UCB has partnered with MyHealthTeams to launch a new social network called MySpondylitisTeam for patients with the chronic and inflammatory arthritis spondyloarthritis (SpA).
The online hub – where patients can share information, resources, tips and advice – has seen a quick take-up attracting more than 3,800 registered members within a few weeks.
MyHealthTeams, a group that creates social networks for people living with a chronic health condition, will also create and curate resources for MySpondylitisTeam, which is currently one of 28 social networks established by the group.
Overall, the disease-specific social networks have seen more than 1.2 million people join at least one of the online communities, which focuses on conditions such as Crohn’s, MS, lupus, eczema, migraines and HIV to name a few.
Eric Peacock, co-founder and chief executive officer of MyHealthTeams, said: “When someone is diagnosed with spondyloarthritis, especially after enduring years of inexplicable pain, they have a deep desire for more information and authentic connection.
“Your Facebook friends may not know the first thing about SpA, but on a social network exclusively for people who share this condition you know that everyone get’s it.”
To increase awareness about the disease, MyHealthTeams is also working with Belgian biopharmaceutical company UCB on an education initiative designed to provide SpA patients with information and resources.
Emmanuel Caeymaex, head of immunology and executive vice president at UCB, said: “UCB is focused on bringing solutions to people living with severe diseases, like SpA and teaming with MyHealthTeams allows UCB to gain insights from a unique social network just for patients, enabling us to provide valuable resource that educate and support these patients.”
