Genentech, Novartis, Sanofi Genzyme Support Nationwide 2017 ‘Walk MS’ Events

Genentech, Novartis and Sanofi Genzyme are sponsoring this year’s Walk MS, an annual event to raise funds for multiple sclerosis (MS) and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS).

Genentech, a division of Roche, returns as an MS Walk sponsor for the second year and will promote the “MS Voice” campaign, which encourages people with MS or in proximity to the disease to make their voices heard. Company officials will attend the Walk MS events across the country.

Genentech, whose drug Ocrevus recently won U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of both relapsing multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), will organize onsite video engagement at related events in Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, Raleigh and Portland.

“We applaud Genentech for ensuring that the voices of people with MS are heard through its national sponsorship of Walk MS,” Kristin Gibbs, vice-president of Walk MS, said in a press release. “Genentech’s generous event sponsorship supports our mission to help people with MS live their best lives.”

Novartis has sponsored Walk MS events for six years in a row. At the event, the Swiss company will share the latest research and treatment news with patients. Likewise, Sanofi Genzyme will support the Living with MS Program, as well as host a “Living with MS” lounge that invites participants to interact with each other.

“The continued support from Novartis helps fund cutting-edge research and life-changing services to help people with MS,” Gibbs said, adding that “we’re excited that the Walk MS experience is enhanced by Sanofi Genzyme’s sponsorship and ‘Living with MS’ Program, and look forward to the inspiration it will certainly bring to our events this year.”

This year’s annual Walk MS event is expected to bring cumulative fundraising for MS and NMSS since 1988 to more than $1 billion, according to organizers. People interested in participating in a Walk MS event may register here.