Biogen introduces multiple sclerosis support program

Biogen Inc., Cambridge, MA, introduced a new support program to help patients, their care partners and health care professionals manage multiple sclerosis.

The company manufactures Avonex® (Interferon beta-la), a product used in the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.

The Avonex AllianceSM was designed to complement the company's existing services for MS patients. Biogen already offers special pharmacy and home delivery options, a telephone support line, a free injection training program and reimbursement counseling.

The new program is intended to enhance Avonex therapy by providing patients with support tools.

Participating members will receive a periodic newsletter with articles and updates about the disease and their medication, as well as other informational mailings. They will also receive a voucher for free needles and syringes and a video in which other patients battling MS share their experiences with therapy.

Enrollment in the program is free and available to all people with MS, regardless of whether they are using Avonex.

This is the second support program designed recently for patients with multiple sclerosis. Last month, Teva Marion Partners, Kansas City, MO, launched a disease management program in conjunction with a nationwide survey that found that one-quarter of people with MS surveyed felt they were not getting the emotional support and understanding they need. PR