SUMMIT, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ: CELG) and the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) today announced the launch of a new campaign, MS MindShift: A New View of MS, a national initiative that provides new perspective on multiple sclerosis (MS). The campaign aims to educate about the critical role the brain plays in the disease and what people living with MS can do to keep their brain as healthy as possible, for as long as possible.
To bring this new perspective on MS closer to the community, the campaign will host engaging, educational events in various cities. Select events, including the New York City area launch, will feature the MS MindShift “Brain Bulb” hot air balloon as a way to literally elevate the importance of having a “brain first” perspective in MS. Just as keeping a balloon in good condition keeps it soaring above the ground, shifting focus up toward the brain today could change how people with MS live with the disease tomorrow. The initiative launches today in the NYC area, just in time for World MS Day on May 30, 2019, with additional pop-up educational events in Philadelphia and Atlanta.
MS is a chronic and often debilitating disease that affects nearly 1 million people in the U.S. In MS, the immune system attacks the central nervous system -- which includes the spinal cord and brain. Localized injury to the brain produces “lesions” which disrupt the flow of information from the brain to the body which may lead to symptoms and relapses.
“Brain lesions can cause the affected area to lose proper function. When this occurs the brain has the amazing ability, known as neurological reserve, to utilize other areas for rerouting signals and performing the task the affected area no longer can,” says Dr. Barry Singer, Director of The MS Center for Innovations in Care at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, St. Louis, MO. “It’s crucial for patients to understand the role of the brain in MS and how lifestyle changes may help maintain neurological reserve longer.”
“We are excited to partner with Celgene to help elevate the important topic of brain health that is not often discussed within the MS community,” says Amanda Montague, Vice President of Education and Healthcare Relations, MSAA. “The MS MindShift initiative aligns with our mission to help improve the lives of people living with MS by providing them with the knowledge and support needed to help manage their condition.”
All of the MS MindShift events will give the MS community the opportunity to learn more about the campaign first hand and receive educational materials. Select cities will feature the Brain Bulb Balloon and provide a chance to take a “lift up” in the tethered hot air balloon while learning about a new perspective on MS. To find out where the MS MindShift events are taking place, visit MSMindShift.com/events.
“We hope the MS MindShift campaign provides new perspective to people living with MS,” said Terrie Curran, President, Global Inflammation and Immunology, Celgene. “Our diverse engagement with the community through programs like MS MindShift is part of our continued commitment to providing resources and supporting those living with this disease.”
People with MS and those who support them can learn more about the campaign at MSMindShift.com, or join the online community on Facebook. For more information about the MS MindShift events, visit MSMindShift.com/events.
About Celgene
Celgene Corporation, headquartered in Summit, New Jersey, is an integrated global biopharmaceutical company engaged primarily in the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative therapies for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases through next-generation solutions in protein homeostasis, immuno-oncology, epigenetics, immunology and neuro-inflammation. For more information, please visit www.celgene.com. Follow Celgene on Social Media: @Celgene, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are generally statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the words "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "plans," "will," "outlook" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current plans, estimates, assumptions and projections, and speak only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement in light of new information or future events, except as otherwise required by law. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond our control. Actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of the impact of a number of factors, many of which are discussed in more detail in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including factors related to the proposed transaction between Bristol-Myers Squibb and Celgene, such as, but not limited to, the risks that: management’s time and attention is diverted on transaction related issues; disruption from the transaction make it more difficult to maintain business, contractual and operational relationships; legal proceedings are instituted against Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene or the combined company could delay or prevent the proposed transaction; and Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene or the combined company is unable to retain key personnel.
Hyperlinks are provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only. Celgene bears no responsibility for the security or content of external websites.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
© 2019 Celgene Corporation 05/19 US-CLG-19-0389
