ZUG, Switzerland, April 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
Shire launches campaign to raise
global awareness during World PI Week
Shire plc (LSE: SHP, NASDAQ: SHPG), the global leader in rare
diseases, is launching #PIPostsThanks, a social campaign to
spotlight the unsung heroes who make a difference in the lives of
people living with primary immunodeficiency (PI). PI is a group of
nearly 300 rare disorders in which part of the body's immune system
is missing or does not function properly, in many cases making it
more difficult to fight
infections.[1],[2]
The #PIPostsThanks campaign kicks off April
22-29, 2017, during the seventh annual World PI Week, to
bring the PI community together to share personal journeys and
highlight the efforts of those who help ease the burden of living
with PI. Often people with PI are sick on and off for more than a
decade.[3],[4]
Once recognized, many of these rare disorders are treatable and in
some cases curable.[4]
"As a leader in developing innovative treatments and support
services for PI patients, Shire values the opportunity to serve
this community," said Kasha Witkos,
Global Head of Immunology, Shire. "Through awareness campaigns such
as #PIPostsThanks, we hope to raise awareness of this devastating
disorder and offer our own thanks and ongoing commitment to
innovating on behalf of PI patients around the world. We are
determined to make a meaningful difference for patients with
PI."
Throughout World PI Week, Shire welcomes supporters from around
the world to share Thank You notes, videos, photos and more
using the #PIPostsThanks hashtag. Shire is giving its thanks to the
PI community through MyIgSource (intended for U.S. audiences) and
Rare2Aware (intended for audiences outside of the U.S.) social
channels in continuing to drive dialogue with patients around the
globe. For more information, visit:
- MyIgSource Facebook (intended for U.S. audiences)
- Rare2Aware Facebook (intended for audiences outside of the
U.S.)
- Rare2Aware Instagram (intended for audiences outside of the
U.S.)
It is estimated that as many as six million children and adults
may be affected by PI worldwide and 70-90 percent of PI cases
worldwide are
undiagnosed.[5],[6]
According to a 2007 U.S. survey from the Immune Deficiency
Foundation, it takes 12.4 years on average from symptom onset to a
PI diagnosis.[3]
"During World PI Week 2017 the PI community will raise its
voices and take action to improve access to life-saving
immunoglobulin therapies for patients," said Johan Prevot, IPOPI Executive Director. "In
order for patients to be diagnosed earlier and access appropriate
treatments, it is of utmost importance to raise awareness about PI.
Together, patients, their family and friends, healthcare
professionals and other stakeholders from the community can make a
difference in the lives of PI patients. We join Shire and the PI
community in celebrating World PI Week and giving PI patients the
voice they deserve."
Shire is a proud partner of the official World PI Week
campaign-a partnership of clinical societies, patient organizations
and research foundations from around the world, aiming to raise
awareness and improve diagnosis and treatment for PI.
About World PI Week
World PI Week offers an opportunity to inform and educate
medical professionals, researchers, health policy-makers, schools,
families and the general public about PI. Through events and
activities promoting disease awareness of PI, the global PI
community is making positive changes around the world in support of
people living with PI. For more information, please visit
http://www.worldpiweek.org.
About Primary Immunodeficiency
Primary immunodeficiencies (PI) are a group of nearly 300
disorders in which part of the body's immune system is missing or
does not function properly.[1]
Normally, the immune system protects the body from pathogenic
microorganisms like bacteria, viruses and fungi, which can cause
infectious diseases. When any part of a person's immune system is
absent or dysfunctional, the individuals are often susceptible to
infections, and it may take longer to recover. When a defect in the
immune system is inherited and genetically determined, it is called
primary immune deficiency.[2]
References
- Blaese RM, Bonilla FA, Stiehm ER, Younger ME, eds. Patient
& Family Handbook for Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases. 5th
ed. Towson, MD: Immune Deficiency
Foundation; 2013.
- Bousfiha A, Jeddane I, Al-Herz W, et al. The 2015 IUIS
phenotypic classification for primary immunodeficiencies. J Clin
Immunol. 2015; 35(8): 727-738.
- Immune Deficiency Foundation. Primary immune deficiency
diseases in America: 2007. The third national survey of patients.
Published May 2009.
- Chapel et al, Primary Immunodeficiencies - Principles of Care,
Frontiers of Immunology, 2014 December 15. Doi:
103389/fimmu.2014.00627
- Bousfiha AA et al. Primary immunodeficiency diseases worldwide:
more common than generally thought. J Clin Immunol. 2013
Jan;33(1):1-7.
- World PI Week, "World Primary immunodeficiency Week: Let's talk
about PI!"
http://www.worldpiweek.org/sites/default/files/basic_page_documents/World
PI Week Official PR 2011.pdf. Accessed April
18, 2016.
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Shire
Shire is the leading global biotechnology company focused on
serving people with rare diseases and other highly specialized
conditions. We strive to develop best-in-class products, many of
which are available in more than 100 countries, across core
therapeutic areas including Hematology, Immunology, Neuroscience,
Ophthalmics, Lysosomal Storage Disorders, Gastrointestinal /
Internal Medicine / Endocrine and Hereditary Angioedema; and a
growing franchise in Oncology.
Our employees come to work every day with a shared mission: to
develop and deliver breakthrough therapies for the hundreds of
millions of people in the world affected by rare diseases and other
high-need conditions, and who lack effective therapies to live
their lives to the fullest.
http://www.shire.com
For further information, please contact:
Investor Relations
Ian Karp, ikarp@shire.com,
+1-781-482-9018
Robert Coates, rcoates@shire.com,
+44-1256-894874
Media
Molly Poarch,
molly.poarch@shire.com, +1-312-965-3413