Personalized Site Features Daily Multiple Sclerosis Research Updates
Biogen, Inc. (NASDAQ/BGEN) announced the launch of MSActiveSource.com, a comprehensive Internet site for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), their caregivers, and healthcare professionals. The new site offers personalized support and in-depth information to help better understand and manage the physical and emotional challenges of MS. Registrants on the site are provided a broad selection of resources, including disease information, comprehensive news, community, and the latest research studies that are improving doctors’ understanding of MS.
MSActiveSource.com is composed of several one-of-a-kind elements, including the MS Learning SystemTM, an interactive multimedia learning tool that takes people with MS and their families through a series of educational modules to help them better understand and cope with the disease. The site also hosts an “Ask the Expert” column featuring leading neurologists specializing in MS treatment and articles designed to help people with MS better understand and manage their disease. The MS News section of the site is updated daily with articles from a syndicated network of nearly 3,000 publications.
MSActiveSource.com can connect people with MS to others facing similar challenges. The “MS Experience Exchange” provides a forum for sharing thoughts and ideas between others affected by the disease. The Real Life Stories™ section allows for a person to read about others’ experiences dealing with MS. MSActiveSource.com assures all users complete privacy and confidentiality.
MSActiveSource.com updates news and information daily to help patients with everyday challenges. A recent survey indicates news on advancements in treatment is the primary reason patients turn to the Internet. Biogen’s research reflects their leadership and commitment to science and offers hope for those affected by MS.
“Biogen recognizes that everyone’s experience with MS is unique,” said James C. Mullen, Biogen’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “MSActiveSource.com will build a community of people whose lives have been effected by MS, in the interest of enhancing those lives.”
An Improved Site for Avonex Users
Biogen also announced an enhanced site for people taking Avonex® (interferon beta-1a), the leading treatment for multiple sclerosis worldwide. The improved www.Avonex.com incorporates the personalized information and customizable features of MSActiveSource.com on for managing therapy program.
For people without Internet access–or those who prefer to speak to someone by telephone–Biogen continues to provide support through the MSActiveSourcesm support line Monday through Friday, 8:30am-8pm EST at 1-800-456-2255.
The most common side effects associated with AVONEX treatment are flu-like symptoms, muscle ache, fever, and chills. Other common side effects seen, but not statistically different between AVONEX and control groups, were headache, pain and asthenia (weakness). These side effects usually go away within a day after the injection and occur less often as the treatment continues.
Biogen, Inc., winner of the U.S. National Medal of Technology, is a biopharmaceutical company principally engaged in discovering and developing drugs for human healthcare through genetic engineering. Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, the Company’s revenues are generated from international sales of AVONEX® (Interferon beta-1a) for treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, and from the worldwide sales by licensees of a number of products, including alpha interferon and hepatitis B vaccines and diagnostic products ( Prescribing Information ). Biogen’s research and development activities are focused on novel products to treat inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, neurological diseases, cancer, fibrosis and congestive heart failure. The Company maintains active clinical research programs in protein therapeutics, small molecules, genomics and gene therapy. For copies of press releases and additional information about the Company, please consult Biogen’s Homepage on the World Wide Web at http://www.biogen.com.