Merck (NYSE:MRK), known outside the United States and Canada as MSD, today is hosting a R&D and Business Briefing.

"Innovation is the centerpiece of our growth strategy at Merck," said Kenneth C. Frazier, president and chief executive officer. "We continue to make significant progress on our strategy to drive growth from our existing portfolio and to bring forward breakthrough medicines and vaccines that address unmet medical needs and return significant value to our shareholders."

At the meeting, Peter S. Kim, president of Merck Research Laboratories, four of the company's therapeutic area research franchise heads, and the president of Merck BioVentures provided an overview of candidates in development and progress in advancing the company's pipeline. Merck has 19 candidates in Phase III clinical trials targeting a broad range of diseases.

"Merck's strong late-stage pipeline has considerable potential," said Kim. "We continue to advance important, novel candidates both in our late-stage pipeline and in our earlier pipeline to deliver on our goals to provide patients with meaningful improvements over today's treatments and to help advance global health care."

MK-3222 is an anti-interleukin-23 (IL-23) monoclonal antibody candidate being investigated for the treatment of psoriasis. MK-3222 is anticipated to enter Phase III clinical trials in 2012.

Source: merck.com

ahem..

Hi My Name is Darcy, I'm a student nurse in sydney Australia I've been suffering psoriasis for about 2 years now, I have never been diagnosed rather self-diagnosed. I've been through ups and downs from severe coverage to mild coverage and struggled ( currently mild, knees, elbows and ankles, Thankgod for summer sun) with finding things to relief my discomfort and the aesthetic side of it. So I guess i joined this forum to find some comfort with other suffers and hopefully some stumble across some product/ "miracle" cure  that can help me and all of you fellow P suffers. (:
Hope to hear from you all.

I have discovered that a head on approach to Psoriasis can be a very good thing, when it comes to other people's views on the condition.
When I was on holiday in Turkey last year, my condition was not at it's worse, but was still quite visinle to other's.
My angle on this was to tell them about my condition, before they started the staring, and drawing their own conclusions.
I would show them my skin and give them a brief description of what Psoriasis was about and the treatment I was getting.
I would also explain that it is not contagious, quite often this would prompt some quetions from them and they would also come forth with other people they knew with the condition.
So now, I always take the head on approach, this also gets them to ask me how I am getting on with treatment.
It's an approach that not all of us will feel comfortable with, but for me, it helps with my confidence and can also give me another topic of conversation when people are asking me about it, instead of making their own judgements.
At least then they are in the know and don't feel awkward about asking me any questions.
Take the head on approach, it may surprise you.

I have added these new icons You will see them next to members names in their posts.

Like it says on the tin! they are either On-Line or Off-Line.

Well, I have just gone into my 11th week of treatment with Methotrexate and visited my Consultant this week.
He gave me the choice of increasing the dosage this week, but I chose to stay on 10mg, for another 8 weeks, until my next monitoring session at the hospital.
I have noticed a marked improvement in the scaling since my last hospital visit, and the treatment is still continuing to improve my skin scaling, I have also had no apparent side effects, blood tests are also very positive.
I don't need another blood test now for 7 wks.
I will now update my Psoriasis score, which I know will have come down since last time.
In the last 3 wks, the scaling has reduced by around 30%, happy days.
Good Luck to all,
Micky.

On the right hand side of each board you will see "New Thread" Click it and you will go straight to start a new thread in your chosen section. this will save you having to load the whole board section before starting your new thread.

Akron, Ohio-based Fluence Therapeutics is developing a drug-device combination that would employ a process known as photodynamic therapy to treat moderate to severe psoriasis, an inflammatory skin disease. Photodynamic therapy uses chemical compounds that are sensitive to light to alter cell function.

The challenge for Fluence has been developing a device that can deliver the right amount of light, while attaching to a patient’s body and maintaining a uniform distance from the skin, according to CEO Warren Goldenberg, an Akron attorney and entrepreneur.

Now, thanks to a design developed by renowned firm Nottingham Spirk that uses tiles with light-emitting diodes attached to a flexible substrate that conforms to the body, Goldenberg thinks Fluence has overcome that challenge. The company is hoping to raise seed funding of between $300,000 and $1.3 million prepare for a larger venture capital raise later. Fluence also would use the funding to build a prototype of the new design, which is the version it plans to take to the market.

Fluence hopes to have the product on the European market in about 5 years, and is targeting Finland as an entry point. Fluence is working with a Finnish technology development company to set up European operations and locate clinical and funding partners, Goldenberg said. A Finnish location makes sense because Scandinavia has among the highest rates of psoriasis in the world, Goldenberg said.

