Merck Serono to conduct MS awareness campaign

Merck Serono has announced plans to launch a global campaign designed to raise awareness of the realities of living with multiple sclerosis (MS).

In conjunction with World MS Day 2010, the pharmaceutical company is launching Real MS, an initiative which takes place between 2010 and 2011 and provides a high-profile platform for disease sufferers to relate personal accounts.

Dr Roberto Gradnik, head of Merck Serono’s neurodegenerative diseases global business unit, expressed hope that this campaign will “change global perception” of MS.

He added: “We hope that its positive message will inspire and empower the MS community to find ways to live the lives they want.”

It is estimated that around two million people around the world are currently affected by the degenerative condition.

Earlier this month, Merck Serono allied with not-for-profit body Fast Forward in order to provide funding for a number of MS research programmes being conducted in the UK, US and Australia.