Merz honors resiliency of Parkinson’s community with new US campaign
'Celebrating the Fighters' leverages the spirit of boxing great Muhammad Ali
Written by |
- Merz has launched "Celebrating the Fighters" to honor the resiliency of those in the Parkinson's community.
- The campaign by the Parkinson's drug developer highlights the fighting spirit seen in those living with the disease.
- The company markets Inbrija, an inhaled levodopa treatment that aims to reduce patients' off episodes.
Merz Therapeutics North America has launched “Celebrating the Fighters,” a nationwide U.S. community campaign honoring the resiliency and courage of people with Parkinson’s disease.
The campaign features several initiatives, including a national TV ad, and offers social media and advocacy resources. It leverages the resilience and spirit of Muhammad Ali, the boxing champion who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and channels some of his famous inspirational sayings. One such quote was this: “You don’t lose if you get knocked down; you lose if you stay down.”
Merz markets Inbrija (levodopa inhalation powder), an inhaled treatment approved for easing Parkinson’s motor symptoms during off episodes, or periods when standard levodopa treatment stops working, and symptoms return.
“Parkinson’s disease and its symptoms can be unpredictable, yet I’ve been inspired by the many people in the Parkinson’s community who continue to live full, meaningful lives while navigating those challenges,” Len Paolillo, president of Merz Therapeutics North America, said in a company press release.
Parkinson’s disease is caused by the progressive death of dopaminergic neurons, the nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine, a signaling molecule involved in motor control. The loss of dopamine signaling drives the disease’s motor symptoms, including tremors, rigidity, and slowed movements.
Levodopa is widely used to ease Parkinson’s motor symptoms by providing L-DOPA, a molecule that cells can use to make dopamine. However, its long-term use may lead to off episodes. Inbrija is approved to help control motor symptoms during these episodes.
“At Merz Therapeutics, we support the fighter’s spirit by helping patients address off episodes with [Inbrija], the only inhaled levodopa that helps them fight back against returning Parkinson’s symptoms,” Paolillo said.
Patient says Merz’s Inbrija allows him to still go out
According to the company, while people with Parkinson’s face daily challenges, they try to stay active, adapting and continuing to live meaningful lives. The campaign shares stories and personal experiences from patients and caregivers, particularly those related to Inbrija use during off episodes.
Jimmy, a Parkinson’s patient, describes his experience with Inbrija in one video: “I’ve been using it a couple of years now and I’ll do it in front of anybody, in a restaurant or anywhere. And it’s allowed me to have Parkinson’s and still be able to go out.”
The campaign also provides tools and resources to help those in the Parkinson’s community navigate daily challenges. These include a guide on how to discuss the return of Parkinson’s symptoms during off episodes with healthcare providers.
Patients can also find information on savings programs to access Inbrija at little or no cost, support services for insurance coverage and financial assistance, and device training via phone or video calls with a nurse educator.
Other available resources include a step-by-step demonstration video for using Inbrija inhaler and other video guides, tips for getting started with the treatment, and frequently asked questions.