Fluence’s goal is to obtain the CE Mark for the device in about 2 years, and European regulatory approval for the drug in 5 years. Goldenberg estimates it’ll require between $25 million and $30 million to get the drug-device combination to market.

Here’s how Fluence’s psoriasis treatment works: First, the company’s pharmaceutical, which is inert until it is activated by light, is applied to the affected area of a patient’s skin. Next, the photodynamic therapy device is placed around the affected area, and delivers near-infrared light, which activates the pharmaceutical. As the drug is activated by the light, it produces singlet oxygen, which kills the affected cells by accelerating apoptosis, the natural process of programmed cell death.

By accident, via twitter, stumbled upon this forum.
I see well recognizable posts over here.
Myself, I have Arthritis Psoriatica. But fortunately I have it under control.
Have been using Methotrexate for a short time, but felt that this was too heavy for my metabolism.
After this I found about the fumarates, which are under study over here in the Netherlands. And now I am using this and can very well live with it. It is not possible to run anymore, but I can very well do a lot of spinning.
The advantage of fumarates is that it is normal for your metabolism. The theory behind it, search for Schweckendieck on Google, is that psoriasis is not a skin disease but a problem in the immune system, which results in skin problems or arthritis.

Hello my name is Hector and I have been living with Psoriasis all my life,  I live along with it very well and it doesn't bother me most of the time. This is the first time i subscribe to a P. forum so I´m new in here.
Thank you.

Initiation of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Antagonists and the Risk of Hospitalization for Infection in Patients With Autoimmune Diseases.

Objectives: To determine whether initiation of TNF-α antagonists compared with nonbiologic comparators is associated with an increased risk of serious infections requiring hospitalization.

Design, Setting, and Patients: Within a US multi-institutional collaboration, we assembled retrospective cohorts (1998-2007) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis (psoriasis and spondyloarthropathies) combining data from Kaiser Permanente Northern California, New Jersey and Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical Assistance programs, Tennessee Medicaid, and national Medicaid/Medicare. TNF-α antagonists and nonbiologic regimens were compared in disease-specific propensity score (PS)–matched cohorts using Cox regression models with nonbiologics as the reference. Baseline glucocorticoid use was evaluated as a separate covariate.

Main Outcome: Measure Infections requiring hospitalization (serious infections) during the first 12 months after initiation of TNF-α antagonists or nonbiologic regimens.

Results: Study cohorts included 10 484 RA, 2323 IBD, and 3215 psoriasis and spondyloarthropathies matched pairs using TNF-α antagonists and comparator medications. Overall, we identified 1172 serious infections, most of which (53%) were pneumonia and skin and soft tissue infections. Among patients with RA, serious infection hospitalization rates were 8.16 (TNF-α antagonists) and 7.78 (comparator regimens) per 100 person-years (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.05 [95% CI, 0.91-1.21]). Among patients with IBD, rates were 10.91 (TNF-α antagonists) and 9.60 (comparator) per 100 person-years (aHR, 1.10 [95% CI, 0.83-1.46]). Among patients with psoriasis and spondyloarthropathies, rates were 5.41 (TNF-α antagonists) and 5.37 (comparator) per 100 person-years (aHR, 1.05 [95% CI, 0.76-1.45]). Among patients with RA, infliximab was associated with a significant increase in serious infections compared with etanercept (aHR, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.07-1.47]) and adalimumab (aHR, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.02-1.48]). Baseline glucocorticoid use was associated with a dose-dependent increase in infections.

Conclusion: Among patients with autoimmune diseases, compared with treatment with nonbiologic regimens, initiation of TNF-α antagonists was not associated with an increased risk of hospitalizations for serious infections.

Source: jama.ama-assn.org

HIGH FIVES!!!

So, just wanted to share, last night I went to a family party and for the first time, in such a long time I wore a top with mid-length sleeves exposing my forearms and elbows!!! Yay! Happy dance!!

Completely dreadful initially but actually didn't feel too self conscious once everyone had had a good stare! lol

Perhaps a small achievement but MY GOODNESS I'm proud of myself so high fives and pats on the back for me please!

Hooray!

Jess x

(Fred, feel free to move/rename this is I've not put it in the right place. Thought it would be good to have an area on the forum to share good day stories/mini successes   x )

I can't afford any health insurance right now, and the only prescribe medicines I do have I try to renew whenever I can.

I'm using Dermasmooth scalp oil, for my head and elocon for my face. other than that, Im relying on over the counter stuff and sticking to some sort of diet that wont help inflame my skin.

i use this stuff, i buy at the store called MG217 Coal Tar and the Nuetrogena T-Gel shampoo. i started using a loofa brush, and this nuetrogena body wash, along with this Dove pink soap. i dont care if its for women, that stuff makes my skin feel smoother. lol.

