EMD Serono Data at CMSC & ACTRIMS Annual Meeting Reinforces Proven Efficacy of Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) and Demonstrates Continued Commitment to Patients with Relapsing MS

ROCKLAND, Mass., May 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- EMD Serono, Inc., a subsidiary of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, announced today that Rebif^®  (interferon beta-1a) data will be presented at the 2014 Cooperative Meeting of CMSC (Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers) and  ACTRIMS (Americas Committee on Research & Treatment in Multiple Sclerosis), taking place from May 28 - 31, in Dallas, TX.

Data from 11 study assessments will be presented at the meeting by EMD Serono or its affiliate, Merck Serono, the biopharmaceutical division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, including eight posters, two oral presentations and an industry-sponsored poster focusing on Rebif^® (interferon beta-1a).

"The data to be presented during the CMSC meeting reinforce the important clinical benefits and proven efficacy of Rebif as well as the impact delivery devices can have on patient adherence and treatment management for patients," said Thorsten Eickenhorst, Chief Medical Officer, EMD Serono. "Our company is committed to ongoing research to advance MS care and develop innovative solutions for those living with MS."

The following abstracts have been accepted for presentation at the CMSC Annual Meeting (all times listed in CDT):

US-Scientific Presentations

• Early and Consistent Benefits of Subcutaneous Interferon Beta-1a in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis: Post Hoc Analysis of PRISMS MRI Data (Poster DX46, Disease Management, Mechanisms and Treatment; Thursday, May 29, 2014; 7-8:30pm)
• Autoinjector Ease-of-Use in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Treated with Interferon Beta-1a Subcutaneously: REDEFINE Study Design (Poster DX60, Disease Management, Mechanisms and Treatment; Thursday, May 29, 2014; 7-8:30pm)
• Changes in Immunologic Biomarkers in Patients with Relapsing–Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Treated with Interferon Beta-1a (Poster DX61, Disease Management, Mechanisms and Treatment; Thursday, May 29, 2014; 7-8:30pm)
• Relapsing–Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Treated With Interferon Beta-1a: Immunologic and Short-Term Brain Volume Changes (Platform Presentation DX02, Disease Management, Mechanisms and Treatment; Friday, May 30, 2014; 1:20-1:40pm)
• Immunological Markers and Conventional and Advanced MRI after Interferon Beta-1a for Relapsing–Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (Platform Presentation DX05, Disease Management, Mechanisms and Treatment; Friday, May 30, 2014; 2:20-2:40pm)

U.S. Industry-Sponsored Presentation

• EMD Serono Phase IV Studies in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (Poster; Available in Exhibit Hall during all open hours)

Merck Serono-Sponsored Scientific Presentations

The presentations from Merck Serono concern a formulation of Rebif and an administration device which are not approved in the U.S.

• A Prospective Multicenter Study for Assessing the Validity of the MusiQOL Instrument Among Arabic-Speaking Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (Poster CG28, Cognition, Depression and Psychosocial;  Thursday, May 29, 2014; 7-8:30pm)
• Good Treatment Adherence Is Maintained in Multiple Sclerosis Patients Using RebiSmart™: Assessment of the MEASURE Primary Endpoint (Poster DX07, Disease Management, Mechanisms and Treatment; Thursday, May 29, 2014; 7-8:30pm)
• RebiSmart™ Pressure Profile Accessories Can Reduce Injection-Site Pain (Poster DX08, Disease Management, Mechanisms and Treatment; Thursday, May 29, 2014; 7-8:30pm)
• Consensus on Optimal Multiple Sclerosis Injectable Treatment Management to Improve Patient Adherence: The Multiple Sclerosis Delphi Project (Poster DX49, Disease Management, Mechanisms and Treatment; Thursday, May 29, 2014; 7-8:30pm)
• Nursing Challenges in the Care of People with Multiple Sclerosis: Results from an International Needs Assessment (Poster DX59, Disease Management, Mechanisms and Treatment; Thursday, May 29, 2014; 7-8:30pm)

EMD Serono is engaged in strategic research collaborations funding promising neurology research with leading academic and healthcare institutions. Learn more about EMD Serono's programs, pipeline and activities in neurology by visiting U.S. Medical Affairs booth #240 at this year's CMSC Annual Meeting.

About Rebif^® (interferon beta-1a)

Rebif is used to treat relapsing forms of MS to decrease the frequency of relapses and delay the occurrence of some of the physical disability that is common in people with MS. Rebif is not approved for treatment of chronic progressive MS.

Rebif will not cure MS but it has been shown to decrease the number of flare-ups and slow the occurrence of some of the physical disability that is common in people with MS. Rebif can cause serious side effects, so before taking Rebif, patients should talk with their doctor about the possible benefits of Rebif and its possible side effects.

Potential serious side effects of Rebif include depression, liver problems, risk to pregnancy, allergic reactions and injection-site problems. Patients who have had an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, flushing or hives to another interferon beta or to human albumin should not take Rebif.

Before taking Rebif (interferon beta-1a), patients should tell their doctor if they have a history of depression, anxiety, trouble sleeping, liver disease, thyroid problems, blood cell count or bleeding problems, epilepsy, or are planning to become pregnant. Patients should tell their doctor about all medicines they take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Rebif and other medicines may affect each other causing serious side effects. Patients should talk to their doctor before taking any new medicines.

Possible side effects of Rebif include flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, sweating, muscle aches and tiredness), injection-site reactions, depression and anxiety, liver problems, abdominal pain, blood problems, thyroid problems and severe allergic reactions. Patients should let their doctor know if they have any of these symptoms or feel sad, tired, hot or cold, or experience hives, rashes, bruising, yellowing of the skin, or a change in body weight (gain or loss).

This information is not intended to replace discussions with a doctor. For additional information about Rebif, please consult the Prescribing Information and Medication Guide at www.rebif.com and talk to a health care professional. Information is also available at www.mslifelines.com or call toll-free 1-877-44-REBIF (1-877-447-3243). Rebif is available by prescription only.

About EMD Serono, Inc.

EMD Serono, Inc., a subsidiary of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is a specialized biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing therapies with groundbreaking potential. The company has strong market positions in neurology, endocrinology and in reproductive health. In addition, EMD Serono has an enduring commitment to solve the unsolvable, with state-of-the-art science dedicated to developing new therapies in our core focus areas of neurology, oncology, immuno-oncology and immunology. With a long-standing history of industry expertise and a dedication to shape the future of healthcare, the company's US footprint continues to grow, with approximately 1,000 employees around the country and fully integrated commercial, clinical and research operations in the company's home state of Massachusetts.

For more information, please visit www.emdserono.com.

About Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Merck KGaA of Darmstadt, Germany, is a leading company for innovative and top-quality high-tech products in the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors. Its subsidiaries in Canada and the United States operate under the umbrella brand EMD. Around 38,000 employees work in 66 countries to improve the quality of life for patients, to further the success of customers and to help meet global challenges. The company generated total revenues of €11.1 billion in 2013 with its four divisions: Biopharmaceuticals, Consumer Health, Performance Materials and Life Science Tools. Merck KGaA of Darmstadt, Germany is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company – since 1668, the name has stood for innovation, business success and responsible entrepreneurship. Holding an approximately 70 percent interest, the founding family remains the majority owner of the company to this day.

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SOURCE EMD Serono