Multiple Sclerosis

We aim to improve the lives of those living with MS, having spent over 20 years researching and developing solutions for advancing MS care. Our aim is to address areas of unmet needs.

Facts on MS

  • 2.3M

    people suffer from MS worldwide[1]

  • 2/3

    of the patients are female[2]

  • 85%

    of all patients are affected by Relapsing MS (RMS)[3]

Developing Solutions for MS Care

We aim to improve the lives of those living with MS, having spent over 20 years researching and developing solutions for advancing MS care.

More than 2.3 million people are affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS) worldwide[1] with most people diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40.[2] It occurs more than twice as often in women than men[2] and is the most common, non-traumatic, disabling neurological disease in young adults.[2] Relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) is the most common form of MS – around 85 percent of people with MS are diagnosed with this type.[3]

MS is an autoimmune, chronic and inflammatory condition that affects the central nervous system (CNS). It can be very difficult to diagnose as there is no single test and symptoms differ considerably from one person to the other.[4]

There is currently no cure for MS. In fact, no-one knows exactly what causes it. It’s believed to be an autoimmune disease where the immune system begins to attack the protective coating on the axons of nerve cells (neurons) called myelin.[2] While scientists are striving to discover what triggers these attacks, most agree that genetics, gender and environmental factors all play their part.[5]

But over the years, some discoveries have helped make the condition more manageable. However, there is still a high need for further development and progress.

most common MS Symptoms are: Fatigue, Difficulty walking etc

We Won`t Rest

The company supports The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) campaign #WeWontRest, showcasing pledges industry experts have made to help make the world a healthier place. At Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, #WeWontRest until we truly understand MS from the inside out and through that knowlegde can identify solutions to improve the quality of life for everyone affected by MS.

MS affects, often dramatically, the lives of many patients and families. We have been committed to research in the area of MS for more than 20 years. We aim to find new approaches that critically modify the course of the disease. In the last years we have advanced knowledge and experience in MS therapies, which may critically help patients maintain their quality of life.

Ali Frederic Ben Amor Ali Frederic Ben Amor

#WeWontRest until we fully understand MS from the inside out and are able to stop MS disease progression

Ali-Frederic Ben-Amor

Vice President Neurology & Immunology

REFERENCES

MS International Federation. Atlas of MS. Available from: https://www.msif.org/about-us/advocacy/atlas/. Last access September 2018.

2 National Institute of Neurology Disorders and Strokes. Multiple Sclerosis: Hope Through Research. Available from: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Hope-Through-Research/Multiple-Sclerosis-Hope-Through-Research. Last access September 2018.

3 MS Society. Relapsing Remitting (RRMS). Available from: https://www.mssociety.org.uk/what-is-ms/types-of-ms/relapsing-remitting-rrms. Last access September 2018.

4 MS Society. Diagnosis. Available from: https://www.mssociety.org.uk/what-is-ms/information-about-ms/diagnosis. Last access September 2018.

5 MS Society. Causes of MS. Available from: https://www.mssociety.org.uk/what-is-ms/information-about-ms/causes. Last access September 2018.

6 Luzzio C, Dangond F. Multiple Sclerosis. Medscape. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1146199-overview. Last access September 2018.

7 Ireland S, Monson N. Potential impact of B cells on T cell function in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Int. 2011; 2011: 423971.

8 MS Society. Causes of MS. https://www.mssociety.org.uk/what-is-ms/information-about-ms/causes. Accessed September, 2018.