Survey Highlights Gap Between Patient and Healthcare Professional Perceptions of Mobility Loss Due to Multiple Sclerosis

ZUG, Switzerland, October 14, 2010 - New survey research into mobility impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS)
has revealed a gap between the perceptions of people with MS and their
healthcare professionals. According to the survey, over half of healthcare
professionals (56%) think their MS patients experience some loss of mobility,
while published data reveal that up to 85% of people with MS suffer from
impaired mobility.[1],[2]

The survey, commissioned by Biogen Idec, investigated the experiences of
MS patients and their care by neurologists and nurses.[1],[3] More than 400
people with mobility issues due to their MS and 180 healthcare professionals
from Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom were
surveyed.

The findings are supported by two recent pieces of research which have
shown that:

    - Walking ability, which is a significant component of overall
      mobility, is insufficiently monitored in MS patients by healthcare
      professionals[4]
    - 39% of people with MS and 49% of care partners never or rarely
      discuss mobility issues with a physician[5]

"What is evident from this research is that mobility impairment in the MS
population is under recognised as an issue by healthcare professionals. A
better dialogue is therefore required between patients and their doctor or
nurse, as well as more frequent and more accurate assessments to monitor
patients' mobility," said Prof. Shibeshih Belachew, University of Liège,
Belgium.

Mobility loss and the impact on quality of life

In addition, the survey underscored the impact of mobility impairment on
employment and the social lives of people with MS. Of patients surveyed:

    - Almost half (45%) report that their mobility problems had led
      them to lose friends
    - Almost three quarters (72%) said their mobility problems had a
      significant impact on their working lives
    - Nearly two thirds (64%) reported losing earnings due to
      MS-related mobility issues
    - More than a third (37%) admit to having suicidal thoughts due to
      their mobility challenges[3]

"Loss of mobility can have a huge impact on all aspects of life for those
living with MS. It has physical and psychological effects that can
drastically reduce one's ability to work and contribute to society. We as
physicians should provide guidance on how to appropriately manage mobility
challenges and help people with MS to continue to lead productive lives and
maintain their social, physical and mental well-being," concludes Prof.
Belachew.

Mobility impairment can start early after diagnosis

The survey results also highlighted that mobility impairment can begin
early in the disease. Nearly one in two (45%) of patients surveyed reported
to have experienced mobility issues within the first month following
diagnosis.[3]

Early identification and management of mobility issues can help to
improve the quality of life of people with MS. MS experts recommend this be
done through exercise or physical therapy or by integrating strategies for
disease and symptom management.[5] The neurologists and nurses surveyed by
Biogen Idec found that patients required their support in finding a physical
therapy plan.[1]

About Biogen Idec

Biogen Idec creates new standards of care in therapeutic areas with high
unmet medical needs. Founded in 1978, Biogen Idec is a global leader in the
discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative
therapies. Patients worldwide benefit from Biogen Idec's significant products
that address diseases such as lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid
arthritis. For product labeling, press releases and additional information
about the company, please visit www.biogenidec.com.

    Notes to editor

    Methodology

    - Research was conducted by an independent market research company.

    - The research amongst people with MS was carried out between 4 June 2010
      and 29 June 2010 and the healthcare professional research between 7
      June - 2 July 2010. Both surveys utilized a rigorous and robust
      questionnaire development process. The questionnaire amongst people
      with MS was validated to ensure compliance with ICC/ESOMAR Code on
      Market and Social Research and the healthcare professional
      questionnaire was validated against the EphMRA Code of Conduct for
      International Healthcare Market Research (both of which are European
      research guidelines). Both questionnaires also followed the Market
      Research Society Code of Conduct. Please visit www.esomar.org,
      www.ephmra.org and www.mrs.org.uk for more information

    - Respondents from the patient survey were recruited via a mix of patient
      group liaisons and online recruitment. International patient groups
      were utilized to recruit MS patients. A network of contacts in each
      country was also approached. The people invited to take part were
      pre-screened to ensure that they had been diagnosed with MS and fit
      the criteria for the research. Respondents from the healthcare
      professional survey were recruited specifically for the purpose of
      participating in MS research. Before they were accepted onto a panel,
      their credentials were checked and once on a panel, their response
      rates were measured and reliability evaluated. Eligible respondents
      were subsequently contacted to participate in the survey.

    - The surveys were anonymous and completed online.

    - The surveys sampled 436 people with MS and 182 healthcare professionals
      (MS neurologists and MS specialist nurses) from Canada, France,
      Germany, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. People with MS were
      selected at random to help ensure a result representative of the
      overall MS patient population. Healthcare professionals were recruited
      specifically for the purpose of participating in the survey

[1] Mobility in MS Research: HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL Perspectives. Data
on File. Biogen Idec. 2010.

[2] Scheinberg L et al. Multiple sclerosis. Earning a living. NY Stat J
Med 1980; 1395-1400

[3] Mobility in MS Research: PATIENT Perspectives. Data on File. Biogen
Idec. 2010.

[4] Kesselring J. Disease progression in multiple sclerosis I. Impaired
mobility and its impact on limitations of activities and social
participation. Eur Neur Rev 2010; 5(1): 56-60

[5] Halper J, Ross AP. Challenges in the treatment of mobility loss and
walking impairment in multiple sclerosis. Int J MS Care 2010;12:13-16

Claudia Matthes, Biogen Idec, T: +41-79-363-21-88, M: +41-79363-21-88, E: Claudia.matthes at biogenidec.com; Gurjit Hothi / Vicky Squires, Tonic Life Communications, T: +44(0)20-7798-9900, E: gurjit.hothi at toniclc.com or vicky.squires at toniclc.com