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Immunology

Immunology

Immunology, the science that researches the immune system, is one of Janssen's areas of expertise. In diseases related to the immune system, the body fights against itself. These diseases are chronic and can therefore, cause pain and discomfort a lifetime long. Current treatments have already made a big difference in the lives of many patients. However, there remains a great need for medicines that work better, faster, and longer.

It is Janssen's mission to improve the diagnosis of immune-mediated diseases, to ensure and improve access to good treatments for patients, and to continue to offer new and better medication. We will continue to do so until immune-mediated diseases are a thing of the past.

Impact on patient's lives

Immune-mediated diseases are chronic. People suffer from them all their lives. Yet the impact of this type of disease on daily life is seriously underestimated and there is still a stigma surrounding these diseases. People experience a lot of pain and other complaints on a daily basis. Getting out of bed, getting dressed, tie laces, go to work, study, find a partner, take care of children, or even take care of themselves: immune-mediated diseases make it all more difficult.

People with an immune-mediated disease often face stigmatisation, isolation, reduced productivity and psychological problems1,2,3. Research shows that living with an immune-mediated disease has a similar impact on quality of life as living with cancer, heart disease or hypertension3,4,5. In addition to the patients themselves, their family members and relatives often experiences the consequences of the disease6.

What are immune-mediated diseases?

Psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are examples of immune-mediated diseases. Although these diseases do not appear to have any connection in terms of symptoms, they do have something in common: they are all chronic inflammations resulting from an immune system disturbance. An immune-mediated disease literally means that the body is fighting against itself.

Our commitment: For The Peace Within

We believe in a future in which immune-mediated diseases belong to the past. Janssen is therefore constantly committed to putting patients at the centre and to making scientific breakthroughs in immunology available to them.

Our commitment to immune-mediated diseases goes beyond the development and production of medicines. We also actively collaborate with patient organisations and bring together the best minds - including doctors, nurses, patients, scientists and policymakers. In doing so, we help ensure that people with immune-mediated diseases have access to the best possible treatments, when they need them. We are dedicated working For The Peace Within.

More information about Janssen

Read more about our activities in the field of psoriasis, rheumatism and IBD and our other areas of expertise. You can also learn more about Janssen's activities in Belgium and what working at Janssen looks like. You can also follow us via social media on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to stay up to date with current developments.

 

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1 Pompili, Maurizio, et al. "Suicide risk and psychiatric comorbidity in patients with psoriasis." Journal of international medical research 44.1_suppl (2016): 61-66.
2 Penninga, N. “IBD en vermoeidheid.” s.n. (2009) (https://www.rug.nl/research/portal/files/14619873/penninga.pdf)
3 Walker, Janine G, et al. "Measuring quality of life in rheumatic conditions." Clinical rheumatology 26.5 (2007): 671-673.
4 Mease, Philip J. "Assessing the impact of psoriatic arthritis on patient function and quality of life: lessons learned from other rheumatologic conditions." Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism. Vol. 38. No. 4. WB Saunders, 2009
5 Kimball, Alexa B., et al. "The psychosocial burden of psoriasis." American journal of clinical dermatology 6.6 (2005): 383-392.
6 Eghlileb, A. M., et al. "Psoriasis has a major secondary impact on the lives of family members and partners." British Journal of Dermatology 156.6 (2007): 1245-1250.
EM-35401 – 12-jun-2020