I try to drink a lot of water, and sadly cut way down or completely out any beer or alocohol. I also try to stay active, and play a lot of basketball or walk.

Hello everyone,am feeling a bit of a silly trying to find my way around your forum.I am sure i will be ok in the long run.
Absolutely shocked that someone of my age should suddenly develope Sporiasis

hello everyone. my name is Adrien, and I have had Psoriasis since I was 18 or 19. I honestly dont remember anymore. I do know that it sucks donkey balls. lol.

but anyways, just introducing myself.

Hi there,

I have had psoriasis for 23 years and PA for the past year.

Hope you are all well.

MrG (Paul)

The U.S. health regulator has asked manufacturers of certain class of drugs, known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers, to submit reports of cancers in children and adolescents within 15 days of hearing of such cases.

In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration had said it was investigating the possible association between the use of TNF blockers in children and adolescents and increased risk of lymphoma and other cancers.

TNF blockers suppress the immune system by blocking the activity of TNF, a substance in the body that can cause inflammation and lead to immune-system diseases.

TNF blockers are used to treat a wide variety of conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

They are widely used in products such as Johnson & Johnson's Remicade and Simponi, Pfizer Inc's Enbrel, Abbott Laboratories Inc's Humira and UCB SA's Cimzia.

The FDA said the new move will allow it to analyze all reported malignancies based on more complete and consistent reports.

The FDA also asked healthcare professionals to report malignancy in patients treated with TNF blockers to the agency or to the manufacturer.

It’s estimated that around 3% of the world’s population suffer with Psoriasis, and about 30% of those will go on to get Psoriatic Arthritis. You cannot catch Psoriasis from anything or anyone and there is no cure. It just suddenly appears one day and you go through the rest of your life searching for a cure. It can be very painful and can ruin your life so be warned one day you could get Psoriasis.

Psoriasis is not racist: It makes no difference on where you come from USA, Russia, Europe, Asia, anywhere in the world. All Races are welcome.

Psoriasis is not sexist: Male, Female, Gay, Lesbian, Sexually active, Virgin. Makes no difference as Psoriasis loves you all.

Psoriasis is not ageist: It can affect you at any stage of your life. You could have it as a baby, you could get it as a teenager, you can get it in middle age, or it may just wait till your comfortably retired and enjoying your twilight years before paying you a visit

Psoriasis is not classist: Capitalist, Super rich, Upper, Middle, Working, And Poor. You will all spend your money trying to get rid of it.

Psoriasis does not discriminate against religion: Christian, Catholic, Islam, Judaism, Rastafari, Hinduism, and Atheism. It doesn’t mind what beliefs you have.

Psoriasis doesn’t care about your political views, it doesn’t care if you honest or a criminal, it doesn’t care if you fit or weak, in fact it couldn’t care less about you in any way whatsoever. It just wants to control your life and make you feel like S**t. and it will if you let it!

So just remember if you don’t have Psoriasis be careful about what you think of those that do. And keep in mind that it could one day decide to pay you a visit.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that discriminates against no one.

Research Summary:
The objective of the Commercial Protein Crystal Growth - High Density (CPCG-H) experiment was to produce large, well-ordered crystals of several different macromolecules for use in X-ray diffraction studies.
This investigation verified the performance of the new hardware assembly and continued to develop technology for macromolecular crystal growth experiments in microgravity.

The hardware consists of 4 independently operated trays each holding 42 growth cell assemblies of six experiments for a total of 1008 experiments. The growth cell assembly utilizes a user-friendly vapour diffusion chamber that mimics typical ground-based Linbro 24-well plates.

Description:
The Commercial Protein Crystal Growth - High Density (CPCG-H) is protein crystal growth experiment flight hardware. During ISS Expeditions 2 and 4, CPCG-H was outfitted with High-Density Protein Crystal Growth (HDPCG) hardware. HDPCG was a vapour-diffusion facility that could process as many as 1008 individual protein samples. The entire HDPCG assembly had four independent trays that held 252 individual protein crystal growth experiments on each. The chambers had a protein reservoir, a precipitant reservoir, and an optically-clear access cap. The chambers were designed to reduce sedimentation problems and to produce highly uniform, single crystals. The trays can be removed and transferred to an awaiting camera system, Commercial Protein Crystal Growth - Video (CPCG-V), for observation while on the International Space Station (ISS). The individual experiments are grouped in sets of six and can be harvested one at a time.

The CPCG-H flight system can fly a typical Space Shuttle sortie mission or can be transferred to an ISS Expedite the Processing of Experiments to Space Station (EXPRESS) Rack for an extended mission. The HDPCG growth cell assemblies can provide up to three levels of containment if needed for safety while providing in-process crystal observations through optically-clear polycarbonate windows. CPCG-H is a single Middeck Locker Equivalent which weighs 32.7 kg.

