International Pemphigus & Pemphigoid Foundation

The IPPF's mission is to improve the quality of life for all people affected by pemphigus and pemphigoid through early diagnosis and support.

Pemphigus and pemphigoid are rare, autoimmune diseases that affect the skin and mucous membranes.

The International Pemphigus & Pemphigoid Foundation’s most important objectives are to provide patients and doctors worldwide with information about pemphigus and pemphigoid, and to provide patients and their caregivers much needed comfort and support so they can continue to live active, productive lives. To help fulfill those objectives, we:

• offer a physician referral service to help patients find the best medical care possible;
• provide a number of valuable and popular patient support services;
• publish informational brochures, pamphlets and a quarterly newsletter with news, useful information, medical updates, personal stories and more;
• run an annual Patient/Doctor meeting;
• collaborate with pharmaceutical companies on the leading edge of treating these diseases;
• provide up-to-date information about current clinical trials and research on the disease in which patients may be able to participate;
• maintain relationships with Congressional representatives and others who may be able to encourage or provide research funding

To ensure that we are able to provide the most current information about the disease and treatments, we have developed and continue to maintain close relationships with doctors and leaders in the medical community, including the National Institutes of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), part of the National Institutes of Health, and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). The IPPF is also an active member of a number of other organizations that help us fulfill our role as patient advocates and enable us to have more impact as we work together: National Health Council (NHC), the Coalition of Skin Diseases (CSD) and the International Alliance of Patient Organizations (IAPO).