Global Survey and Documentary Film Expose Emotional Impact of Multiple Sclerosis

PR75703

DARMSTADT, Germany, Oct. 12, 2018 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

     Not intended for U.S media

    - Merck-sponsored survey developed in collaboration with IACO and

Eurocarers reveals lifelong effects of caring for a loved one with MS -

#MSInsideOut documentary film, executively produced by Shift.ms, provides

artistic take on the experiences of those impacted by MS

    Merck, a leading science and technology company, today announced the

publication of results from a global Merck-sponsored multiple sclerosis (MS)

carer survey, as well as the premiere of the #MSInsideOut documentary film,

Seeing MS from the Inside Out, executive produced by Shift.ms, a social network

for people with multiple sclerosis, at the 34th Congress of the European

Committee for Treatment and Research In Multiple Sclerosis

(ECTRIMS), in Berlin, Germany.

    To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:

https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8411851-merck-survey-and-film-multiple-sclerosis

    The 'Living with Multiple Sclerosis: The Carer's Perspective report was

developed in collaboration with The International Alliance of Carer

Organizations (IACO) and Eurocarers to examine the experiences of 1,050

multiple sclerosis (MS) carers across seven countries (US, Canada, UK, France,

Germany, Italy and Spain). The survey found that almost half (48%)of those

surveyed became MS carers when they were below the age of 35, and nearly one in

three had been caring for somebody for 11 years or more.

    Additional key findings from the carer survey included:

    - 43% and 28% of carers surveyed reported an impact on their

emotional/mental health and physical health respectively

    - 34% said being an MS carer impacted their financial situation, more than

a third (36%)stated they had to take time off work, and as a result, 84% of

those carers reported their work and career being impacted

    - Only 15% of carers surveyed connected with other carers or patient

organisations to help cope with the challenges of their role

    "MS can be a devastating disease for both patients and carers, with the

responsibilities assumed by carers over an extended length of time and

intensifying as the disease progresses. Carers can experience a profound impact

on their physical and emotional health, finances, and employment," said Nadine

Henningsen, Board Chair, IACO. "Not surprisingly, the survey results reinforced

the large number of young people who are becoming carers - often in a formative

time of their life."

    As part of the #MSInsideOut campaign, an initiative aimed at providing a

deeper understanding of MS, the MS Inside Out documentary film, 'Seeing MS from

the Inside Out', will be premiered. Developed with Shift.ms as executive

producers, it is the first global documentary film to pair artists and people

from across the MS community, with a view to interpreting the experiences and

perspectives of those impacted by MS through art.

    "In line with our broader mission at Shift.ms, the aim of this documentary

is to highlight the individual stories in a unique and innovative way across

the MS community, digging deeper into the elements of MS that remain

under-represented with a view of interpreting the unmet needs of those impacted

by MS through art," said George Pepper, Co-founder and CEO, Shift.ms. "By

bringing these stories out into the open we will be able to address those

challenges that remain, opening lines of communication and ultimately raising

awareness of MS."

    The documentary follows three stories: Maria Florencia, a person living

with MS from Argentina, Jon Strum, a caregiver from the US, and Dr. Luigi

Lavorgna, a healthcare professional from Italy. Each was paired with a local

visual artist to bring their stories to life through an emotional

interpretation not bound by words but through art, reflecting the often

difficult-to-explain nature of MS.

    The premiere will take place at 18.00 - 19.30 CEST today on October 11,

during ECTRIMS 2018 and can be accessed through a livestream link here:

http://www.touch-stream.com/MSinsideout

    "At Merck, we are extremely proud to highlight the unmet needs in the

community through our work with Shift.ms, IACO and Eurocarers which expose the

experiences of different members of the MS community, including the perspective

of MS carers, whose voices have traditionally not been heard as strongly," said

Andrew Paterson, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Neurology and

Immunology, at the biopharma business of Merck. "Forming part of our ongoing

company-wide commitment to carers, and connecting with the broader Embracing

Carers initiative, the outcomes from both the survey and documentary film

highlight the need for additional support and awareness. We therefore encourage

and call upon the MS community to take these findings and identify ways in

which they can better assist both MS carers and patients."

    All Merck Press Releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they

become available on the Merck Website.

Please go to http://www.merckgroup.com/subscribe to register online, change

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    About Multiple Sclerosis

    Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory condition of the central

nervous system and is the most common, non-traumatic, disabling neurological

disease in young adults. It is estimated that approximately 2.3 million people

have MS worldwide. While symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms of MS

include blurred vision, numbness or tingling in the limbs and problems with

strength and coordination. The relapsing forms of MS are the most common.

    Merck in Multiple Sclerosis  

    Merck has a long-standing legacy in neurology and immunology, with

significant R&D and commercial experience in multiple sclerosis (MS). Merck's

current portfolio includes two products for the treatment of relapsing MS, with

a robust pipeline focusing on discovering new therapies that have the potential

to modulate key pathogenic mechanisms in MS. Merck aims to improve the lives of

those living with MS, by addressing areas of unmet needs.

    About Merck

    Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life

science and performance materials. More than 53,000 employees work to further

develop technologies that improve and enhance life - from biopharmaceutical

therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for

scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD

televisions. In 2017, Merck generated sales of EUR 15.3 billion in 66 countries.

    Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical

company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed

corporate group. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The

only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as

EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials.  

    About Embracing Carers  

    Embracing Carers is a global initiative led by Merck KGaA in collaboration

with leading caregiver organizations around the world designed to increase

awareness, discussion, and action about the often-overlooked needs of

caregivers. Given that caregivers need support and often do not know where to

turn for help, Embracing Carers was created to help fill that void.

    About IACO

    The International Alliance of Carer Organizations (IACO) is a global

coalition of 15 member nations committed to building a global understanding and

respect for the vital role of family carers. Recognized as an official NGO by

the United Nations, IACO works to improve the quality of life and support the

needs of carers, through international partnerships and advocacy that

strengthens and honors the voice of carers. To learn more, visit

http://www.internationalcarers.org.

    About Eurocarers

    Eurocarers is the European umbrella organisation representing informal

carers and their organizations, irrespective of the particular age or health

need of the person they are caring for. Eurocarers works to raise awareness of

the significant contribution made by carers to care systems while ensuring that

all relevant policies across Europe take account of their needs and

preferences. To learn more, visit

http://www.eurocarers.org.

    About Shift.ms

    Shift.ms - http://www.Shift.ms [https://shift.ms ] - is the social network

for people with multiple sclerosis. Founded by MSers, for MSers, the charity

supports many thousands of recently diagnosed people across the world as they

make sense of MS. It's independent and it's free.

    About #MSInsideOut

    #MSInsideOut is a campaign supported by Merck which focuses on

understanding the journeys people living with MS face and telling the inside

story of the disease. For more than 20 years, Merck has been relentlessly

focused on understanding the journey people living with MS face to create a

meaningful, positive experience for them and the broader MS Community. With the

#MSInsideOut campaign Merck aims to better understand MS and,importantly,

enable others to do the same.

    https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/697963/Merck_MS_Inside_Out_Logo.jpg

https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8411851-merck-survey-and-film-multiple-sclerosis

SOURCE: Merck