Arthritis Foundation, Takeda launch Gout Living educational campaign

Sep 14 2010

The Arthritis Foundation and Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc., announced the launch of a new educational campaign, Gout Living, to help increase understanding and encourage better management of gout. The campaign, which includes the first-ever gout public service announcements (PSAs), aims to encourage those living with the disease to be proactive about their health. The PSAs, which will be available via television, radio and print outlets, emphasize that living with gout doesn't have to mean missing out on life's special moments.

As part of the initiative, educational information and valuable resources are available on the Gout Living website, www.goutliving.org. The website features tools like a gout attack tracker, tips to start a conversation about gout with a doctor, and information for family, friends and caregivers of people with gout, as well as how to locate a local Arthritis Foundation office.  

For more information and to view the full multimedia news release, please visit www.goutlivingPSA.com.

"Gout is a common yet often overlooked arthritic disease, and the Arthritis Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of those with arthritis and related diseases, including gout," says John Hardin, M.D., vice president of research of the Arthritis Foundation. "GoutLiving.org provides people with gout and their loved ones with information about ways to manage gout and keep it under control. Learning about this chronic illness is an important first step, and we are excited to be able to offer new and valuable resources to the gout community."

There are more than 100 types of arthritis, and gout, a painful and chronic disease, is one of them. It is actually the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in men and affects an estimated 6 million people in the United States.  

"Takeda is committed to increasing understanding of gout and fostering meaningful dialogue about the disease," says Robert Spanheimer, M.D., vice president of medical and scientific affairs at Takeda. "We are pleased to partner with the Arthritis Foundation to provide tools and resources needed to increase gout education and enhance communication around gout management."