MEMOTEXT(R) and BioGen Idec Canada Announce Ground-Breaking Partnership to Help MS Patients

TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 05/26/08 -- Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) who take the once-a-week prescription injection AVONEX(R) (interferon beta-1a) will now be the first in North America to benefit from a free and unique adherence solution program. BioGen Idec Canada, a subsidiary of Biogen Idec Inc., makers of AVONEX, and MEMOTEXT(R), provider of personalized adherence solutions, have joined forces to help patients remember to take their medicine.

"It is no secret that one of the biggest challenges currently facing patients, their families and the medical industry, is adherence. For some diseases, adherence rates are as low as 10-20%," says Amos Adler, President of MEMOTEXT. "Studies show that long term adherence to treatment regimens, particularly when patients see signs of improvement, are abysmal. By providing education, live support and reminders to take medicines in a timely fashion this service will help improve quality of life over the long term."

The program, which is named AVOTALK, is a free telephone reminder, education and support service for patients who are prescribed AVONEX and choose to participate.

AVOTALK, provided through MEMOTEXT's pioneering international services conveniently gives patients the option of receiving text messages sent directly to their cell phones or pre-recorded interactive calls at predetermined times, reminding them to take their prescribed medicine.

"Each patient can personalize the timing of delivery of their message, just one of the unique MEMOTEXT services," continued Adler. "We are also providing useful, one-touch access to important patient resources: AVOTALK subscribers who have questions or concerns can reach a live nurse educator simply by pushing 0 on their phone when they receive their reminder call."

There is also a snooze feature meaning the system will call back at a predetermined time if the first call is not picked up. Patients also have the option to register for motivational and educational messages. These educational messages are 30-60 sec in length and delivered weekly.

"We are thrilled to be able to offer this unique service to MS patients, to help improve adherence rates, and help preserve patients' abilities," says Jamie Twiselton, Specialty Marketing Services Manager. "Our goal is to strive to help improve patient outcomes, which is why this program and partnership is a perfect fit for Biogen Idec. We are pleased we can provide this free program to anyone currently taking AVONEX."

About MEMOTEXT(R)

MEMOTEXT is a treatment adherence and specialized healthcare application service provider. With over 25 years of expertise in patient-stakeholder issues and the telecommunications industry, MEMOTEXT integrates behavior modification, patient education and live support into the everyday lives of patients. MEMOTEXT uses proven methodologies and customized solutions that support patient efforts to maintain health and lifestyle regimens and comply with prescribed treatment plans. For more information about MEMOTEXT visit www.memotext.com.

About BioGen Idec Canada and AVONEX:

Biogen Idec creates new standards of care in therapeutic areas with high unmet medical needs. Founded in 1978, Biogen Idec is a global leader in the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative therapies. Patients in more than 90 countries benefit from Biogen Idec's significant products that address diseases such as lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. For product labeling, press releases and additional information about the company, please visit www.biogenidec.com.

Contacts: Impressions PR Alison Burke (647) 402-4122 Email: Alison@impressionspr.ca

2008-05-26 09:05:19 0370065 MARKETWIRE