The National Psoriasis Foundation has launched a "seal of approval" program for over-the-counter products that an expert panel has determined to be "helpful in the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis," according to the organization’s website.
The program’s objective "is to improve the quality of life for people who live with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis," according to the NPF.
The seal of the National Psoriasis Foundation.
Under the seal program, companies submit over-the-counter products for approval, with an annual, nonrefundable application fee. A panel of dermatologists and other experts review the product and determine whether it meets required criteria, including the ability to hydrate skin, reduce redness, reduce joint pain, and/or provide aid for patients with psoriatic arthritis, according to a release announcing the launch of the program.
The four-person panel also reviews the ingredients and data on its safety, toxicity, and formulation.
Once approved, the seal can remain on the product for 2 years. The application fee is $5,000, which covers honoraria and time spent reviewing the clinical information that the company provides, plus an additional fee of $10,000 per year for each product that earns the seal, according to Jackie Groah, director of strategic alliances at the NPF. The reviewers will excuse themselves from the review if they have had any dealings with the company applying for the seal, she said in an interview.
Five scalp psoriasis products manufactured by Neutrogena and a gel product for patients with plaque psoriasis, manufactured by Alva-Amco, were the first products to receive the seal. The seal can be awarded to personal care and household products, fabrics, and devices, according to the NPF.
Click here for more details about the program.