Actress and MS LifeLines Ambassador Teri Garr Speaks Out to Empower Patients
to Take Action Against MS
ROCKLAND, Mass. and NEW YORK, Nov. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- According
to a new Harris Interactive survey(R)(1), people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
may not be taking all the necessary steps to manage and track disease
progression. The findings revealed that 85 percent of people with MS believe
they are doing everything they can to effectively manage the disease, yet
nearly half of those surveyed who are on treatment agree that they do not know
how to determine if their treatment is working well. In fact, while the
majority of respondents know that MS can progress in the absence of symptoms
and/or relapse, 80 percent of those on treatment judge whether their treatment
is working based on how they feel.
"Since MS can progress silently, patients need to work in partnership with
their physicians to take all the necessary steps to manage their disease
including choosing the most effective treatment and regularly measuring
disease progression with the available diagnostic tools, like MRI," said Mary
Ann Picone, MD, Medical Director, Gimbel Multiple Sclerosis Center in Teaneck,
NJ. "People with MS need to believe that they can have an active future with
this disease and need to understand that the way to do so is by taking an
active role now in managing their disease."
The new research underscores an opportunity for people with MS to better
manage and track disease progression. Additional findings revealed that while
83 percent of people with MS were aware that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
can be used to measure number and size of brain lesions, nearly half say they
do not receive MRI on a regular schedule and more than 20 percent say they
never receive an MRI as part of their ongoing treatment for MS.
To inspire people with MS to seek the most appropriate treatment and
utilize disease management strategies, Oscar-nominated actress Teri Garr
travels around the United States as part of the MS LifeLines Ambassador
program.
"When I was diagnosed with MS in 1999, I immediately thought about my
daughter and realized that I needed to keep myself as healthy as possible,"
said Ms. Garr. "As an MS LifeLines Ambassador and someone who is living with
this disease, I want to share my story and raise awareness of the resources
and role models available to support people in the MS community. My hope is
to motivate others to proactively manage their MS now for the best possible
future."
MS LifeLines, an educational support service for people living with MS and
their families provided by Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc, is now introducing new
resources for the MS community, including the Learning for life(TM)
empowerment series as well as the newly enhanced MSLifeLines.com website. The
Learning for life series offers an array of information to people living with
MS and provides a jumping off point for doctors and patients to better
communicate around the specific treatment needs of each patient.
Specifically, the empowerment series provides in-depth information on use of
MRI, parameters to consider in evaluating therapy as well as information on
the disease and the different treatment options available for people with MS.
To receive the Learning for life empowerment series, call 1-877-447-3243
or visit http://www.MSLifeLines.com/learningforlife for ordering information. The MS
community can access additional resources and learn about educational seminars
where people can connect with Teri Garr and other MS LifeLines Ambassadors by
visiting http://www.MSLifeLines.com or calling 1-877-447-3243.
About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis, a chronic, progressive disease of the central nervous
system, is the most common neurological disease causing disability in young
adults. Although there is no cure, medical guidelines recommend early,
aggressive treatment of MS to delay the progression of disability.
Multiple sclerosis affects an estimated 400,000 Americans, and every week
about 200 people are diagnosed. Worldwide, MS may affect 2.5 million
individuals. The onset of MS usually occurs between 20 and 40 years of age,
and is twice as common in women than men. There is no cure for the disease.
While symptoms of MS can vary, the most common symptoms of MS include
fatigue, loss of balance, bladder and bowel problems, spasticity, pain, sexual
dysfunction, forgetfulness/mood disorder, and numbness or tingling in the
limbs and problems with strength and coordination. Relapsing forms of MS are
the most common.
About Serono
Serono, Inc., located in Rockland, MA, is the US affiliate of Serono, a
global biotechnology leader. The Company has six recombinant products on the
worldwide market, Gonal-F(R) (follitropin alfa for injection), Luveris(R)
(lutropin alfa), Ovidrel(R)/Ovitrelle(R) (choriogonadotropin alfa for
injection), Rebif(R) (interferon beta-1a), Serostim(R) [somatropin (rDNA
origin) for injection] and Saizen(R) [somatropin (rDNA origin) for injection].
(Luveris(R) is not approved in the USA.)(2). In addition to being the world
leader in reproductive health, Serono has strong market positions in
neurology, metabolism and growth. The Company's research programs are focused
on growing these businesses and on establishing new therapeutic areas.
Currently, there are over 30 projects in development.
Serono was awarded the International James D. Watson 2003 Helix Award from
the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) in recognition of the Company's
outstanding leadership and highest standards of scientific and product
achievement.
In 2002, Serono achieved worldwide revenues of $1.546 billion, and a net
income of $321 million, making it the third largest biotech company in the
world. The Company operates in 45 countries, and its products are sold in
over 100 countries. Bearer shares of Serono S.A., the holding company, are
traded on the virt-x (SEO) and its American Depositary Shares are traded on
the New York Stock Exchange (SRA).
About Pfizer
Pfizer Neuroscience is committed to pioneering innovative therapies for
neurological and psychiatric disorders. Pfizer's experience in the areas of
epilepsy, migraine, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease
has helped bring leading medicines to market for the treatment of these
disorders.
Neurologic and psychiatric disorders represent an important priority in
Pfizer's $7.1 billion development effort, with more than 20 percent of the
research and development budget allocated to the development of more effective
neuroscience medicines for disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders,
migraine, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, restless legs syndrome,
neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, epilepsy and smoking cessation.
Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures and markets leading
prescription medicines for humans and animals and many of the world's best-
known consumer brands.
About Harris Interactive(R)
Harris Interactive (http://www.harrisinteractive.com) is a worldwide market
research and consulting firm best known for The Harris Poll(R), and for
pioneering the Internet method to conduct scientifically accurate market
research. Headquartered in Rochester, New York, U.S.A., Harris Interactive
combines proprietary methodologies and technology with expertise in
predictive, custom and strategic research. The Company conducts international
research through wholly owned subsidiaries -- London-based HI Europe
(http://www.hieurope.com) and Tokyo-based Harris Interactive Japan -- as well as
through the Harris Interactive Global Network of local market- and opinion-
research firms, and various U.S. offices. EOE M/F/D/V
For more information, please contact:
Serono, Inc.
Michele Rozen
781-681-2481
Pfizer Inc
Alison Lehanski
212-733-8087
Manning Selvage & Lee
Michelle Strier
212-468-3558
(1) These new findings were generated from a Harris Interactive online
poll of 207 U.S. residents, ages 18 and over, who have MS, including 171
respondents who self-reported that they were on treatment. Patients were
sampled from the Harris Interactive Chronic Illness Panel of respondents who
have indicated that they have been diagnosed with MS. The survey, conducted
September 23-26, 2003, was sponsored by Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc.
(2) Package inserts for Serono's US marketed products are available at
http://www.seronousa.com or by calling 1-888-275-7376.
Learning for life(TM) is a trademark of Serono, Inc.
SOURCE MSLifeLines
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Related links:
http://www.seronousa.com
CONTACT:
Michele Rozen of Serono, Inc.,
+1-781-681-2481; Alison Lehanski of Pfizer Inc, +1-212-733-8087;
or Michelle Strier of Manning Selvage & Lee, +1-212-468-3558
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