Time to Focus on Hidradenitis Suppurativa

The 12^th Conference of the European Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation (EHSF) takes place this week (February 8–10, 2023) in Florence, Italy. We sat down with Ingrid Pansar, Global Medical Lead, UCB and Marie Hélène Saintmard, EU Medical Strategy Lead, UCB, to learn more about the conference and about hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).

What can you tell us about the 12^th Conference of the European Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation?

Ingrid Pansar: “The 12^th Conference of the European Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation is an important event in the HS calendar taking place in Florence, Italy, between February 8 – 10. The conference brings together scientists and physicians from all over the world to discuss the latest research and innovations. The high-quality hybrid scientific program offers attending delegates the opportunity to hear the latest research on this extremely important skin disease. At UCB, we have a longstanding commitment to developing and delivering science that will make a difference in the lives of people with immuno-dermatological conditions and we are looking forward to joining the community over the next few days.”

Can you tell us more about HS and some of the challenges for people living with this disease?

Ingrid Pansar: “HS is a chronic, recurring, painful and inflammatory skin disease. The main symptoms are nodules, abscesses, and pus-discharging fistulas which typically occur in the armpits, groin and sensitive areas. People with HS experience flare-ups of the disease as well as severe pain, which can have a major impact on quality of life. HS develops in early adulthood, and affects approximately one percent of the population in most studied countries. The symptoms of pain, discharge and scarring are not only a physical burden since people with HS can also experience stigma and reactions from society in response to their symptoms.”

Can you share more about UCB’s overall presence at EHSF 2023?

Marie Hélène Saintmard: “We’re pleased to be a gold sponsor of EHSF 2023 and to have a strong scientific presence at the conference. Our activities at this year’s conference include an educational satellite symposium, an oral presentation and three poster presentations which will share our latest updates on HS, including a literature review focusing on patient quality of life and other patient-reported outcomes. In addition, we are looking forward to welcoming delegates to our medical booth, as well as our virtual booth, where the team will be pleased to discuss our research, answer questions, and share details of our growing partnership network.”

What can healthcare professionals expect to hear if they attend UCB’s educational symposium at EHSF 2023?

Marie Hélène Saintmard: “We are pleased to be hosting an educational satellite symposium for healthcare professionals titled, ‘Exploring the patient journey: why time matters.’ on February 8th, from 12:45 – 13:30 CET. At this symposium, international experts will discuss the disease trajectory of HS and offer healthcare professionals invaluable insights on the patient journey. If you are a healthcare professional attending EHSF 2023, we hope you can join us for this educational session.”

Do you have a final message for delegates attending the conference?

Ingrid Pansar & Marie Hélène Saintmard: “EHSF 2023 offers multiple learning experiences, an outstanding scientific program and opportunities to engage with leading experts in HS. We believe that building strong relationships with the dermatology community is the path toward optimizing treatment outcomes, improving the patient experience, and delivering solutions that will make a real difference. We are excited to join the discussions this year and to stay up to date with the latest high-quality research and the most recent innovations. To the healthcare professionals attending EHSF 2023, we look forward to meeting with you and welcoming you to our medical booth and educational satellite symposium.  See you soon.”

Find out more about Hidradenitis Suppurativa on UCB’s dedicated page: Hidradenitis Suppurativa | UCB.