Global Survey and Documentary Film Expose Emotional Impact of Multiple Sclerosis

Darmstadt, Germany (ots/PRNewswire) -

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-m
ultiple-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 your
selection or discontinue this service.

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 - 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.

(Logo:
https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/697963/Merck_MS_Inside_Out_Logo.jpg
)

Video:

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

ots Originaltext: Merck KGaA
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
Erin-Marie Beals
+49-151-1454-2694

Original-Content von: Merck KGaA, übermittelt durch news aktuell