MyHealthTeams Launches Social Network MySpondylitisTeam
Working with UCB on patient education initiative designed to empower people living with spondyloarthritis
San Francisco — January 18, 2018 — MyHealthTeams has launched MySpondylitisTeam,
the social network for people living with spondyloarthritis (SpA), which is an umbrella term for chronic and inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine, the pelvis, the joints and the entheses (the sites where the ligaments and tendons attach to the bones), causing joint stiffness and crippling pain. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that more than 1% of Americans are living with spondyloarthritis, with most people first experiencing symptoms in their 20s or 30s – yet many are not diagnosed until several years later.
The new social network, which has attracted more than 3,800 registered members in just a few weeks, is a member-led online community in which people share information, resources, tips and advice that help them better manage their day-to-day health and lives. MyHealthTeams also creates and curates resources to serve the community. MySpondylitisTeam is one of 28 social networks established by MyHealthTeams since the company was founded in 2012.
“When someone is diagnosed with spondyloarthritis, especially after enduring years of inexplicable pain, they have a deep desire for more information and authentic connection,” said Eric Peacock, cofounder and CEO of MyHealthTeams. “Your Facebook friends may not know the first thing about spondyloarthritis, but on a social network exclusively for people who share the condition you know that everyone ‘gets it.’”
To increase awareness about spondyloarthritis, inflammatory back pain, and related symptoms, MyHealthTeams is working with UCB, a global biopharmaceutical company, on an educational initiative designed to provide people experiencing symptoms with information and resources.
“Understanding the patient experience is central to our operating ethos. UCB is focused on bringing solutions to people living with severe diseases, like spondyloarthritis. These patients need solutions that extend beyond just medications to include new technology and networks, a supportive community, and access to information. Teaming with MyHealthTeams allows UCB to gain insights from a unique social network just for patients, enabling us to provide valuable resources that educate and support SpA patients,” said Emmanuel Caeymaex, Head of Immunology and Executive Vice President, Immunology Patient Value Unit, UCB.
About Spondyloarthritis
Spondyloarthritis is a family of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases impacting joints and spine, which are chronic, painful and progressively debilitating conditions, where ongoing inflammation and disease progression leave patients with reduced mobility and functionality, as well as joint stiffness and crippling pain in affected areas.
Recent data suggest that the prevalence as well as the patient disease impact is similar to that of rheumatoid arthritis.
About MyHealthTeams
MyHealthTeams believes that if you are diagnosed with a chronic condition, it should be easy to find and connect with others like you. MyHealthTeams creates social networks for people living with a chronic health condition. More than 1.2 million people have joined one of the company’s 28 highly engaged communities focusing on the following conditions: Crohn’s and colitis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, fibromyalgia, pulmonary hypertension, spondylitis, eczema, hyperhydrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, irritable bowel syndrome, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, hemophilia, depression, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, COPD, chronic pain, migraines, food allergies, obesity, HIV, PCOS, endometriosis, breast cancer and autism. MyHealthTeams social networks are available in eight countries.
About UCB
UCB, Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb.com) is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines and solutions to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases of the immune system or of the central nervous system. With more than 7,500 people in approximately 40 countries, the company generated revenue of €4.2 billion in 2016. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB). Follow us on Twitter: @UCB_news
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