Rheumatoid Arthritis Impacts Millions Of Americans But Remains Severely Underfunded

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects 2.1
million Americans and despite many advances in the understanding of the
disease, funds for research remain limited and both the cause and a cure
are still unknown. The American College of Rheumatology Research and
Education Foundation (ACR REF) is working to accelerate RA research and
expand financial support of this disease by launching the Within Our Reach:
Finding a Cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis campaign. The new program is
designed to raise unprecedented funds to search for a cure.



RA is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis and costs society
more than $80 billion each year. The disease affects more than one in every
200 Americans. However, research funding for RA averages as little as
$25.90 per patient and remains significantly low compared to other chronic
diseases that affect far fewer people like lupus, diabetes and multiple
sclerosis, which average $330.00 per patient. Despite the lack of funding,
research has led to more effective and aggressive, treatments as well as a
better understanding of how to manage the disease.



"Therapy for patients with RA has improved dramatically, and we also
have learned that early diagnosis is essential," said Dr. James R. O'Dell,
president of the REF. "While there is no cure, patients who receive
treatment early feel better and are more likely to lead an active life.
Painful symptoms including inflammation and joint damage can be minimized
with early treatment and further research will continue to better patients'
lives and get us closer to a cure."



Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms and Diagnosis



RA is a chronic, autoimmune disease that develops because certain cells
of the immune system malfunction and attack healthy joints. It is far more
common in women than many expect. Approximately 1 to 3 percent of women may
develop RA in their lifetime, which is three times more common in women as
in men. While symptoms most often begin between the fourth and sixth
decades of life, RA can develop at any age.



Pain, stiffness, swelling, and limitation in the motion and function of
multiple joints are the most common symptoms. Though joints are the
principal body parts affected by RA, inflammation can develop in other
organs as well. Additional warning signs also include:


-- Loss of energy


-- Low-grade fevers


-- Loss of appetite


-- Dry eyes and mouth from an associated condition known as Sjogren's
syndrome















-- Firm lumps called rheumatoid nodules beneath the skin in areas such as
the elbow and hands



RA can be difficult to diagnose because it may begin gradually and many
diseases behave in a manner similar to RA. Patients suspected of having RA
should be evaluated by a rheumatologist, a physician with the necessary
skill and experience to reach a precise diagnosis and develop the most
appropriate treatment plan.



Patients can visit rheumatology/directory to find a
rheumatologist in their area.



About Within Our Reach: Finding a Cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Campaign



Within Our Reach is a national, multi-year fundraising campaign with a
goal to raise $30 million towards accelerating innovative research focused
specifically on rheumatoid arthritis. It is the largest private fundraising
campaign in the REF's history, which will tap a diverse donor base,
supporting innovative research to learn more about the causes of RA and,
ultimately, to find a cure. Since November, the campaign has received
tremendous support from the pharmaceutical industry, biotech companies,
physicians and patients.



"Today, more funding needs to be directed towards the kind of RA
research that goes beyond treatment only - the kind of RA research that
seeks to find a cure through better understanding of the causes of and
preventions for this devastating disease," added Dr. O'Dell. "With the
guidance of ACR Research and Education Foundation, Within Our Reach will
allow more of this type of research to be conducted and together we can
work to find a cure."



To learn more about rheumatoid arthritis and Within Our Reach, please
visit WithinOurReach.



About the ACR Research and Education Foundation



The ACR Research and Education Foundation was established in 1985 as a
501(c)(3) with a mission to improve patients' lives through support of
research and training that advances the prevention, treatment and cure of
rheumatic diseases. Since its founding, the REF has promoted and advanced
the field of rheumatology by funding research, training and education
opportunities for clinicians, students, health professionals, researchers
and academic institutions. On average, 90 cents of every dollar donated to
the REF is used to fund its extensive award and grant program.


American College of Rheumatology Research and Education Foundation

WithinOurReach