Bayer announces global awareness campaign for MS

Bayer Schering Pharma has announced the initiation of a global awareness campaign with the goal of providing hope to people looking to meet the everyday challenges of multiple sclerosis (MS).

The Mastering MS programme offers expert advice and tools to help individuals who are facing a chronic disease to lead an emotionally and physically fulfilling life.

Bayer started this programme in response to an international survey showing that many people face similar fears and concerns when first diagnosed with MS.

In total, 71 per cent of those questioned worried that the disease may affect their relationships while 64 per cent said their diagnosis had a negative impact on their career.

Denise Knowles, a UK-based certified relationship counsellor, said: “It is not uncommon for people first diagnosed with MS to experience feelings of confusion and uncertainty.

“People with MS may worry that others will treat them differently, that they’ll lose their job, or simply that they’ll no longer be able to hold their children or grandchildren.”

She added that these concerns are normal, while adding that creative approaches can mean that relationships with family, colleagues and friends can continue to provide comfort to those suffering from MS.

These approaches can include advanced planning for social activities, shift changes at work and seeking external support to help family members deal with the diagnosis.

In December 2007, the European Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use recommended that the label for Betaferon from Bayer Schering Pharma includes new results from the Benefit trial showing a delay in disability progression in patients with the earliest signs of MS.