Almirall calls for better support for young MS patients

Almirall has called for a unified approach to improving care standards for young multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, based on data from a new survey demonstrating the quality-of-life impact of the disease.

The poll of 200 European MS sufferers between the ages of 18 and 35 revealed that two in five patients are unable to work or study due to their condition, while 84 percent said the illness affects their ability to take part in social activities.

Furthermore, two-thirds have had to stop taking part in hobbies and around 50 percent said MS had negatively affected their relationships.

Of particular concern was the fact that 40 percent of the survey respondents – who hailed from Germany, Spain, Italy and Norway – believe their country's welfare system does not provide them with adequate support.

Dr Carlos Vila, global medical manager for central nervous system products at Almirall, said: "Given that it is such a socially isolating illness, governments, patient organisations and pharmaceutical companies need to work together to ensure that young MS sufferers have access to adequate support and care."

This survey was carried out to mark World MS Day, an event organised by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation on May 29th 2013 to raise awareness of the condition.