Current News and Events

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ISDI news releases, updates, and current events of upcomming dermatology, skin disease conferences and/or meetings covering the topic of inflammatory skin diseases.

A Prospective Pediatric Longitudinal Evaluation Study (APPLES)

The APPLES study is a long-term safety study of Protopic® (tacrolimus) Ointment in the treatment of subjects with atopic dermatitis under actual use conditions, including the risk of developing cutaneous or systemic malignancies.  For more information call:  The APPLES study center at 1.877.277.7530.

Pediatric Eczema Elective Registry (PEER)

Parents and referring physicians can contribute to a “landmark” scientific, observational, survey-based study that will follow approximately 5000 children with eczema during their growing years. Children between the ages of 2 years -17 years who have used Elidel cream to treat eczema during the 6 months prior to enrollment may participate in this “real world” observational registry. No physical exams or labs are required. There are no medication requirements or medication restrictions during the entire observation period. The child’s eczema may be active or in remission at the time of enrollment. Parents will receive free eczema educational materials and eczema skin care tips during the entire observation period. The parent completes a brief survey at Enrollment and then twice yearly for a 10-year observation period. Surveys can be completed from home by mail, e:mail, phone or fax. More than one child per family may participate. The parent receives $25 for each completed questionnaire (total $500.) during the observation period.
Enrollment is through the community-based physician who provides the Enrollment form and confirms patient eligibility on the form. Referring physicians receive $100.00 for each participant enrolled. There is no limit to the number of patients enrolled per physician.
For Enrollment forms and/or further information contact (toll-free) 1-877-711-7337 (PEER) or www.ThePeerProgram.org.

Children’s Skin Disease Foundation

The Children’s Skin Disease Foundation is now accepting applications for Camp Wonder 2006, an incredible camping experience being offered to children with skin disease, ages 6-16, at no cost to the child or family. The week offers the opportunity to participate in exciting activities, form lasting friendships and ultimately develop a stronger sense of self-esteem while under the careful and loving supervision of an excellent medical staff and counselors. The two sessions will be Camp Wonder, Livermore, California, June 25th to July 1st and Camp Wonder at Victory Junction Gang Camp, Randleman, North Carolina, July 9th to July 14th.

For more information, please contact Christine Tenconi, 925.351.7225 or email: ctenconi@hotmail.com. For all children that qualify, applications will be accepted on a first come first serve basis.

Advocacy

On January 19, 2006 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of updated labeling for two topical eczema drugs, Elidel cream (pimecrolimus) and Protopic ointment (tacrolimus) topical calcineurins (TCIs) with a box warning and a medication guide.

The Inflammatory Skin Disease Institute works with patients with eczema and their families and has seen first-hand how the disease, eczema, can affect the quality of life of the entire family with the rash, chronic itch and sleepless nights. Elidel, a treatment for mild to moderate eczema; and Protopic, a treatment for moderate to severe eczema have been used as successful treatments approved by the FDA since 2000-2001. ISDI has worked with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the FDA in support of these treatments. According to the FDA, no causal link between the use of these drugs and cancer has been established. The warning is to focus on possible risk – not clinical evidence. ISDI is dedicated to improving the lives of people with skin disease and does not diagnose or prescribe, however, will continue to provide education and awareness on these issues.

For more information:
www.aad.org/aad/Newsroom
FDA: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/2006/NEW01299.html
www.elidel.com
www.protopic.com

Patient Art Exhibit

The Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID) will host, with the Coalition of Skin Diseases, the fourth annual patient art exhibit. Submissions will be accepted through March 31, 2006.

You may view some of the artwork featured in past shows and other links in the “Patient Information” tab of our website: http://www.sidnet.org/

As you know, the exhibit is an excellent opportunity for patients to present the impact of skin disease in a personal and creative manner to the researchers committed to finding treatment and cures. This year’s theme will be “The Art of Translation.”

The Exhibitor Release Form must be filled out for each submission. The SID will have all artwork professionally framed, pay all shipping charges and insure the piece for up to $200.00. Please contact Becky Minnillo if you need any additional information via phone at 216.579.9340, fax: 216.579.9333 or email@Minnillo@sidnet.org.

iPLEDGE

The FDA has approved iPLEDGE, an enhanced pregnancy risk management program designed to minimize fetal exposure to isotretinoin. The isotretinoin manufacturers in cooperation with the FDA have combined current risk programs into one collaborative program called iPLEDGE.

The iPLEDGE program strives to ensure that NO FEMALE PATIENT STARTS ISOTRETINOIN THERAPY IF PREGNANT and NO FEMALE ON ISOTRETINOIN THERAPY BECOMES PREGNANT.

The iPLEDGE program is the only way to prescribe, dispense and distribute isotretinoin. Prescribers, patients, pharmacies and wholesalers/distributors are required to register and meet specific requirements for the program.

Capital Hill Day

ISDI attends each spring. We talk to our US Senators and representatives about issues important to people with
inflammatory skin disease. This is an excellent time for you to share your thoughts.

Stay Involved

Contact your local, state and national representatives. Educate them on how inflammatory skin disease affects men, women and children of all ages and races and can truly affect their quality of life.

If you would like more information, please contact ISDI.

ISDI Conferences

Past Conferences:

December 2006: "Living with Inflammatory Skin Disease - The Undue Burden" was held at Easter Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia. Keynote speaker was: Sharon Jacob, MD, Director of Contact Dermatitis Clinic, University of Miami. Other presenters included: Judith Williams, MD; Angela Hogan, MD; Kimberly Scott, MD; Matthew Mahoney; and Marky McDowell.

December 2005: "Inflammatory Skin Disease and the Quality of Life"
Inflammatory Skin Disease and the Quality of Life (Derm Day) was held at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia. Panel Discussion was presented by physicians and patients. Topics discussed were eczema, psoriasis, acne and rosacea.

November 2004: “Eczema the Triad: Asthma? Allergies?”
Held at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia, presenters were LaDonna Williams, Executive Director, ISDI; Antoinette Hood, MD, Chairperson, Dept. of Dermatology at EVMS; Hugh Sampson, MD Professor of Pediatrics and Immunobiology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York; Robert Pariser, MD of Pariser Dermatology, Norfolk, Virginia; Judith Williams, MD, Cynthia Kelly, MD and Angela Hogan, MD, pediatric dermatologists from Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, Norfolk, Virginia.

November 2003: “Eczema: Tough Word, Tough Disease”
Eastern Virginia Medical School was the setting for ISDI’s 1st Annual Conference. Presenters included LaDonna Williams, Executive Director, ISDI; Antoinette Hood, MD, Chairperson, Dept. of Dermatology at EVMS; Margery Scott, MD and Robert Pariser, MD, Eastern Virginia Medical School.