Multiple Sclerosis: A Unique Challenge in Disease Management

Abstract

Multiple Sclerosis is an immunologie disease of myelin in the brain and spinal cord that strikes mainly young, well-educated, Caucasian women and may lead to severe disability that results in high health care and other costs. Three immunomodulating agents improve the course of the disease. The three pharmaceutical companies involved have launched educational and disease management programs to assist MS patients, their families, and their health care providers. The original program, MS Pathways by Berlex Laboratories is described in more detail in this article. The two newer programs, Avonex Alliance by Biogen, and Shared Solutions by Teva-Marion Partnership, have incorporated similar disease management components. MS Pathways provides 24-hour toll-free calls from patients to nurses, personal patient assistants, reimbursement counselors, registered nurses, speaker programs, printed materials, and media services, including a website. This program is designed to function as a virtual MS center. This disease ...