Online Gout Community Boasts the Largest Following Worldwide

- After reaching 50,000 'likes' on Facebook, Gout Study becomes the largest global community for gout online

PHILADELPHIA and LONDON, April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In just over a year, Gout Study on Facebook has exceeded 50,000 'likes' making it the largest online gout community globally. With nearly a quarter of its members from outside the U.S., its rapid rise in popularity demonstrates a keen interest in exchanging information and sharing experiences among those afflicted by this painful condition.

Once thought to be a disease that affected those living a life of indulgence; fine food and drink, this perception of gout is far from today's reality. Gout affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause painful attacks (or flares) in the big toe or other joints. These attacks can last from several days to weeks at a time, with each subsequent attack becoming even more painful. In recent years, the prevalence of gout has been on the rise worldwide. Although gout is rarely life threatening, high uric acid levels can cause pain severe enough to prevent people from completing their daily tasks.

Through this Facebook community, people from around the world are coming together in a virtual community to converse with others about living with gout. Gout Study 'fans' offer support as they exchange ideas or read the latest news. On Monday, April 16, 2012 Gout Study received 50,000 'likes' officially making it the largest gout community online. Today, April 24, 2012, Gout Study has grown to nearly 55,000 strong.

Gout Study was established in March 2011 by MediciGlobal, an international corporation who for more than 20 years has brought clinical research opportunities to millions of people, across more than 40 different therapeutic areas, in more than 60 countries. According to its President and CEO, Liz Moench, "Our collective goal in establishing this community was to advance gout treatments, so people with gout can eventually live life to its fullest without the fear of the next more painful gout attack."

Gout Study provides news, health and wellness information and information about clinical research opportunities. "While there are other gout communities on the Internet, the Gout Study page stands out because of its ability to unite gout sufferers globally, not just in the United States," said Nick Halkitis, Global VP of Online Marketing and Digital Strategies at MediciGlobal. "23 percent of our community resides outside of the US in countries such as Argentina, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, France, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, and the United Kingdom, among others."

With diet tips and news on gout driving the conversation, Gout Study members consistently communicate with one another about their gout experiences. In the past week alone the number of "People Talking About This," which shows the unique number of people who "like" and comment on posts, increased over 40 percent. The reach of the Gout Study page is also increasing exponentially; the unique number of people who have viewed page content has now exceeded 13 million.

Although the Gout Study statistics show how well received and helpful the various tips and resources are to the community, it is the direct feedback from the community that drives the cause. "I am so glad I found this page," one member said. "Thank you all very much."

To learn more about the Gout Study community, its resources, and clinical trials, "like" the page at www.Facebook.com/GoutStudy.

About MediciGlobal
MediciGlobal is in the business of making a meaningful difference to patient health—by identifying and engaging patients for clinical trials, and by building deep and lasting connections with its many stakeholders. Our clinical trial recruitment practices are guided by global standards and by our concern for the lives of the patients who put their trust in us. We're also making certain that those who participate in these trials fully understand what clinical trial participation means, and that their participation is guarded by strict privacy policies. MediciGlobal meets BBB OnLine® and WBENC accreditation standards and is certified as a Safe Harbor company. Visit www.mediciglobal.com and follow the company on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MediciGlobal.