Atopic Dermatitis Knowledge Centre is launched on EPG website for doctors

EPG Health Media, specialists in e-communication solutions and digital publishing for the health sector, today announced the launch of a new interactive Atopic Dermatitis knowledge centre. The new resource is hosted on www.epgonline.org an online medical education resource for Healthcare Professionals (HCPs).

Atopic dermatitis (or eczema) is a highly prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disorder, affecting 10–30% of children and 1–3% of adults.[1] The physical, psychosocial and socioeconomic impact on ‘quality of life’ of patients and their families is often much higher than for other common chronic diseases such as acne, diabetes, asthma and hypertension.[2]

There are a variety of options, pharmacological and non-pharmacological, available for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Ongoing active management of subclinical inflammation to prevent flares and prolong flare-free periods represents the new cornerstone of effective, long-term atopic dermatitis control and close collaboration between patients, carers, and healthcare professionals is required.

The Atopic Dermatitis knowledge centre is designed to provide information and support to HCPs involved in the diagnosis, treatment and care of atopic dermatitis. It outlines the clinical approach to management, from initial assessment and diagnosis through to taking the decision to treat and ongoing treatment.

“We recognise that today’s healthcare professionals are challenged in keeping up-to-date with best practice for this common, chronic disease,” said Sascha Ramos EPG Health Media. “By working with partners in healthcare such as Astellas, we help EPG members stay up to date on all aspects of disease, and in turn, make more informed clinical decisions for best possible patient outcome.”

Astellas Pharma Europe has developed innovative treatments for a range of skin diseases, particularly for atopic dermatitis. Through providing innovative and effective products, reinforced by education, training and support, Astellas aims to continue to demonstrate its commitment to be a preferred partner among Dermatology healthcare providers and to improving quality of life for patients. “Our support to the Atopic Dermatitis knowledge centre is a clear example of this,” said Pedro Herzog, Senior Brand Director for Dermatology, Astellas Pharma Europe.

The new Atopic Dematitis knowledge centre is the latest addition to the EPG Online ‘library’ of more than twenty knowledge centres. Other disease knowledge centres focus on a range of chronic and acute conditions including asthma, cystic fibrosis, renal anaemia, men’s health, diabetes, thrombosis, soft tissue sarcoma and various types of cancer. To access the knowledge centres, healthcare professionals will be required to register (for free) or login with their EPG username and password.

In addition to disease knowledge centres, EPG Online includes a database of drugs (searchable by name and indication), clinical trials, guideline information and original medical news articles. Established in 2000, it is an independent website, dedicated to providing HCP’s with access to the most recent best-practice diagnoses and patient management guidance.

1. Leung DY, Boguniewicz M, Howell MD, et al. New insights into atopic dermatitis. J Clin Invest 2004; 113: 651-7.

2. Kiebert G, Sorensen SV, Revicki D, et al. Atopic dermatitis is associated with a decrement in health-related quality of life. Int J Dermatol 2002; 41: 151-8.


About EPG Health Media.
EPG Health Media (Europe) Ltd is a private limited Company specialising in the delivery of e-communication and digital information solutions. The Company’s activities fall within three key areas of competency; electronic publishing; e-marketing/communications solutions and market research.

About Astellas Pharma Europe
Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd., located in the UK, is a European subsidiary of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc. Astellas is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. The organisation is committed to becoming a global company by combining outstanding R&D and marketing capabilities and continuing to grow in the world pharmaceutical market. Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd. is responsible for
20 affiliate offices located across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, an R&D site and three manufacturing plants. The company employs approximately 3,400 staff across these regions.

CONTACT
Charlotte Batten
EPG Health Media Public Relations
PHONE: (+44) 01892 526776
E-MAIL: press@epghealthmedia.com
WEB: www.epghealthmedia.com