LFA FORMS PARTNERSHIP WITH WATSON PHARMACEUTICALS AND GENELABS TECHNOLOGIES  

The Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. has partnered with Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Genelabs Technologies, Inc. to premiere a national magazine providing the latest, medically sound information to individuals and their families affected by lupus.  Lupus Now will appeal to both consumers and health professionals, providing an editorial voice that resonates with the 1.5 million Americans with lupus, their families, caregivers, as well as physicians, researchers, and healthcare providers. 

Published by the Lupus Foundation of America, the nations leading nonprofit voluntary health organization dedicated solely to lupus, Lupus Now will be the source lupus patients turn to for timely, accurate and interesting information.  The national magazine will include lifestyle and wellness feature articles, the latest in treatments and therapies, clinical updates, and personals stories and more. 

GROWING NEED FOR LUPUS INFORMATION

 The Lupus Foundation of America is launching Lupus Now in response to the public and private sectors growing need for education and awareness in coping with lupus, an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the bodys own cells and tissue.  Lupus strikes mostly women of childbearing age, with the highest prevalence among women of color, especially African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans. 

 This is an important educational resource for patients, families, and physicians that will provide the necessary tools to help manage this disabling and potentially fatal disease, said Sameta Kemp, a Vice President with the Lupus Foundation of America. Lupus Now will also appeal to medical researchers, as well as policymakers and other government officials who need to be aware of the needs of individuals with lupus.

MAGAZINE TO PREMIERE AT SCIENTIFIC MEETING

             Premiering on October 24, 2003 at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in Orlando, Florida, the 40-page magazine initially will be distributed three times per year to 75,000 100,000 individuals, including people with lupus, members of their families, physicians, researchers, government officials, and the LFAs national partners.  Physicians scheduled to receive the magazine include rheumatologists, nephrologists, immunologists, dermatologists, internists, general practice physicians, and others involved in the diagnosis and treatment of lupus.

 Thanks in part to an unrestricted educational grant, made possible by Watson Pharmaceuticals and Genelabs Technologies, the Foundation is now able to deliver this long-awaited publication, said Sandra C. Raymond, President and CEO, Lupus Foundation of America.  The introduction of Lupus Now marks an important step in the launch of our national campaign to increase awareness and understanding of this life-threatening and life-diminishing disease, 

              George C. Tsokos, M.D., a lupus researcher at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and a medical advisor to the Lupus Foundation of America, is excited about the benefit of the magazine.  No other publication will provide as a comprehensive level of coverage on lupus as Lupus Now.  Everyone associated with lupus will find this magazine to be extremely interesting and helpful.

               There have been no new medications approved specifically for lupus in more than three decades.  Lupus Now will provide updates on efforts to develop safer and more effective therapies, as well as information on coping, exercise, diet, stress management, and other aspects of living with lupus.  The publication will appeal to newly diagnosed lupus patients as well as individuals who have had lupus for many years.  Physicians also will be interested in articles about new trends in treatment and disease management. 

ABOUT THE LUPUS NOW PREMIERE PARTNERS

            Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc., headquartered in Corona, California, is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing, manufacturing, and marketing brand and generic pharmaceutical products. 

Genelabs Technologies, Inc., headquartered in Redwood City, California, is a biopharmaceutical company pioneering the discovery and development of novel pharmaceutical products to improve human health. 

ABOUT THE LUPUS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA

The Lupus Foundation of America is the nations leading nonprofit voluntary health organization dedicated solely to improving the diagnosis and treatment of lupus, supporting individuals and families affected by the disease, increasing awareness among health professionals and the public, and finding the cure.  The LFA is headquartered in Washington, DC and has approximately 50 chapters and 200 support groups throughout the United States.

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