Moving Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Research Ahead
MediciGlobal Inc. and a major pharmaceutical study sponsor team up in support of the MS community.
King of Prussia, PA, USA (August 16, 2010) – It is not every day that pharmaceutical researchers have the opportunity to interact with ‘real’ patients, but when they do they hear first-hand stories of courage about how people battle to diminish the life-altering effects of crippling medical conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Community events that bring together clinical researchers and patients result in the formation of common bonds and shared goals in advancing new medicines.
At MediciGlobal Inc., a global leader in patient recruitment and retention for clinical trials, the quest to find new medicines for Multiple Sclerosis has inspired its employees to help pharmaceutical study sponsors become involved with local patient groups to raise awareness about clinical research. Recently, MediciGlobal Inc. and its client, a leading pharmaceutical sponsor of several MS trials, teamed up in support of The National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s (NMSS) ‘*PA Dutch Bike Ride’. This is the second year that family and friends of both companies have come together to volunteer, cycle, and support Multiple Sclerosis patients.
MediciGlobal has been working with its client for the past three years to find MS patients interested in advancing new medicines for Multiple Sclerosis to participate in the series of global clinical trials. To achieve this, MediciGlobal has continued to bring these research opportunities to the attention of the MS community in Pennsylvania and in other locations around the world. Local community events are just one part of this process.
Kathryn Martin, MediciGlobal’s Health Communications Manager, says that “the MS community is eager and interested to learn more about clinical trial opportunities. When they see the care and dedication bestowed by these research professionals, it takes some of the anxiety out of becoming involved with a study.”
The PA Dutch Bike Ride is an annual two-day event beginning in the town of Green Lane, Pennsylvania, continuing to Millersville University, then reversing to conclude in the town of Green Lane. Cyclists expended considerable personal time training to complete distances ranging from 50 to 200 miles, and volunteered their time to raise monies for MS research and community support.
During the event, MediciGlobal volunteers helped run a rest stop along the route to provide cyclists with refreshments and collegial support. Liz Moench, President and CEO of MediciGlobal, acknowledges that it is important to show the MS patient community the faces of real people who drive MS research. “Events like these remind us of the importance of our work in clinical research. In turn, the camaraderie we receive from MS patients renews our energy and commitment to work even harder to advance MS research.”
MediciGlobal and their pharmaceutical client have supported a range of MS fundraising and community awareness events. Earlier this year they supported the Women Against MS (WAMS) fundraiser in Philadelphia, and twelve other MS events across the U.S. In September 2010, employees of both companies will support a 150 mile (241 km) Bike Ride in New Jersey that attracts upwards of 6,000 cyclists. The events are pivotal to clinical trial awareness, and providing another opportunity to disseminate clinical research specific information to the MS community.
* PA Dutch: Many Amish and Mennonite settled in this part of Pennsylvania, so along the route of rolling hills and farmland, cyclists will have the opportunity to see many Amish homesteads. The Pennsylvania (PA) Dutch are the descendants of Germanic peoples who emigrated to the U.S. (primarily to Pennsylvania), from Germany, Switzerland and The Low Countries prior to 1800. Many Pennsylvania Dutch are descendants of refugees from the Palatinate of the German Rhine.
About The National MS Society (NMSS)
The National MS Society is a collective of passionate individuals who want to do something about MS now—to move together toward a world free of multiple sclerosis. MS stops people from moving. NMSS exists to make sure it doesn’t. They help each person address the challenges of living with MS through our 50-state network of chapters. The Society helps people affected by MS by funding cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, and providing programs and services that help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. For more information on The National MS Society or PA Dutch visit: http://www.nationalmssociety.org
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About MediciGlobal
MediciGlobal is in the business of making a meaningful difference to patient health—by identifying and engaging patients for clinical trials, and by building deep and lasting connections with our many stakeholders. Our clinical trial recruitment practices are guided by global standards and by our concern for the lives of the patients who put their trust in us. We’re also making certain that those who participate in these trials fully understand what clinical trial participation means, and that their participation is guarded by strict privacy policies. MediciGlobal meets BBB OnLine® and WBENC accreditation standards and is certified as a Safe Harbor company. Visit www.mediciglobal.com and follow the company on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MediciGlobal.
www.mediciglobal.com
For further information contact:
Alicia Carango
+1 484-674-6855
acarango@MediciGlobal.com
