EMD Serono, Inc., an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and Fast Forward LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, announced a commitment of up to $3 million in 2012 to support innovative early-stage projects directed towards the development of therapies to prevent, treat or reverse nervous system damage in multiple sclerosis (MS). This is the fourth “Request for Proposals” (RFP) issued through the multi-year collaboration between Fast Forward and Merck KGaA to accelerate innovation and commercial development of MS therapies.

“The potential of MS research currently in progress around the globe holds great promise for improving the quality of life for people living with MS,” said Dr Timothy Coetzee, chief research officer at the National MS Society and Fast Forward. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to advance that promise through the continued collaboration between Fast Forward and EMD Serono. We are looking forward to reviewing and funding the latest of our RFP submissions as we continue to enhance our commitment to research that will move us closer to a world free of multiple sclerosis.”

This RFP will complement Fast Forward's ongoing research funding programs focused on earlystage drug discovery for MS. Fast Forward will continue to provide critical resources for EMD Serono and Fast Forward Commit $3 Million for Multiple Sclerosis under funded academic institutions and seed-to-early-stage companies engaged in innovative research in support of its commitment to end multiple sclerosis.

“EMD Serono is proud of our successful collaboration with Fast Forward, and with the exciting research the RFP process has generated over the past few years,” said Steve Arkinstall, PhD, vice president, US Research, EMD Serono, Inc. “Together, we anticipate broadening our knowledge and understanding of MS, and ultimately, making new treatment options a reality for people living with this disease.”

Fast Forward is seeking proposals for funding through its Accelerating Innovation and Accelerating Commercial Development programmes. The Accelerating Innovation program is open to academic institutions, non-profit research organizations, and seed-stage for-profit commercial organizations. The Accelerating Commercial Development program is open to early-stage for-profit commercial organizations that have achieved Series A or comparable investment funding. Priority research areas for this RFP include: Development of therapeutics that target specific B cell lineages involved in MS pathology, Identification of surrogate or endogenous ligands for Orphan G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) expressed exclusively or primarily in the central nervous system (CNS), the $3 million commitment is comprised of up to $250,000 in funding available for one year to each awardee selected through the Accelerating Innovation program and up to $500,000 in funding available for one year to each awardee selected through the Accelerating Commercial Development programme. The overall selection of programme awardees will be made exclusively by Fast Forward, with participation by EMD Serono under Fast Forward's standard assessment process.

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 two 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.

Fast Forward, LLC, established by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society as part of a comprehensive approach to MS research and treatment, focuses on speeding promising research discoveries towards commercial  drug development.

MS is a chronic, unpredictable neurological disease that affects the central nervous system. It is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, meaning the immune system incorrectly attacks healthy tissue. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. These problems may be permanent or may come and go. The National MS Society addresses the challenges of each person affected by MS by funding cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, collaborating with MS organizations around the world, and providing programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. The Society is dedicated to achieving a world free of MS.

EMD Serono, Inc., an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is a leader in the US biopharmaceutical arena, integrating cuttingedge science with unparalleled patient support systems to improve people's lives.