Today, Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: BIIB) will join with the multiple sclerosis
(MS) community around the world to celebrate the Fourth Annual World MS
Day by hosting diverse educational activities across the globe. Created
and led by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF), World
MS Day is a global campaign to raise awareness of MS. Every year, the MS
movement comes together to provide the public with information about MS
and how it affects the lives of more than 2 million people around the
world.
“We have partnered with the global MS community for almost 20 years to
raise awareness of this debilitating disease and we feel a deep
responsibility to spotlight the needs of the community,” said John
Richert, M.D., vice president, global medical affairs, Biogen Idec. “At
Biogen Idec, our philosophy is patients first and we have an unwavering
commitment to MS.”
This year’s theme for World MS Day focuses on the 1000 Faces of MS,
putting people with MS at the heart of the day. The MSIF created 1000
Faces of MS, bringing together stories, messages and support for
people living with and affected by MS, providing an opportunity to be a
part of the global movement of people working to raise awareness of the
disease.
“World MS Day, now in its fourth year, is the world’s only global
awareness raising campaign for MS. The need for the campaign still
remains: awareness and understanding of MS is still low, and many people
living with MS report a lack of understanding at work, and in their
communities,” said Peer Baneke, CEO of the MSIF. “Raising awareness is
crucial to ensure that positive developments can be made in policy,
funding and research. This vital work could not be achieved without our
global network of MS organizations, volunteers and donors. We thank
Biogen Idec for their support this year.”
In recognition of World MS Day, Biogen Idec and its local affiliates are
supporting a wide range of activities across the globe. Highlights
include:
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Finland: Launching an MS awareness campaign, in cooperation
with the local MS advocacy organization and other pharmaceutical
companies.