Questcor and The Myositis Association Team Up To Support Research and Educational
Initiatives in Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis
ANAHEIM, Calif., Sept. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Questcor
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (QCOR) today announced that the company will be teaming up
with The Myositis Association (TMA) to support research and educational
initiatives in dermatomyositis and polymyositis.
"Questcor is very pleased to be able to make this commitment to The Myositis
Association and the dermatomyositis and polymyositis communities," said Steve
Cartt, Chief Operating Officer of Questcor. "Further research into these rare
autoimmune disorders is imperative and we feel very strongly about supporting
initiatives to increase patient education and advance the knowledge and treatment
of dermatomyositis and polymyositis."
Mr. Cartt added, "Acthar? is an emerging, FDA-approved treatment alternative for
patients suffering from dermatomyositis and polymyositis. We believe that it is
our responsibility to support the community through the funding of such
initiatives and to make patients and their physicians aware of this important
treatment option."
Questcor pledged $25,000 to fund research grants and fellowships through The
Myositis Association in 2012. In addition, the Company will be attending TMA's
annual conference this week in Orlando.
"Rare conditions like dermatomyositis and polymyositis often suffer from a lack
of funding for basic research and education," said Bob Goldberg, Executive
Director of The Myositis Association. "That's why we are so pleased that Questcor
has stepped up to the table and made an immediate commitment to the myositis
community. Our hope is that further research into the causes and consequences of
dermatomyositis and polymyositis will ultimately lead to a better understanding
of these disorders."
About Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis
Polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) cause inflammation of the muscles and
can lead to muscle atrophy or loss. Upon developing the disease, most patients
experience a slow onset of muscle weakness over several months. The affected
muscles are usually close to the trunk, so people may notice difficulty getting
out of a chair, walking and lifting their arms. Muscles of the esophagus may be
affected, causing difficulty swallowing and setting the stage for potentially
problematic pneumonias. If the diaphragm (a large muscle in the thorax) is
affected, shortness of breath can occur. In some patients fibrosis can occur in
the lungs leading to decreased functionality. Patients with dermatomyositis can
develop a severe rash or other skin changes, often over the eyes and face.
Prolonged disability, including sustained muscle weakness, the need for aided
ambulation, and impairment of tasks of daily living, occur in a large percentage
of patients.
About The Myositis Association
The Myositis Association (TMA) was founded in 1993 by Betty Curry, a patient who
identified the need for information and support for inclusion-body myositis
patients; then quickly grew to include the other forms of myositis -
dermatomyositis and polymyositis. TMA is the only nonprofit organization
dedicated to solely serving patients with the inflammatory myopathies. Besides
offering free membership to patients, TMA publishes online and print materials
for patients and physicians, offers 45 support groups in the U.S., conducts an
Annual Patient Conference and connects international myositis experts with the
myositis medical and patient communities. TMA's research program has funded 34
grants and fellowships, totaling more than $3.5 million, in the past 10 years.
About Questcor
Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the
treatment of patients with serious, difficult-to-treat autoimmune and
inflammatory disorders. Questcor's primary product is H.P. Acthar? Gel
(repository corticotropin injection), an injectable drug that is approved by the
FDA for the treatment of 19 indications. Of these 19 indications, Questcor
currently generates substantially all of its net sales from three indications:
the treatment of proteinuria in idiopathic types of nephrotic syndrome, the
treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis in adults, and the
treatment of infantile spasms in children under two years of age. With respect to
nephrotic syndrome, the FDA has approved Acthar to "induce a diuresis or a
remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the
idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus." Acthar is approved for
several rheumatology-related conditions including Dermatomyositis, Polymyositis,
Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Questcor is also exploring the possibility of
developing markets for other on-label indications and the possibility of pursuing
FDA approval of additional indications not currently on the Acthar label where
there is high unmet medical need. For more information about Questcor, please
visit questcor.com. |
