficiaries.New York and the 35 other states alleged that Amgen reported inflated AWP and WAC pricing data, thereby creating an artificially inflated “spread” between the price at which Medicaid providers dispensed the named drugs and the price at which the states reimbursed providers for the drugs. After creating the inflated spread, Amgen marketed that spread to Medicaid providers in order to boost Amgen’s sales of Aranesp, Enbrel, Epogen, Neulasta, Neupogen, and Sensipar.

This settlement was part of a larger investigation into allegations of illegal marketing practices, which included promoting the drugs for unapproved uses, and illegal kickbacks schemes by Amgen. The investigation resulted in a misdemeanor guilty plea in federal court by Amgen for introducing a misbranded drug into interstate commerce. The company has now paid a total of more than $647 million in damages related to the investigations, with New York’s Medicaid program recovering over $19.2 million of the money.

New York’s recovery pursuant to this national, multi-state settlement is $3.3 million.

In this instance, as in the previous settlements, New York lead a national team made up of state attorneys and analysts from California, Illinois, Indiana and North Carolina and worked through the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units.

The New York team was headed up by Jay Speers, Counsel to the New York MFCU; Carolyn Ellis, Special Assistant Attorney General; Michael LaCasse, Chief Auditor for MFCU’s Civil Enforcement Division; Meghan Collins, Associate Special Auditor Investigator; Matthew Tandle, Senior Special Auditor Investigator; Karin Flynn, Associate Special Auditor Investigator; Colin Ware, Special Auditor Investigator and Nicholas Furnari, Computer Programmer Analyst. The team was supervised by Deputy Attorney General Monica Hickey-Martin, Director of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and Executive Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice Kelly Donovan.

Source: http://www.ag.ny.gov]]> <![CDATA[RE: Newsletter Subscription]]> http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1235&pid=5400#pid5400 Wed, 01 May 2013 07:20:41 -0400 http://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1235&pid=5400#pid5400
If you're wondering why you didn't get a newsletter this month, then you haven't been paying attention to announcements and the email sent to all members last month. Spank

Thanks to those of you that have subscribed, but if you haven't then you don't know what you're missing. You could have missed out on some very important information or gossip that others will know about, but you don't!.

*The newsletter is sent out on the 1st of each month to members that have subscribed, see first post in this thread.]]>
If you're wondering why you didn't get a newsletter this month, then you haven't been paying attention to announcements and the email sent to all members last month. Spank