PORTLAND, OR (September 7, 2001) --The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) announced today that it is accepting grant applications from researchers interested in innovative psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis research projects in clinical research, genetics or immunology.

The NPF will award two, two-year $150,000 grants. The deadline for applications is October 26, 2001, and awardees will be notified by January 30, 2002.

"This is a critical time in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis research, a time when the right resources directed in the right places will move this research forward," says Gail M. Zimmerman, NPF president and CEO. "We are thrilled to offer these significant new research grants and intend to continue to offer such grants each year."

All applications are subject to peer review by the NPF's Scientific Review Committee. The committee members do not participate in evaluation of applications from institutions with which they are associated or applications in which there is a real or apparent conflict of interest.

Since its origination in 1968, the NPF has awarded more than 50 pre- and postdoctoral research fellowships and 35 grants for sums totaling nearly $2.5 million.

Grant applications and requirements are available on the NPF Web site: http://www.psoriasis.org/grants2002.htm. For additional information, please contact Tara Rolstad, NPF director of advocacy and medical affairs, at (800) 723--9166 or by e-mail, [email protected].

The NPF is a lay, nonprofit health organization with a mission to provide information and support to the more than 7 million Americans with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, educate the general public about these chronic, noncontagious diseases and fund psoriasis research for a cure. For free information about psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, contact the NPF at (800) 723-9166 or by e-mail at [email protected], or visit the Web site www.psoriasis.org.

Our mission is to improve the quality of life of people who have psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Through education and advocacy, we promote awareness and understanding, ensure access to treatment and support research that will lead to effective management and, ultimately, a cure.

Contact Information:Molly Marshall Marketing and PR ManagerNational Psoriasis Foundation503-244-7404, ext. 22[email protected]www.psoriasis.org