"Psoriasis Cure Now," a national nonprofit patient group that works on behalf of the psoriasis community, today named Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro of Connecticut one of its three "Health Care Advocates of the Year" for 2005. The other recipients are Rep. Ralph Regula of Ohio and Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania.

Congresswoman DeLauro and the other recipients were instrumental in putting Congress on record in support of increased federal research for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis research funding has traditionally lagged behind other research areas, receiving just $6.5 million last year out of a federal medical research budget at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) approaching $30 billion.

"Congresswoman DeLauro and her superb staff have worked diligently to help the estimated 75,000 people of Connecticut with psoriasis by supporting increased research on this incurable and often debilitating disease," said Michael Paranzino, president of Psoriasis Cure Now. "People with psoriasis have no Hollywood stars or other glitzy backers to bring attention to this disease. In fact, we have traditionally suffered in silence. But despite our low profile, Congresswoman DeLauro stepped in, and now millions of Americans will benefit."

"Cutting edge research like that being conducted at centers such as Yale University will help us find better treatments and ultimately a cure for psoriasis," said Congresswoman DeLauro (Conn.-3). "Federal funding for this research is critical, which is why I have fought in Congress to ensure psoriasis research continues. I am honored to be recognized by Psoriasis Cure Now for this work."

Psoriasis is a disease of the immune system that can first strike at any age, causing dry, painful skin lesions that can crack, bleed and itch. Many people with psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis, a chronic, progressive and debilitating inflammatory disease that often causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling, as well as bone damage. Studies this year found a higher incidence of autism in children of mothers with psoriasis, and a higher incidence of cardiovascular death among patients with severe psoriasis. People with psoriasis also have higher rates of depression and suicidal ideation. According to the NIH, there are as many as 7.5 million Americans with psoriasis. Researchers at the Yale School of Medicine would be among those who could seek additional funding if the NIH increased support for psoriasis research.

"Congresswoman DeLauro recognizes that research on psoriasis may also unlock some of the mysteries of other diseases," Paranzino added. "We are grateful for her interest and support."

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Editors Note: A high-resolution photo of Congresswoman DeLauro accepting her award can be downloaded from this address: http://www.psorcurenow.org/2005awardphotos.php

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