LONDON, Oct. 1, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals International, plc (Nasdaq: KNSA) (Kiniksa), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company, has joined forces with the National Hockey League^™ (NHL) Hall of Famer Henrik Lundqvist is introduced Life is disrupteda nationwide campaign focused on raising awareness of recurrent pericarditis, its impact on quality of life and the critical importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Lundqvist was diagnosed with recurrent pericarditis in 2021, which ultimately led to his decision to retire from the NHL.

“When I was first diagnosed with recurrent pericarditis, it felt like I had been hit by a train. The persistent pain of pericarditis flare-ups ultimately kept me from returning to the NHL and the game I love. In addition to the physical stress, I felt like I was missing life with my family and friends,” said Henrik Lundqvist, former Hall of Fame goaltender for the New York Rangers. “Although this experience has had a profound impact on me, my family and my career, it is possible to take back control with a proactive approach. I want to use this Life is disrupted Campaign to raise awareness of recurrent pericarditis and encourage others to advocate for early diagnosis and treatment.”

“There is a large unmet need for patients with recurrent pericarditis. Many patients experience delayed diagnosis, which can leave them feeling isolated or helpless,” said Sanj K. Patel, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kiniksa. “The aim of this campaign is to let patients with recurrent pericarditis know that they are not alone and do not have to suffer in silence. With the right medical support, patients with recurrent pericarditis can manage this chronic disorder in their lives.”

As part of Life is disruptedLundqvist’s journey is featured in a video titled “Comeback After Comeback,” along with insights from Dr. Antonio Abbate, M.D., Ph.D., professor of cardiology at the University of Virginia. The video highlights Lundqvist’s personal experience with recurrent pericarditis, from his diagnosis to the impact it has had on his life and career, while emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy in managing the disease. The video is available on the campaign website, LifeDisRPted.com. There is also a downloadable doctor consultation guide to help patients prepare for discussions with their healthcare providers.

“Recurrent pericarditis is a rare disease and its symptoms often resemble those of other diseases such as heart attack, gastritis or musculoskeletal pain, making diagnosis difficult,” said Dr. Abbate. “Recurrent pericarditis attacks can occur in cycles, with each attack increasing the risk of another, making early diagnosis and proactive collaboration with a healthcare provider essential.” If you have been diagnosed with recurrent pericarditis or think you may have it, it is important to talk to your doctor. Once you understand the disease, you can work together to develop a plan to treat recurrent pericarditis.”

To learn more about recurrent pericarditis and learn more about Henrik Lundqvist’s personal experiences, visit LifeDisRPted.com.

A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d0e3b25b-09eb-4f6e-b93a-893e0a29c4d0

About recurrent pericarditis
Recurrent pericarditis is a painful and debilitating chronic autoinflammatory cardiovascular disease characterized by inflammation of the pericardium, often accompanied by changes in electrical conduction and sometimes a buildup of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. Recurrent pericarditis symptoms affect quality of life, limit physical activities, and result in frequent emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Data shows that approximately 40,000 patients in the United States seek and receive treatment for recurrent pericarditis each year. In this group, approximately 14,000 patients experience two or more recurrences due to persistent underlying disease or inadequate response to conventional therapies such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine, and corticosteroids.

About Kiniksa
Kiniksa is a commercial biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, acquisition, development and commercialization of therapeutic medicines for patients suffering from debilitating diseases and with significant unmet medical needs. Kiniksa’s immunomodulatory compounds are based on strong biological underpinnings or validated mechanisms, target a spectrum of underserved cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases, and offer the potential for differentiation. For more information, visit www.kiniksa.com.

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Kiniksa investor contact
Jonathan Kirshenbaum
(781) 829-3949
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Kiniksa media contact
Tyler Gagnon
(781) 431-9100
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