New Survey Reveals the Widespread and Serious Impact of Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis on People Living with the Disease

- U.S. adults report issues with sleep, ability to work and feelings of depression and anxiety -

- Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis is a serious, chronic inflammatory skin disease marked by widespread rash and itching.(i,ii) -

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Sanofi

Oct 05, 2016, 08:30 ET

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. and TARRYTOWN, N.Y., Oct. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey of 505 American adults (18 years of age and older) who self-reported being diagnosed with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) shows that the disease goes beyond the physical signs and symptoms, negatively impacting people's lives socially and psychologically. The results, unveiled today during Eczema Awareness Month, show that a majority of respondents are making lifestyle modifications, and that some have made career choices that limit face-to-face interactions with others because of the disease. The survey, part of the national awareness campaign Understand AD, was conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of Sanofi Genzyme and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

"We hear first-hand from people living with this disease that many aspects of their everyday life are impacted," said Julie Block, President and CEO, National Eczema Association. "They routinely deal with intense itch and pain, and feeling self-conscious because of the way their skin looks. People share that they feel depressed and anxious because of their disease."

Out of the 505 Americans with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis who responded to the Understand AD survey:

53 percent reported that their disease has negatively impacted their daily lives
82 percent have made lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding social engagements, being in pictures and participating in sports/exercise
55 percent reported that their confidence was negatively impacted due to their disease
49 percent say their sleep has been negatively impacted by the disease, moderately or significantly
23 percent of people feel depressed and 28 percent feel anxious due to their AD
20 percent report that their AD has impacted their ability to maintain employment and 16 percent have made career choices that limit face-to-face interactions with others because of the disease

The survey also found that nearly 70 percent of respondents often or sometimes experience flares while on treatment. In fact, people reported using a range of treatments to manage their disease including prescription therapies, over-the-counter medications, alternative medicine like acupuncture, and even vitamins and herbal supplements.

"Despite currently available treatment options, people living with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis still struggle to manage their disease," said Susan Tofte, MS, BSN, FNP-C, past President of the Dermatology Nurses' Association. "These survey results reaffirm what our community of nurses sees regularly with the people they are treating for this disease – the total impact goes beyond the physical symptoms. It's important for all of us to do our part in recognizing this is more than just a skin disease."

Visit www.UnderstandAD.com for additional survey findings, hear from people living with the disease, and to get connected with advocates such as the National Eczema Association and Dermatology Nurses' Association. Award-winning chef, media personality and restaurateur Elizabeth Falkner, who has lived with atopic dermatitis for the past 20 years, also shares her personal experience on the website.

About Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis
Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, a serious, chronic form of eczema,i is characterized by rashes and can include intense itching, skin dryness, cracking, redness, crusting, and oozing.ii Even though atopic dermatitis symptoms appear on the skin, they are fueled by a continuous cycle of underlying inflammation triggered in part by a malfunction in the immune system.^ⁱⁱⁱ People living with the physical symptoms of atopic dermatitis may also feel self-conscious and embarrassed about their appearance and may experience anxiety, depression, and feelings of social isolation.^{^iv}^{,^v,^vi,^vii,^viii,^ix,^x}

About Sanofi
Sanofi, a global healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients' needs. Sanofi is organized into five global business units: Diabetes and Cardiovascular, General Medicines and Emerging Markets, Sanofi Genzyme, Sanofi Pasteur and Merial. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).

Sanofi Genzyme focuses on developing specialty treatments for debilitating diseases that are often difficult to diagnose and treat, providing hope to patients and their families.

About Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Regeneron (NASDAQ: REGN) is a leading science-based biopharmaceutical company based in Tarrytown, New York that discovers, invents, develops, manufactures, and commercializes medicines for the treatment of serious medical conditions. Regeneron commercializes medicines for eye diseases, high LDL cholesterol and a rare inflammatory condition and has product candidates in development in other areas of high unmet medical need, including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, pain, cancer, and infectious diseases. For additional information about the company, please visit www.regeneron.com or follow @Regeneron on Twitter.