Proteins provide the building blocks of our bodies. Some proteins make it possible for red blood cells to carry oxygen while other proteins help transmit nerve impulses that allow us to see, hear, smell, and touch. Still other proteins play crucial roles in causing diseases. Pharmaceutical companies may be able to develop new or improved drugs to fight those diseases once the exact structures of the proteins are known.

The goal of the Commercial Protein Crystal Growth - High-density (CPCG-H) is to grow high-quality crystals of selected proteins so that their molecular structures can be studied. On Earth, gravity often has a negative impact on growing protein crystals. In microgravity, however, gravitational disturbances are removed, thus allowing some crystals to grow in a more regular and perfect form.

The primary proteins involved in the testing of the CPCG-H hardware during ISS Expeditions 2 and 4 were mistletoe lectin-I (ML-I), Thermus flavus 5S RNA, brefeldin A-ADP ribosylated substrate (BARS), and a triple mutant myoglobin (Mb-YQR). ML-I is a ribosome inactivating protein that can stop protein biosynthesis (creation of proteins) in cells, and is also a major component of drugs used in the treatment of cancer. Although the study of Thermus flavus 5S RNA has been ongoing for well over 30 years, the exact function of this protein remains obscure. Scientists believe that the crystallization of different domains of this protein may reveal functional properties. BARS is an enzyme involved in membrane fission, catalysing the formation of phosphatidic acid by transfer. Mb-YQR was studied to assess the functional role of packing defects in proteins. The understanding of these protein structures will provide valuable insight into the role of these proteins for applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

Space Applications:
The crystals grown in microgravity are able to grow larger and more organized than those grown on Earth. The results from this investigation may further human space exploration efforts by creating technological and biological advancements as a direct result from this research.

Earth Applications:
This investigation is a validation of the Commercial Protein Crystal Growth-High Density (CPCG-H) facility. The CPCG-H will be used to grow large protein crystals of medical importance in an undisturbed, microgravity environment. High-Density crystals were grown to study the effectiveness of the CPCG-H in producing high-quality crystals that enhance post flight, Earth-based analysis.

Knowledge of precise three-dimensional molecular structure is a key component in biotechnology fields such as protein engineering and pharmacology. In order to obtain accurate data on the three-dimensional structure of protein crystals or other macromolecules, scientists employ a process called X-ray crystallography. Crystallographers construct computer models that reveal the complex structures of a protein molecule. In order to generate an accurate computer model, crystallographers must first crystallize the protein and analyse the resulting crystals by a process called X-ray diffraction. Precise measurements of thousands of diffracted intensities from each crystal help scientists map the probable positions of the atoms within each protein molecule. This complex process requires several months to several years to complete.

The quality of structural information obtained from X-ray diffraction methods is directly dependent on the degree of perfection of the crystals. Thus, the structures of many important proteins remain a mystery simply because researchers are unable to obtain crystals of high enough quality or large enough size. Generally, crystals must have dimensions of approximately 0.3 mm to 1.00 mm, and the protein molecules must be arranged in an orderly, repeating pattern. Consequently, the growth of high quality macromolecular crystals for diffraction analyses has been of primary importance for protein engineers, biochemists, and pharmacologists.

On Earth, the crystallization process is hindered by forces of sedimentation and convection since the molecules in the crystal solution are not of uniform size and weight. This leads to many crystals of irregular shape and small size that are unusable. However, the microgravity environment aboard the ISS is relatively free from the effects of sedimentation and convection and provides an exceptional environment for crystal growth.

To understand the true function of a protein, the structure must be determined. The model of the structure must be accurate to allow scientists to create compounds that bind to the protein. The understanding of the protein structure is of major importance with complex proteins (proteins that have significant folding). The three-dimensional structure of the triple mutant protein Mb-YQR was solved by growing the protein on ISS during Expeditions 2 and 4. Following return to Earth, three-dimensional models were created of the Mb-YQR proteins grown in space using X-ray crystallography techniques (Miele et al. 2004).

Structural studies of microgravity-grown crystals have provided important information for the development of new drugs. For example, previous studies conducted using crystals grown on shuttle flights have been used in the design of inhibitors, which may serve as broad-spectrum antibiotics. The CPCG-H payload offers a great increase in the amount of space available for protein crystal growth, enhancing the space station's research capabilities and commercial potential.

Source: nasa.gov

Hello Everyone,

I was a member quite a while ago. But have had a lot of healh issues, so not able to get on here. I have had p since birth, am 51 now. I think i have pa now but told no its osterarhtirtis (not spelt right). Hope to get info and hope to help others.