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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Biogen Idec Honored As Outstanding CorporateROCKY HILL, Conn. — Drug maker Biogen Idec was honored as Outstanding Corporate Partner at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter Awards Ceremony and Annual Meeting earlier this month. The event took place at the Hartford Marriott Rocky Hill."Biogen Idec has been a long-time supporter of the Connecticut Chapter," said Lisa Gerrol, chapter president. "The continued support by Biogen Idec and its staff members has helped make significant strides in the fight against this difficult disease."
Funds raised by the Connecticut Chapter at these and other events throughout the year aid the more than 6,000 Connecticut residents who live with multiple sclerosis, a chronic and often disabling disease of the central nervous system. There currently is no cure. Symptoms can include, among other things, numbness in the limbs, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness and, in some more severe cases, total paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted. Chapter president Lisa Gerrol handed out 17 awards at the annual meeting, March 2. Joyce Nelson, president and CEO of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, gave the keynote speech. Biogen Idec is headquartered in Cambridge, Mass. The company maintains research centers in San Diego and Cambridge, with additional offices in Canada, Australia, Japan and throughout Europe. The company currently employs approximately 3,900 people worldwide. Biogen Idec is the maker of Tysabri, a single-disease modifying therapy used in treating highly active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis — a course of MS in which clearly defined flare-ups are followed by partial or complete recovery periods. Tysabri was reintroduced to the U.S. market in 2006. For more information on Biogen Idec or Tysabri visit www.biogenidec.com. Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can reduce future disease activity and improve quality of life for many people with multiple sclerosis. The National MS Society’s medical advisors recommend that people with MS talk with their health care professionals about using these medications and about effective strategies and treatments to manage symptoms. For more information on multiple sclerosis, the Connecticut Chapter, its efforts to end the devastating effects of the disease and the many ways to help, please go to http://www.ctfightsms.org/. 3/19/08 CUTLINE: Biogen Idec Inc. is recognized as Outstanding Corporate Partner at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter Awards Ceremony and Annual Meeting Sunday, March 2. Pictured are, left to right, Joyce Nelson, president and chief executive officer of the National MS Society, Lisa Gerrol, president and chief professional officer, Connecticut Chapter, Beth Brause, executive area business manager with Biogen Idec; Mike Stacy, master of ceremonies, Connecticut Chapter board of trustees member and morning show host at WRCH Lite 100.5 FM, and Meg Brown, area business manager accepting the award on behalf of Biogen Idec.
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Biogen sponsored numerous Connecticut Chapter programs and events in 2007, donating more than $34,500, and helping provide quality programs and funds to support the mission of the society. Programs and events supported by the company included: Women Against Multiple Sclerosis Luncheon Harford County, Women Against Multiple Sclerosis Luncheon New Haven, Connecticut Citizen of the Year Gala, Travelers Walk MS, MS Family Weekend and support for informational webcasts.