Basel, May 29, 2013 - Today Novartis is joining the global multiple sclerosis (MS) community in celebration of World MS Day by launching a new campaign and participating in initiatives that encourage information and experience exchange around MS. Novartis is committed to supporting the MS community through these initiatives, in addition to delivering and researching innovative treatments to help address the high unmet medical needs of people with MS at every stage of the disease. World MS Day was created by the Multiple Sclerosis International Foundation (MSIF) in 2009 to raise global awareness of MS and its impact on approximately 2.5 million people with MS around the world[1],[2]. This year`s World MS Day campaign focuses on young people; MS is normally diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40[3], but can also occur earlier in life. This diagnosis can be devastating at a time when young people may be starting careers and making plans for the future. "Novartis proudly supports World MS Day, and we recognize and support the importance of creating dialogue amongst people with MS and the wider community to help create an environment of understanding," said David Epstein, Head of the Pharmaceuticals Division of Novartis Pharma AG. … Continue reading →

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Genzyme, a Sanofi Company (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY), together with the global multiple sclerosis (MS) community of patients, advocates and healthcare providers, will today celebrate World MS Day, a campaign created by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) to raise awareness of MS. Genzyme is committed to making a difference in the lives of people living with MS with differentiated therapies that include once-daily, oral AUBAGIO and LEMTRADA, as well as a research pipeline focused on innovative approaches to treating MS. LEMTRADA (alemtuzumab) is currently under regulatory review. As aproud supporter of World MS Day and other MSIF programs, Genzyme has diversified its franchise offering with innovative grants and partnerships designed to broaden awareness about MS and address remaining unmet needs within the community. 2013 grants and partnerships include: The International Progressive MS Collaborative: Genzyme is an active supporter for this global platform, developed to leverage the unique expertise and resources of its experts to expedite the development of effective disease modifying and symptom management therapies for progressive forms of MS. MSIF Infrastructure Grant: Genzyme has provided a grant to the MSIF that will initiate, support and encourage the development of new MS organizations in Middle … Continue reading →

29 May 2013 Last updated at 19:28 ET By Eleanor Bradford BBC Scotland Health Correspondent Scotland is to benefit from a dedicated centre to test potential new treatments for multiple sclerosis. The MS trials unit at the Southern General in Glasgow will conduct clinical trials of drugs which could delay the progression of the condition. Scotland has the highest incidence of MS in the world, which makes it a top destination for drugs companies who want to test new treatments. Experts say the unit will help bring more lab-based research to the market. Consultant neurologist, Dr James Overell, who will work in the new unit, said: "This is a very exciting time in MS research. "I can diagnose up to five people a week with the condition. "Their main concern often is not always for the here and now, but what will happen to them later in life. Will they be in a wheelchair by the time they are 50? The unit will be able to give patients access to experimental treatments first and faster." Susanne McLean was diagnosed with MS shortly after she turned 30. "I finally got my diagnosis after about four years of different little symptoms cropping … Continue reading →

WESTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Biogen Idec (BIIB) joins the global multiple sclerosis (MS) community today to acknowledge the fifth annual World MS Day by hosting awareness and educational activities around the globe. Created by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) and its member MS societies, World MS Day (http://mymotto.worldmsday.org/en) is a global awareness-raising campaign that informs the public about the intricacies of MS and its impact on the lives of more than two million people worldwide. Our decades-long partnership with the global MS community has helped to bring people with MS across the globe significant advances in treatment options, patient care and continued research advances. On World MS Day, we join together to build understanding and awareness of MS and reiterate our unwavering commitment to advance the fight against this debilitating disease, said John Richert, M.D., vice president, global medical affairs, Biogen Idec. We are working diligently to address the needs of people living with MS, bringing them new hope with the goal of improving their quality of life. This years theme for World MS Day is Young People with MS, focusing on six inspiring young people with MS and their personal mottos for relationships, their futures, and their identities. We … Continue reading →