The National Psoriasis Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in research grants for projects that aim to identify new treatments and a cure for psoriasis, which affects 7.5 million Americans, and for psoriatic arthritis-an inflammatory arthritis that affects the joints and tendons, occurring in up to 30% of people with psoriasis. This year, 3 scientists each received a 2-year, $200,000 grant to convert their laboratory findings into improved treatments and methods for managing psoriatic disease. In addition, 10 researchers each received a 1-year, $75,000 Discovery Grant for early stage psoriatic disease research.

[black up pointing small triangle] Information:http://www.psoriasis.org

The National Necrotizing Fasciitis Foundation has launched a referral initiative to help provide new lifesaving treatments to victims of flesh-eating disease, known as necrotizing fasciitis. The foundation is connecting patients and their families in the United States and other countries with John Crew, MD, director of the Advanced Wound Care Center at Seton Medical Center in Daly City, California. Dr Crew then oversees the care of the patients, using a new treatment for this rapidly spreading life-threatening disease. A key innovation in the protocol is using a substance called hypochlorous acid, a natural chemical produced by white blood cells as a first defense against microbial invaders.

[black up pointing small triangle] Information:http://www.nnff.org

At Frost and Sullivan's 2014 Excellence in Best Practices Awards Gala, winners included those in the skin and wound care industry. Among those recognized were OSNovative Systems, Inc-2014 North American Wound Care Dressings New Product Innovation Leadership Award; and Sensus Healthcare-2014 North American Non-melanoma Skin Cancer Therapy New Product Innovation Leadership Award.

[black up pointing small triangle] Information:http://www.frost.com