STAINES-UPON-THAMES, United Kingdom, Oct. 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Mallinckrodt plc (NYSE: MNK), a leading global specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced results from two company-sponsored surveys – the Multiple Sclerosis in America 2017 Survey (Poster P805) and a national patient survey conducted by Harris Poll (Poster P1267) – that suggest patient-reported multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse rates may be higher than often thought. The surveys found that approximately one in every two patients experiencing a relapse do not always report it to their healthcare provider (HCP). The findings are being presented at MSParis2017, the 7th Joint ECTRIMS-ACTRIMS Meeting, from October 25-28, in Paris, France.
"The surveys provide valuable patient insights that underscore the need for further education about MS relapse and its treatment," said Tunde Otulana, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Mallinckrodt. "Increased engagement and timely follow-up during and after relapse should be prioritized to enhance patient satisfaction with their treatment plan."
"Relapse Prevalence, Symptoms, and Health Care Engagement: Insights from Patients with Multiple Sclerosis from the Multiple Sclerosis in America 2017 Survey" [Poster P805] includes data of 5,311 patients with MS on the prevalence and characterization of MS relapse and HCP engagement during and after relapse. The annual survey was fielded online in the first quarter of 2017 by Health Union, LLC, a company that cultivates online communities for people with chronic health conditions, including MS. All participants were required to have been diagnosed with MS and to live in the U.S.
Key Findings
Poster P805 Limitations
"Understanding Patient Underreporting of MS Relapses: Insights from a 2017 Survey of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis" [Poster P1267] highlights results from a survey of 250 adults (at least 18 years of age) with MS who had a relapse within the past three years. The survey, conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of Mallinckrodt between March 14, 2017 and April 4, 2017, sought to determine the percentage of MS patients who do not consistently report symptoms of relapse to their physicians, as well as their reasons for underreporting.
Key Findings
The posters with additional study details are available on the Mallinckrodt website.
ABOUT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
MS is a neurologic disorder that affects the central nervous system (i.e., the brain and spinal cord).1 An MS relapse, or flare-up, can bring new or worsening symptoms.2 Symptoms can include fatigue, balance/coordination issues, numbness or tingling, vision problems, muscle spasms, tremors and emotional changes.3
ABOUT MALLINCKRODT
Mallinckrodt is a global business that develops, manufactures, markets and distributes specialty pharmaceutical products and therapies. Areas of focus include autoimmune and rare diseases in specialty areas like neurology, rheumatology, nephrology, pulmonology and ophthalmology; immunotherapy and neonatal respiratory critical care therapies; and analgesics and hemostasis products. The company's core strengths include the acquisition and management of highly regulated raw materials and specialized chemistry, formulation and manufacturing capabilities. The company's Specialty Brands segment includes branded medicines and its Specialty Generics segment includes specialty generic drugs, active pharmaceutical ingredients and external manufacturing. To learn more about Mallinckrodt, visit www.mallinckrodt.com.
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Mallinckrodt, the "M" brand mark and the Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals logo are trademarks of a Mallinckrodt company. Other brands are trademarks of a Mallinckrodt company or their respective owners. ©2017 Mallinckrodt. ARDUS/01-01/1017/0088 10/17.
CONTACTS
Media
Rhonda Sciarra
Senior Communications Manager
908-238-6765
rhonda.sciarra@mallinckrodt.com
Meredith Fischer
Chief Public Affairs Officer
314-654-3318
meredith.fischer@mallinckrodt.com
Investor Relations
Coleman N. Lannum, CFA
Senior Vice President, Investor Strategy and IRO
314-654-6649
cole.lannum@mallinckrodt.com
Daniel J. Speciale, CPA
Director, Investor Relations
314-654-3638
daniel.speciale@mallinckrodt.com
1 Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Get Educated-Common Questions-Multiple Sclerosis. Available at: https://msfocus.org/Get-Educated/Common-Questions#What is Multiple Sclerosis. Accessed July 21, 2017.
2 National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). Accessed April 19, 2016 at http://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Types-of-MS/Relapsing-remitting-MS.
3 Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. Accessed October 17, 2017 at http://msfocus.org/Symptoms-of-Multiple-Sclerosis.aspx.
SOURCE Mallinckrodt plc