About the National Eczema Association
The National Eczema Association (NEA) is a non-profit 501(c) (3) patient advocacy organization whose mission is to improve the health and quality of life for individuals with eczema through research, support, and education. In the United States alone, over 10% of the population has some form of atopic dermatitis/eczema. NEA was founded in 1988 by a group of patients, medical professionals, and parents to help individuals and families living with this skin disease live healthier lives. Through a variety of educational materials, including a quarterly patient-oriented magazine, a monthly electronic magazine, and trustworthy website, NEA reaches out to a diverse audience that includes eczema patients, caregivers, medical professionals, and other stakeholders. NEA also conducts educational events for patients and participates in a wide-variety of medical symposiums. NEA is active year round to promote eczema awareness, break through stereotypes and address issues critical to patient care. Advocacy efforts include advancing increases in skin disease research funding through the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) of the National Institutes of Health, as well as increasing public understanding regarding the burden of eczema. NEA provides a network of support groups, an up-to-date website with the latest research and treatment information, a Seal of Acceptance program for over-the-counter products to help eczema patients navigate the myriad of products necessary for their daily skin care regimen, and a research program to advance scientific knowledge and care. All NEA programs and services result in benefits for eczema patients and their families. NEA does not endorse specific products. For more information about the National Eczema Association, visit www.nationaleczema.org, contact at [email protected], or call 1-800-818-7546.

About the Dermatology Nurses' Association
The Dermatology Nurses' Association (DNA) is a professional nursing organization comprised of a diverse group of individuals committed to quality care through sharing knowledge and expertise. The core purpose of the DNA is to promote excellence in dermatologic care. Members include nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed practical and vocational nurses, medical assistants and others associated with dermatology nursing, who work in a variety of settings including clinics, academic institutions, private practice, public health centers, and government facilities. DNA offers education and training in fundamental and cutting-edge dermatology care and treatment through its annual convention, local chapter meetings, dermatology nurse and nurse practitioner certification review courses and expert workshops. Members of the DNA's Nurse Practitioner Society are afforded tools, resources and education focused on the needs of the advanced nurse practitioner. The DNA Focus Newsletter and official journal, the Journal of Dermatology Nurses' Association, extend the DNA's informational and education presence with association and practice news, learner-paced continuing education and timely resources.

Contacts Sanofi:
Media Relations
Carrie Brown
Tel: +1 (908) 981-6486
[email protected]

Contacts Sanofi:
Media Relations
Ilana Tabak
Tel: + 1 (914) 847-3836
Mobile: +1 (914) 450-6677
[email protected]

US-ILF-13132 | US.DUP.16.09.037

ⁱ National Institutes of Health (NIH). Handout on Health: Atopic Dermatitis (A type of eczema) May 2013. Available online: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Atopic_Dermatitis/default.asp. Accessed: September 9, 2016.

ⁱⁱ http://www.mountsinai.org/patient-care/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/atopic-dermatitis#risk Accessed August 31, 2016.

ⁱⁱⁱ Lebwohl MG, Del Rosso JQ, Abramovits W, et al. Pathways to managing atopic dermatitis: consensus from the experts. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2013;6(7 Suppl):S2-S18

^iv Simpson EL. Comorbidity in atopic dermatitis. Curr Dermatol Rep. 2012;1:29-38.

^v Gupta MA, Gupta AK. Depression and suicidal ideation in dermatology patients with acne, alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Br J Dermatol. 1998;139:846-850

^vi Kimata H. Prevalence of suicidal ideation in patients with atopic dermatitis. Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2006;36:120-124.

^vii Yarbrough KB, Neuhaus KJ, Simpson EL. The effects of treatment on itch in atopic dermatitis. Dermatol Ther. 2013;26:110-119.

^viii Anderson RT, Rajagopalan R. Effects of allergic dermatosis on health-related quality of life. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2001;1(4):309-315.

^ix Misery L, Finlay AY, Martin N, et al. Atopic dermatitis: impact on the quality of life of patients and their partners. Dermatology. 2007;215:123-129.

^x Zuberbier T, Orlow SJ, Paller AS, et al. Patient perspectives on the management of atopic dermatitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006;118:226-232

SOURCE Sanofi