GENEVA, May 25, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Merck Serono, a
division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, today announces that in the framework
of the second International Thyroid Awareness Week 2010, the
company will support an information campaign focusing on thyroid
disorders and pregnancy. From May 24 to May
30, 2010, the company and its affiliates worldwide will
organize educational activities and public information
sessions.
During the pregnancy period, the change of physiological and
hormonal balance may alter the thyroid function and trigger the
development of transient or permanent thyroid disorders in women
who are at risk. Uncontrolled maternal hyperthyroidism and
hypothyroidism as well as iodine deficiency can result in
complications during the pregnancy, the delivery of the baby, and
potentially impact the good development of the fetus.
As demonstrated in a recent European survey (1) conducted with
over 1,700 women, aged 18 - 44 years, from five European countries
(2), there is a significant lack of understanding about the vital
role the thyroid gland plays in pregnancy. 58% of responders did
not know the potential risks of untreated thyroid disorders during
pregnancy.
"Thyroid dysfunctions can greatly affect patients' quality of
life, but they often go unnoticed due to a misinterpretation of the
common symptoms, especially during pregnancy, when they can be
easily mistaken for the physical and emotional changes linked to
pregnancy itself. Undiagnosed female patients that become pregnant
and do not receive the appropriate care, run significant risks for
their health and for their baby," said Bernhard Kirschbaum, Executive Vice President,
Research and Development at Merck Serono. "Merck Serono is pleased
to provide for the second year its support to healthcare
professionals and patients through this global information
campaign."
The two most common thyroid conditions are hypothyroidism, when
the body produces too little thyroid hormone, and hyperthyroidism
when the body produces too much thyroid hormone. Thyroid disorders
can be confirmed by a healthcare provider through a blood test, and
managed through oral medication. For severe cases of
hyperthyroidism, treatment may also include irradiations or
surgery.
The International Thyroid Awareness Week is a campaign supported
by Merck Serono in cooperation with Thyroid Federation
International, and endorsed by the European Thyroid Association,
the Latin American Thyroid Society and the Chinese Society of
Endocrinology. In 2009, the first International Thyroid Awareness
campaign was successfully rolled out in over 30 countries, in
collaboration with local patient organizations and members of the
medical community.
Further information on thyroid disorders and pregnancy are
available on: http://www.thyroidweek.com
About Merck Serono
Merck Serono is the division for innovative prescription
pharmaceuticals of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a global pharmaceutical and chemical
company. Headquartered in Geneva,
Switzerland, Merck Serono discovers, develops, manufactures
and markets innovative small molecules and biopharmaceuticals to
help patients with unmet medical needs. In the United States and Canada, EMD Serono operates through separately
incorporated affiliates.
Merck Serono has leading brands serving patients with cancer
(Erbitux(R), cetuximab), multiple sclerosis (Rebif(R), interferon
beta-1a), infertility (Gonal-f(R), follitropin alfa), endocrine and
metabolic disorders (Saizen(R) and Serostim(R), somatropin),
(Kuvan(R), sapropterin dihydrochloride) as well as cardiometabolic
diseases (Glucophage(R), metformin), (Concor(R), bisoprolol),
(Euthyrox(R), levothyroxine). Not all products are available in all
markets.
With an annual R&D expenditure of more than EUR 1 billion, Merck Serono is committed to
growing its business in specialist-focused therapeutic areas
including neurodegenerative diseases, oncology, fertility and
endocrinology, as well as new areas potentially arising out of
research and development in autoimmune and inflammatory
diseases.
About Merck
Merck is a global pharmaceutical and chemical company with total
revenues of EUR 7.7 billion in 2009,
a history that began in 1668, and a future shaped by approximately
33,600 employees in 64 countries. Its success is characterized by
innovations from entrepreneurial employees. Merck's operating
activities come under the umbrella of Merck KGaA, in which the
Merck family holds an approximately 70% interest and free
shareholders own the remaining approximately 30%. In 1917 the U.S.
subsidiary Merck & Co. was expropriated and has been an
independent company ever since.
For more information, please visit http://www.merckserono.com or
http://www.merck.de
(1) TNS omnibus survey, conducted March
2010
(2) Austria, France, Germany, Poland and Spain