In recent years, more attention, money and ingenuity has been devoted to psoriasis research than in the modern history of the disease. The National Psoriasis Foundation is a driving force behind this change, working to increase the number of dollars, scientists and research projects devoted to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
The Foundation has a three-pronged approach to finding a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. First, we work at the local and national level with legislators and policy-makers to increase federal funding for psoriasis research. Next we fund early stage research projects that demonstrate the potential to significantly increase our understanding of the genetic and environmental basis for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Thirdly, we oversee the National Psoriasis Victor Henschel BioBank, which, when completed, will be the largest source of DNA samples and clinical registry in the world for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis research.
Additionally, the Psoriasis Foundation conducts long-range tracking of the impact psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis has on patients. This data is a critical source of information for researchers and policy-makers and assists us in quantifying the burden of psoriatic diseases on the individual. The Foundation also sponsors national and international meetings and workshops to facilitate timely exchange of ideas between researchers.