Sanofi Genzyme, the specialty care global business unit of Sanofi, and Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI) have joined hands to raise awareness and to provide better treatment solutions for the 130,000 people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in India.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune, debilitating disease of the nervous system that affects the spinal cord and brain.

N. Rajaram, managing director, Sanofi India said, “At Sanofi, one of our priorities is to empower people with multiple sclerosis and improve their quality of life. Sanofi Genzyme is proud to support initiatives, including educational projects, and provide information and resources to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis in India. In line with that objective, we are in the process of introducing new and effective treatment options in India that would help in the management of this debilitating disease.”

Sanofi Genzyme and MSSI are working together to ensure that people affected with multiple sclerosis can continue to live fuller lives through support programs that enhance their quality of life. The eight MSSI chapters in - Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Indore and Pune, along with Sanofi Genzyme are rolling out this year’s campaign

Viresh Oberoi, honorary president, Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI) said, “During the month of May, every year, around the World, an added focus is brought to spread solidarity amongst our members afflicted with multiple sclerosis, their care givers and family members, doctors, nurses, well-wishers and to reach out to those who are not currently our Members to share with them how we can help them cope with this affliction. Even today we do not know with certainty what causes multiple sclerosis and how we can eliminate it. The theme of this year’s ‘celebration’ of World MS Day is ‘Bringing us closer - An objective, which I am sure which will make us all stronger and will provide hope for the future.”

While talking about effectively dealing with MS, Dr. Arun B Shah emeritus professor, Department of Neurology, Topiwala National Medical College and Nair Hospital, Mumbai said, “There is a need to effectively monitor MS patients through MS clinics which will help reach better therapeutic outcomes.” Dr Sangeeta Ravat, senior consultant neurologist, Global Hospitals, Mumbai emphasised on the need to gather enough epidemiological data on MS in India as now better diagnostic facilities are available in tier 2 and tier 3 cities with increasing number of practicing neurologists.

Dr P Satishchandra, Senior Professor, Department of Neurology, Apollo Hospital & Former Director & Vice Chancellor National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) said, “Today, with the advancement of technologies, we are better equipped to diagnose more cases of multiple sclerosis. Most people with MS have what is known as ‘relapsing-remitting MS’ where the relapse can be prevented with the use of appropriate disease modifying therapies.”

Echoing similar views, Dr Mark S. Freedman, director of the Multiple Sclerosis Research Unit at the Ottawa Hospital said, “There should be a conscious effort to avoid treatment inertia which means that the neurologist should switch to more effective therapies when there are sub-optimal responses during the course of medical management of the disease for better clinical outcomes.”

Through its partnership with the MSSI in India, Sanofi Genzyme is playing a critical role in enabling and empowering the lives of people with multiple sclerosis. A day to commemorate global solidarity and hope for the future, World MS Day is officially marked on the last Wednesday of May, each year.