Sponsorship awarded to Arthritis Australia for ‘MyAS’ and ‘MyPsA’ patient support program websites

UCB Australia and Arthritis Australia share common goals and values in helping to achieve the best possible outcomes for people living with inflammatory, autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). We aim to improve the trajectory of each patient’s journey, reduce unnecessary pain and suffering, and achieve remission through early diagnosis, treatment and support. To assist this vision, UCB Australia proudly provided funding support to Arthritis Australia for the ‘MyPsA’ and ‘MyAS’ websites. 

These innovative websites provide tailored information, tools, and support for people living with axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA and AS) or PsA. Known as ‘MyAS’ and MyPsA, these websites are based on the ground-breaking MyRA resource developed by Arthritis Australia for people with RA. They are driven by algorithms based on participant profiles and a validated arthritis information needs assessment tool.

Collaboration with and sponsorship from UCB Australia, has enabled Arthritis Australia to develop, launch and promote the ‘MyAS’ and ‘MyPsA’ websites, which provide integrated patient support programmes for people living with nr-axSpA, AS or PsA, their carers and family. These websites are also quality resources for rheumatologists, GPs, and allied health professionals. 

Financial support awarded to CreakyJoints Australia for an educational podcast mini-series

UCB Australia is committed to supporting the Patient PrepRheum podcast platform by CreakyJoints Australia, the patient community of Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF), through providing funding for the development of a new podcast mini-series on psoriatic arthritis (PsA). 

This PsA podcast mini-series shares a deeper understanding of PsA, a complex condition that is frequently underdiagnosed. Listeners can learn more about symptoms, patient journeys, and ways they can be informed to help them discuss treatment options with their doctor. The episodes also feature interviews with rheumatologists, dermatologists, allied health professionals and patients living with PsA. 

Through collaboration with and funding support from UCB Australia, CreakyJoints Australia has been able to develop and implement vital patient-centred education, support and advocacy materials, in the form of digital audio media and accompanying amplification through social media, for the Australian patient and caregiver community. 

Educational grant awarded to Musculoskeletal Australia for stage 1 of National Consumer Care Project

UCB Australia proudly provided research and development funding to support stage 1 of Musculoskeletal Australia’s National Consumer Care Project. This phase of the project involved end-to-end research and development of content for online self-care plans for two musculoskeletal conditions, osteoporosis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The seven pillars of self-care framework were used to develop this content. 

This funding support from UCB Australia enabled Musculoskeletal Australia to gather information needed to complete subsequent stages of the National Consumer Care Project, including building an online tool (stage 2) that supports self-care for people living with musculoskeletal conditions. This online web application will house free and easily accessible resources and provide self-care plans for people living with musculoskeletal conditions. The resources accessible within the self-care project and self-care plans will help patient confidence in learning more about their condition and its management.

Grant awarded to Psoriasis Australia for 2024 World Psoriasis Day Family Matters Research

UCB Australia is proud to partner with Psoriasis Australia by providing financial support for the 2024 World Psoriasis Day Family Matters Research.

Every year on October 29th, the global psoriatic disease community comes together to raise awareness and advocate for people living with psoriatic disease. World Psoriasis Day has been celebrated on this date for more than a decade and is now recognised in more than 70 countries. The theme for World Psoriasis Day 2024 was “Family.” This theme emphasises the importance of supporting not only individuals with psoriatic disease, but also their loved ones. Psoriasis Australia is committed to enhancing awareness and understanding of the impact psoriatic disease has on families. For World Psoriasis Day 2024, Psoriasis Australia was focused on understanding the psychological, social, and economic consequences for family members of those diagnosed with psoriatic disease in Australia through the Family Matters Research, ensuring they receive the recognition and support they deserve.

With funding support from UCB Australia, this research will provide vital insight on the lived experiences and needs of family members living with a person diagnosed with psoriatic disease, including the impact, economic burden and awareness associated with their condition. The findings of this project will help improve access to support and production of suitable resources for people living with a person diagnosed with psoriatic disease. 

Sponsorship funding awarded to Australian Patient Advocacy Alliance (APAA) to support ongoing advocacy work

UCB Australia recently sponsored the APAA to support activities aligned with their ongoing proactive and responsive advocacy work, including funding the Member and Funding Partner Workshop in early 2025. 

The APAA is a collective of nearly 60 national health organisations, dedicated to working together to represent the more than 15 million Australians living with complex and chronic disease. Most of the funding received by APAA is used across their advocacy activities and support for member organisations to build their capabilities. 

This financial support from UCB Australia will help APAA fund their Member and Funding Partner Workshop in 2025, an event which aims to progress their advocacy priorities and build the capability of their member organisations. Specific content at this event will include updates on APAA work, discussion of contemporary policy issues for people living with chronic and complex disease as well as showcasing APAA member advocacy initiatives. This will then connect to their next full Summit anticipated to be in early 2026 to enable engagement with the Federal Government. Continued funding of APAA, including from UCB Australia enables their patient advocacy work to continue to grow.