- Merck and Twitch collaborate on World MS Day to increase understanding of the 
impact of multiple sclerosis (MS)

- Livestream event with Twitch influencers on May 30 will raise awareness and 
money for the MS International Federation and help connect people affected by 
the disease, in line with official World MS Day theme MS Connections

Not intended for media in the UK and the U.S

Merck, a leading science and technology company, today announced an innovative 
collaboration with Twitch, the world's leading service and community for 
multiplayer entertainment, focused on raising global awareness and 
understanding of the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS). 

Recent research by MS Society UK suggests that 3 in 5 people with MS experience 
loneliness as a direct result of their conditioni. To challenge social barriers 
that can lead to loneliness and isolation, celebrate support networks and build 
community connection, the official theme for World MS Day 2020-2022 is MS 
Connections. World MS Day, launched by the Multiple Sclerosis International 
Federation (MSIF) and its members, is recognized on May 30 each year and 
spotlights the unseen impact of MS around the world. 

Through an 8-hour World MS Day [http://www.worldmsday.org/ ] livestream event 
with Twitch influencers and special guests, including Luke Thomas, Director of 
Fundraising and Engagement at MSIF, Dr. Wallace Brownlee, MS Specialist 
Neurologist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London, 
England, and three people living with MS, Merck and Twitch will virtually 
connect people affected by the disease and raise awareness of MS to help fight 
stigma associated with the disease. The livestream will also be used as a 
platform to raise funds for MSIF.

"As a company we are relentlessly focused on understanding MS from the inside 
out, and that curiosity drives everything we do," said Andrew Paterson, Head of 
Neurology & Immunology at Merck. "We know there is more to MS than the physical 
impact of the condition. Having a chronic disease like MS can lead to 
significant social barriers, which are likely being amplified since the 
emergence of COVID-19. At the same time, modern technology has made it easier 
than ever for people to connect. Online activities like gaming are increasingly 
used as ways to connect and socialize virtually, creating a sense of community. 
We are hopeful that this innovative collaboration with Twitch will connect 
people living with MS in a new way."

Merck has announced that they will donate Euro 1 (up to Euros 50,000) to MSIF 
for every re-share of posts in their @MerckHealthcare 
[https://twitter.com/merckhealthcare [ Twitter handle and Healthcare Business 
of Merck [https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthcarebusinessofmerck/ ] 
Linkedin page on World MS Day, using the hashtags #MSConnections and 
#MSInsideOut. The funds from both the social media retweets and the Twitch 
livestream will go towards MSIF`s Informed Decision Making program which helps 
create digital resources that connect communities around the world so that 
people with MS have access to the best possible information, for free, and can 
make informed choices about their health and lives.

Twitch, with 1.5 million tuning in at any given time and 15 million daily 
average users, continues its history of company-driven and community-driven 
charity initiatives. Since 2011, the Twitch community has raised over $200 
million in donations for various causes.

"More than ever before, people are turning to Twitch to seek not only 
entertainment, but also connection and community," said Nathan Lindberg, 
Regional VP of Sponsorship Sales at Twitch. "We are proud to not only connect 
people with MS, but also raise awareness and understanding about the condition."

To watch the livestream, log on to Twitch from 6pm CEST on May 30:
- 6 – 8pm CEST: YogsCast [https://www.twitch.tv/yogscast/ ]with Luke Thomas, 
Director of Fundraising and Engagement at MSIF, discussing World MS Day and 
MSIF's Informed Decision Making program, and Eddie, living with MS
- 8 – 10pm CEST: NickEh30 [https://www.twitch.tv/nickeh30 ] with Dr. Wallace 
Brownlee, MS Specialist Neurologist at the National Hospital for Neurology and 
Neurosurgery in London, England, discussing the basics of MS 
- 10pm – Midnight CEST: BrookeAB [https://www.twitch.tv/brookeab ] with 
Trishna, living with MS, discussing the importance of staying physically active 
- Midnight – 2am CEST: Swiftor [https://www.twitch.tv/swiftor ]with MS gamer 
Hamish, discussing how platforms like Twitch can help connect people
Highlights will also be shown on www.twitch.tv during the day.

About Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory condition of the central 
nervous system and is the most common non-traumatic, disabling neurological 
disease in young adults. It is estimated that approximately 2.3 million people 
have MS worldwide. While symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms of MS 
include blurred vision, numbness or tingling in the limbs and problems with 
strength and coordination. The relapsing forms of MS are the most common.

About World MS Day

World MS Day is officially marked on May 30 each year. Events and campaigns 
take place throughout the month of May, and it brings the global MS community 
together to share stories, raise awareness and campaign with and for everyone 
affected by multiple sclerosis. To challenge social barriers, celebrate support 
networks and build community connection, the theme for World MS Day 2020-2022 
is MS Connections. The campaign is developed by Multiple Sclerosis 
International Federation (MSIF) in collaboration with members of the global 
MSIF movement.

About Twitch

Launched in 2011, Twitch is a global community that comes together each day to 
create multiplayer entertainment: unique, live, unpredictable experiences 
created by the interactions of millions. It brings the joy of co-op to 
everything, from casual gaming and world-class esports to anime marathons, 
music, and art streams. Twitch also hosts TwitchCon [https://www.twitchcon.com/ 
], the biggest community event of the year, where tens of thousands of people 
come together to celebrate and connect with others who share their interests 
and passions. Twitch [http://www.twitch.tv/ ] is always live. Stay up to date 
on all things Twitch on Twitter [https://twitter.com/Twitch ] and on their Blog 
[https://blog.twitch.tv/].
All Merck press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become 
available on the Merck website. Please go to www.merckgroup.com/subscribe to 
register online, change your selection or discontinue this service. 

About Merck

Merck, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, 
life science and performance materials. Around 57,000 employees work to make a 
positive difference to millions of people's lives every day by creating more 
joyful and sustainable ways to live. From advancing gene editing technologies 
and discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling 
the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2019, Merck 
generated sales of Euros 16.2 billion in 66 countries.

Scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to 
Merck's technological and scientific advances. This is how Merck has thrived 
since its founding in 1668. The founding family remains the majority owner of 
the publicly listed company. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name 
and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the 
business sectors of Merck operate as EMD Serono in healthcare, MilliporeSigma 
in life science, and EMD Performance Materials.

i - https://www.mssociety.org.uk/what-we-do/news/loneliness-report
Logo -  https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/894227/Merck_Logo.jpg 

Contact: Tone Brauti Fritzen, tone-brauti.fritzen@merckgroup.com, 
+49-151-1454-2694

Source: Merck