On 29 October, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals launched a new research grant programme to mark World Psoriasis Day. The programme, entitled “Advances in Psoriasis”, will encourage and support ground-breaking research into a greater understanding of psoriasis and related disorders.

Applications from researchers based in Europe, the Middle East and Africa are invited now at www.advancesinpsoriasis.com for a total of six grants each worth EUR100,000. The grants will be awarded for studies in the inflammatory pathogenesis of psoriasis and TNF-related skin disorders. Successful applicants will be selected by an expert panel of independent international leaders in dermatology.

“We are very grateful to Wyeth for creating this programme to improve the scientific understanding of psoriatic conditions. This will support innovative new research in any area of psoriasis and related conditions,” said Professor Alberto Giannetti, President of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. “This is an excellent opportunity for researchers who require funding for novel projects in this area and they should apply immediately. The judging panel will be looking for new ideas based on sound scientific rationale.”

“Wyeth Pharmaceuticals is proud to launch this programme as part of our commitment to improving the understanding of psoriasis and related disorders,” said Ulf Wiinberg, President, Wyeth Europe, Middle East, Africa and Canada. “We are a key sponsor of World Psoriasis Day and we hope that the ‘Advances in Psoriasis programme’ will eventually lead to real improvements in quality of life for patients with psoriasis around the world.”

Researchers interested in applying for an “Advances in Psoriasis” grant should log on to www.advancesinpsoriasis.com for further details and to download an application pack. The closing date for applications is 29 February 2008.