Creating value for patients through scientific excellence – Exploring the future of dermatology at EADV 2023

At UCB, we’re focused on creating value for patients both now and in the future. Our 2030 patient ambition is to halve disease progression and double the proportion of patients in clinical remission versus today’s standard of care in immunological diseases, including psoriasis (PsO), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). These immune-mediated, inflammatory skin diseases, place a huge strain on patients, their support systems and society at large.

While breakthroughs have occurred in recent years, people living with chronic inflammatory diseases (CIDs) such as PsO, PsA, and HS still have significant unmet needs, with diagnoses and treatment often made independently despite overlaps in disease manifestation – an estimated 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop PsA and 6 percent of people with HS have psoriasis. This shows the need to find novel solutions that address the root cause of these diseases, which may be linked to the same comorbidity or immunological pathway, rather than focusing on symptomatic treatment. By uncovering these links, people living with multiple CIDs could be given an easier way to achieve better disease control across a range of their symptoms. 

To fulfill our aim and find these solutions, it’s important we continue to build on our strong foundation and expertise in immunology through strategic partnerships and trailblazing science. The EADV (European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology) congress brings together healthcare professionals, organizations, and industry leaders from around the world to discuss the persistent challenges faced by patients and find new ways to address their needs. Moreover, it provides the opportunity for us at UCB to share our research on addressing the underlying mechanisms of CIDs and potential options to enhance disease management.

During this year’s congress, I am proud that 22 UCB-sponsored abstracts will be presented across psoriasis, PsA, and HS. Our expanding dermatology portfolio highlights our continued dedication to advancing treatment options for people with CIDs. 

Psoriasis 

Psoriasis is a common, long-term (chronic) disease that currently has no cure and can have a significant impact on quality of life. UCB is driven to lead the way in delivering improved treatments for people living with psoriasis.

Psoriatic arthritis  

PsA is a systemic, inflammatory disease that develops in some people with psoriasis and typically causes affected joints to become swollen, stiff and painful. It is our ambition to elevate the standard of care and help PsA patients achieve more complete control of their disease.

Hidradenitis suppurativa 

HS is a chronic, recurring, painful, and debilitating inflammatory skin disease, that is associated with systemic manifestations. While the exact cause of HS is unknown, people who have the life-long recurring condition can find it difficult to manage the disease with the burden of constant pain severely affecting their quality of life.

Bringing new treatment options that allow people living with severe diseases to take back control and have the life they want is one of the most rewarding parts of working in dermatology. The EADV congress allows us to work with the dermatology community to explore the latest scientific advancements that can make this goal a reality.