200 PERFORMERS CREATE GIANT HUMAN HAND TO SHOW IMPACT OF DUPUYTREN’S DISEASE

Performance marks the launch of new disease awareness campaign

London, 2^nd November 2011:  Today, 200 people created a giant human hand in London’s Covent Garden to visually illustrate a symptom of Dupuytren’s disease, a progressive and debilitating hand condition.  The performance marks the launch of Dupuytren’s disease: It is in your hands, a campaign developed by Pfizer Limited to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of the condition and its impact on the function of the hand.  The campaign aims to provide information to those who may be living with Dupuytren’s disease and highlights the importance of speaking with their GP for further advice.

Dupuytren’s disease, a medical condition of the hand and fingers, affects 2 million people in the UK^[1]. It can gradually advance into Dupuytren’s contracture (a symptom of Dupuytren’s disease), where the affected finger or fingers permanently bend inwards into the palm of the hand².  Although not life threatening, it can be life limiting.

Commenting on the campaign, Wolfgang Wach, Chairman of the International Dupuytren Society said: ‘Dupuytren’s contracture can have a significant emotional and economic impact on quality of life. Our hands are crucial to everyday life and Dupuytren’s contracture can affect the simplest things, like typing freely on the computer, writing, washing or even just shaking someone’s hand.’

Despite on-going research, the exact cause of the disease is unknown³. One of the important factors in determining whether or not someone might develop the disease is family history. Up to 70% of people who develop Dupuytren’s contracture have another family member who had the condition².

Dupuytren’s contracture gets progressively worse over time. Although there is no cure, increased awareness leading to appropriate medical advice and intervention can prevent progression and permanent damage to the hand¹.

‘Awareness of Dupuytren’s contracture is low but there are various treatment options available’ says Consultant Hand Surgeon, Mr Mike Hayton, ‘If you think you have Dupuytren’s contracture, speak to your GP who will be able to give you further information and if appropriate, refer you on to a specialist to discuss treatment options.’

For more information and advice on recognising the signs and symptoms of Dupuytren’s disease or contracture, please visit the new website at: www.itisinyourhands.co.uk. 

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About Dupuytren’s disease:

Dupuytren’s disease is found more frequently in people of white northern European descent¹ and the highest prevalence has been seen in northern Scotland, Iceland and Norway.^3,4 Dupuytren’s disease is more common in men than women and symptoms are often more severe in men.⁵ A small number of patients with Dupuytren’s disease will go on to develop Dupuytren’s contracture.

Dupuytren’s disease can affect up to 20% of men who are over 60 years of age, and 20% of women who are over 80 years of age.² This means that as the ageing population increases, so does the incidence of Dupuytren’s disease.⁶

About ‘Dupuytren’s Disease: It Is in Your Hands’

‘Dupuytren’s disease: It is in your hands’ is an online and offline disease awareness campaign which aims to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of Dupuytren’s disease and contracture. The campaign title not only reflects the location of the disease in the body but also calls for patients (both diagnosed and undiagnosed) to take control of their condition and speak to their GP.

The ‘Dupuytren’s disease: It is in your hands’ website (www.itisinyourhands.co.uk) includes personal stories from people living with Dupuytren’s disease, further information about the condition and useful tools such as a symptom checker.

The International Dupuytren Society website is also available here: http://www.dupuytren-online.info/

About Pfizer:

Pfizer: Working Together for a Healthier World™

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to improve health and well-being at every stage of life. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacturing of medicines for people and animals. Our diversified global health care portfolio includes human and animal biologic and small molecule medicines and vaccines, as well as nutritional products and many of the world’s best-known consumer products.

Every day, Pfizer colleagues work to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as the world’s leading biopharmaceutical company, we also collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely on us.

In the UK, Pfizer has its business headquarters in Surrey and is the major supplier of medicines to the NHS. To learn more about our commitments, please visit us at www.pfizer.co.uk.

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