Case Study: Schering-Plough: Remicade®

Unveiling the Needs of the IBD Patient in Europe for REMICADE®

REMICADE® (inflximab) is a monoclonal antibody that specifically targets TNF-alpha, which has been shown to play a role in a wide range of immune-mediated inflammatory disorders (IMID). In Europe, REMICADE® is approved for the treatment of IMID, including Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis and most recently, ulcerative colitis. In support of the gastroenterology franchise, MCS initiated and maintained a strong working relationship with the European Federation of Crohn's and Colitis Associations (EFCCA), a pan-EU umbrella organization of 22 national member associations that raise awareness of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and support patients with the condition across Europe.

Creativity: MCS, in concert with the EFCCA, developed an international awareness campaign focused on unveiling the IBD patient perspective – giving a voice to the more than one million Europeans who suffer from IBD, which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Service: MCS coordinated the EFCCA’s first-ever pan-EU survey of its patient members, working closely on survey development and execution with seven affiliate members representing Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Switzerland, Portugal and the Netherlands.

Results: In total, more than 5,600 patients participated in the survey, which revealed more needs to be done to manage the painful and reportedly embarrassing symptoms of their disorders. Results were unveiled at an international press event during the 13th United European Gastroenterology Week (UEGW) in Copenhagen. Media coverage included placements national medical trade magazines, including Germany's Medical Tribune.

REMICADE® is the global market leader among anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) therapies and the only agent approved for the treatment of both RA and CD in North America, the EU and Japan. The safety and efficacy of REMICADE® have been well established in clinical trials over the past 13 years and through commercial experience with nearly 700,000 patients treated worldwide. For further information on the safety and use of REMICADE®, please see the full prescribing information for REMICADE® available at www.remicade.com.