Abbott Laboratories has launched http://www.RA.com, an interactive Web site featuring the latest RA news, lifestyle issues and RA resources for people with RA and their caregivers.

"RA has crippled my physical and emotional well-being. As a patient, I am constantly looking for new resources to help me manage my disease and learn from the experience of other RA patients who face similar issues and concerns," said rheumatoid arthritis patient, Jennifer Finch. "After visiting RA.com, I anticipate that it will become a valued resource for people with RA."

RA is a debilitating condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the body's joints and can ultimately lead to disability and early death. For patients who are diagnosed with RA, obtaining current news and information about the disease and knowing about available resources is important. RA.com focuses exclusively on RA and is designed to help patients and their caregivers take a more active role in their care and help them manage both the emotional and physical aspects of their disease. In addition, a unique feature to this site is the regular updates of current news that pertains to people with RA and those who care for them.

"Abbott is dedicated to helping RA patients and caregivers live a more normal life," said Dave Goffredo, senior vice president, Pharmaceutical Products Division, Abbott Laboratories. "RA.com provides the RA community with information and resources to facilitate better understanding and management of this debilitating disease."

RA.com is an interactive site that provides straightforward, unbiased information about RA and will feature the latest news and developments to ensure its ongoing benefit for visitors, including:

-- RA facts and disease data
-- Tips for recognizing RA
-- Disease management tools
-- Lifestyle issues/coping tips
-- Online catalog featuring products to make living with RA easier
-- Resource links

Visitors to RA.com can easily navigate through the site for answers to their questions about RA, obtain current news and also receive tips on managing and coping with their disease. This site will also provide links to rheumatology specialists and organizations dedicated to helping people with RA.