Initiative Urges Public to Harness Their Online Power to Support the Community in Their Efforts to Generate Awareness

Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ:CELG) today announced the launch of Be Counted!, an educational initiative that unites advocates, experts, and patients to raise awareness of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and rallies public support of this chronic, autoimmune disease. Together, the community has created a social initiative at PsACounts.com that highlights different perspectives on the disease and urges people to get involved and help spread the word of the program via their social media channels.

PsA is a painful and debilitating chronic condition that affects up to 1 million Americans, but this number may be higher given the disease is often misdiagnosed and underreported. In fact, the prevalence of PsA is higher than the number of people living with more well-known, serious conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Lyme disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) combined. PsA may impact patients’ mobility in their daily lives; at the most basic level, some are unable to walk easily or climb stairs.

“People living with PsA often share that, in addition to their physical symptoms, they feel isolated and alone. This is often because PsA impacts people who don’t yet have peers facing serious or long-lasting health conditions – so they do not know who to turn to for support.” said Jason Faller, M.D., Mount Sinai Roosevelt Medical Center. “Also, many disclose that their PsA is confused with osteoarthritis – also known as “age-related” or "wear and tear" arthritis – and other autoimmune conditions. However, PsA is a disease that is different from other arthritic or psoriatic conditions and can present significant challenges to those living with the disease.”

The Be Counted! campaign aims to reinforce that PsA is a disease people should understand because of its significant prevalence and the distinct way it impacts the body and those living with it. Insights from PsA patients, advocates, and rheumatologists show the profound impact of living with a misunderstood disease and the importance of community, treatment, and disease management. People are encouraged to show their support by viewing the videos at PsACounts.com and sharing on their social channels, leveraging the power of their online network to increase awareness of PsA. The site also features a map demonstrating how awareness is increasing across the country by counting video views.

“There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis, and that’s why it’s so important for those connected to the disease – including advocacy groups, healthcare providers, and patients – and the general public to work together to create an environment that supports the PsA community and helps them to manage their disease,” said Randy Beranek, President and CEO, National Psoriasis Foundation.

“There are treatments to help manage symptoms of PsA. People with PsA should speak with their doctor about their condition,” said Renae R., a psoriatic arthritis patient. “However, I continue to struggle with others’ misperceptions of the disease. I am so excited that Celgene has introduced the Be Counted! campaign because it will help educate people about PsA and help them understand that it is a disease that counts.”

“Celgene believes that addressing the needs of people living with PsA requires patients to have not only access to different treatment options, but also a better understanding of the disease and its impact,” said Terrie Curran, Corporate Vice President, Inflammation & Immunology, Celgene. “The Be Counted! campaign was designed to support PsA patients and the larger community by providing much-needed education and perspective on the disease.”

To learn more about the campaign and to spread the word about PsA, visit PsACounts.com.

About Celgene

Celgene Corporation, headquartered in Summit, New Jersey, is an integrated global biopharmaceutical company engaged primarily in the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative therapies for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases through next-generation solutions in protein homeostasis, immuno-oncology, epigenetics, immunology and neuro-inflammation. For more information, please visit www.celgene.com. Follow Celgene on Social Media: @Celgene, Pinterest, LinkedIn, FaceBook and YouTube.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are generally statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the words “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “plans,” “will,” “outlook” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current plans, estimates, assumptions, and projections, and speak only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement in light of new information or future events, except as otherwise required by law. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond our control. Actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of the impact of a number of factors, many of which are discussed in more detail in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Celgene CorporationInvestors:Patrick E. Flanigan IIIVice President, Investor Relations908-673-9969orMedia:Catherine CantoneDirector, Corporate Communications732-564-3592

Celgene (NASDAQ:CELG)
Historical Stock Chart
From Feb 2024 to Mar 2024 Click Here for more Celgene Charts.
Celgene (NASDAQ:CELG)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2023 to Mar 2024 Click Here for more Celgene Charts.