Biogen Idec outlines support for World MS Day 2012

Biogen Idec is to show its support for the global multiple sclerosis community with a series of initiatives to mark the fourth annual World MS Day.

The company and its local affiliates are carrying out activities across the world to mark the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation event, including the launch of awareness campaigns, meetings, competitions and online resources.

It ties in with the theme of this year's World MS Day, 1,000 Faces of MS, which aims to bring together stories, messages and support for people affected by the condition.

The ultimate goal of the day is to increase the profile of MS, which will encourage positive future developments in terms of policy decisions, funding and research.

Dr John Richert, vice-president for global medical affairs at Biogen Idec, said: "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."

Earlier this month, the company published new risk stratification analysis for its MS drug Tysabri, in order to help clinicians and patients make more informed and safer treatment decisions.