111^th Congress

Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Research, Cure, and Care Act of 2009

H.R. 930/S. 571

Background

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes scaling and swelling. Skin cells grow deep in the skin and slowly rise to the surface in a process called cell turnover that usually takes about a month. With psoriasis, this can happen in just a few days because the cells rise too fast and accumulate on the surface of the skin. Most psoriasis causes patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales. These patches may itch or feel sore. They are often found on the elbows, knees or other parts of the leg, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of the feet. They can also appear in other places, such as the fingernails, toenails, genitals, and inside of the mouth. People with psoriasis may also experience joint inflammation that produces symptoms of arthritis, a condition called psoriatic arthritis.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) supports a wide range of research in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, primarily through the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Other Institutes that conduct and support research in this area include the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and National Institute of Mental Health.

Provisions of the Legislation/Impact on NIH

The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of NIH, would be required to continue to expand and intensify the research and related activities of all NIH Institutes. The Directors of NIAMS and NIAID would be required to continue to conduct and support research to expand understanding of the causes of and find a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

This legislation would also require the Secretary of HHS to 1) collect psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis data and establish a national patient registry, 2) hold a psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis summit, and 3) enter into an agreement with the Institute of Medicine to conduct a study on coverage for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The legislation would authorize such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2010–2014.

Status and Outlook

H.R. 930 was introduced by Representative David Wu (D-OR) on February 10, 2009, and was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. No further action has occurred on this legislation.

S. 571 was introduced by Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) on March 11, 2009, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. No further action has occurred on this legislation.

September 2009