Novartis reports over half of psoriasis patients do not reach the achievable treatment goal of clear skin in largest global survey

Novartis International AG / Novartis reports over half of psoriasis patients do not reach the achievable treatment goal of clear skin in largest global survey . Processed and transmitted by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

• Global survey of over 8,300 patients shows over half have not achieved clear skin (57%), with the majority taking the historical standard of care treatment[1]^*
   

Majority (84%) face discrimination and humiliation and over a third (38%) also report being diagnosed with a psychological condition due to their psoriasis[1]
 

Clear skin can be set as a treatment goal - for more information visit www.skintolivein.com/Ask4Clear

The digital press release with multimedia content can be accessed here:

Basel, October 03, 2016 - Novartis presented new findings from the largest global survey to date of people with psoriasis, showing many do not achieve the treatment goal of clear skin or even believe it is a realistic goal[1]. People with the disease also report that they face discrimination, humiliation, and mental illness, according to the research presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress.

While real-world evidence presented at EADV demonstrated that clear skin significantly improves quality of life[2], the survey found over half (57%) did not achieve clear or almost clear skin, and nearly a third of people (28%) had to wait five years before receiving treatment that resulted in clear or almost clear skin[1].

"Every patient deserves the opportunity to achieve clear skin, but this research tells us many are not given the chance," said Vasant Narasimhan, Global Head, Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer, Novartis. "Novartis supports the World Health Organization's resolution to make psoriasis a global health priority and help patients overcome the heartbreaking physical, societal and psychological challenges the condition presents."

Over 8,300 people from 31 countries took part in the survey, which aimed to improve the understanding of patients' perspectives on clear skin and, importantly, the impact of not achieving it. This major research initiative represents the largest ever partnership between Novartis and patient organizations, including 25 groups from around the world.