Graceway Pharmaceuticals®, LLC is pleased to continue its partnership with driver Aric Almirola as part of a national public education program, “Is it AK or OK?,” to raise awareness of actinic keratosis (AK). It is estimated that about 10 million Americans currently have AK, considered a “pre-cancer” however, many people have never heard of the condition.
Graceway is the primary sponsor of the No. 51 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Toyota Tundra for the 2010 season. Graceway will also be the associate sponsor of the No. 09 James Finch NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car with Aric Almirola piloting the entry in 2010.
“We are excited to continue this sponsorship because of the high visibility it provides in our effort to raise awareness of the long term effects of sun exposure,” said Greg Jones, Senior Vice President, Business Development, Graceway Pharmaceuticals. “This sponsorship also allows Aric to race twice in Bristol, our own backyard, this summer for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.”
Growing up in Florida, Almirola spent a lot of time in the sun. Due to his past sun exposure, Almirola makes sure to see a dermatologist annually.
“I’m looking forward to continuing my commitment to the AK Awareness program,” said Almirola. “The program gives me the opportunity to educate my fans about the importance of using sunscreen and seeing a dermatologist for regular skin checks.”
For more information about AK, visit www.AKAwareness.com.
“Is it AK or OK?” is sponsored by Graceway Pharmaceuticals.
Actinic Keratosis
AK is a sign of sun damage resulting from long-term exposure to harmful UV rays. The sun’s rays cause changes in the size, shape, and organization of the top layer of skin cells, also known as the epidermis, and just below it. These cellular mutations can then form AKs.
AK is considered a pre-cancer and is often confused with age spots, eczema or psoriasis. AKs are small, red, sometimes scaly or rough patches that can be found on skin most often exposed to the sun like the face, bald scalp, hands, shoulders and arms. AKs can vary in shape and color, ranging from red to light or dark tan, pink, or a combination of these. These lesions may range from the size of a pinhead to larger than a quarter and may feel dry and rough like sandpaper. In the beginning, AKs can be so small that they are often identified by their rough texture rather than by sight.
Some AKs will develop into a serious form of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma, or SCC. If left unchecked, this cancer can spread to other areas of the body and organs. Because it is difficult to predict whether an AK will develop into cancer, it is important to discuss any changes in your skin with a doctor.
About Graceway Pharmaceuticals®, LLC
Graceway Pharmaceuticals, LLC (“Graceway”), headquartered in Bristol, TN, is a pharmaceutical company focused on acquiring, in-licensing, and developing branded prescription pharmaceutical products. Current prescription products marketed by Graceway include Aldara® (imiquimod) Cream, 5%, Maxair®Autohaler® (pirbuterol acetate inhalation aerosol), Atopiclair® Nonsteroidal Cream, and Estrasorb® (estradiol topical emulsion). Aldara®, Maxair®, Autohaler®, Atopiclair®, and Estrasorb® are trademarks owned by or licensed to Graceway. For more information on Graceway’s products, including important safety information, please visit www.gracewaypharma.com.
For more information please contact:
Glenn Silver
Chamberlain Healthcare Public Relations
212-884-0646