Meet Laurel and Ian. Laurel is a patient living with multiple sclerosis (MS), and Ian is a scientist developing new treatments to help Laurel and the other 2.3 million people with MS live longer, healthier lives. Their emotional stories are the latest advertisement from the GOBOLDLY™ campaign as part of the Together series, which features the stories of researchers behind cutting-edge breakthroughs alongside patients battling serious disease and chronic illness with the help of biopharmaceutical innovation.
MS is a rare disease where the body’s own immune system attacks the central nervous system. MS affects each patient differently, which necessitates various forms of treatment. In recent years, the number of new treatment options for MS has grown dramatically with 40 new medicines in development today. There is new hope for MS patients, who 20 years ago had few options once diagnosed. Today, many of the new advancements help prevent flare-ups, can slow the progression of the disease and include oral treatment options patients can take from home.
Amber Burton, another patient living with MS, recently spoke about her own experience with symptoms, diagnosis and ongoing treatment. Despite the day-to-day uncertainty of the disease, Amber is hopeful for her own course of treatment and the many new options being developed.
Check out the other exciting GOBOLDLY™ advertisements launched so far this year. The previous chapters of Together include patients & scientists fighting breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, lung cancer and heart disease and Do Not Go Gentle, the first in the series featuring the iconic poem by Dylan Thomas, and Cells, a molecular view of the exciting scientific advances happening at the cellular level, and New World, a look at how science allow researchers to attack the causes of diseases and not just the symptoms.
Learn more about the researchers, patients, and breakthroughs in progress at www.innovation.org.
Robert Zirkelbach
Robert Zirkelbach is an accomplished public affairs executive with more than 20 years of experience shaping the debate and influencing policy on behalf of highly regulated industries and corporations. As Chief Public Affairs Officer & Head of Strategic Initiatives at the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), Zirkelbach leads public affairs, strategic initiatives and membership on behalf of America’s biopharmaceutical industry.
He oversees integrated public affairs campaigns that advance patient-first solutions, strengthen our health care system and preserve the role of the U.S. as the world leader in biopharmaceutical innovation. Since returning to PhRMA in 2023, he has elevated the industry’s voice in Washington, expanded PhRMA’s membership and spearheaded the organization’s five-year strategic plan.
Previously, Zirkelbach served as Global Head of Issues and Advocacy at ExxonMobil, where he led high-impact advocacy campaigns on issues central to the company’s mission, including climate change and plastic waste. During his tenure, he also oversaw a strategic risk function responsible for identifying and mitigating potential policy, geopolitical and reputation risks facing the company. Zirkelbach served as spokesman for America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) during the pivotal debate and implementation of the Affordable Care Act. He started his career on Capitol Hill as press secretary for Congressman Jim Nussle (R-IA).
Zirkelbach is a graduate of Central College. He lives with his wife and two children in Washington, DC.
Robby Zirklebach
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robzirk/
Chief Public Affairs Officer & Head of Strategic Initiatives
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Fighting multiple sclerosis: New Together ad illuminates the journey of patient & scientist
GoBoldly
Fighting multiple sclerosis: New Together ad illuminates the journey of patient & scientist
Fighting multiple sclerosis: New Together ad illuminates the journey of patient & scientist