Acorda Launches Art Initiative to Foster Better Conversations About Parkinson’s Symptoms

ARDSLEY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Acorda Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:ACOR) today launched Framing OFF Through Art℠, a new initiative that uses the power of art to allow people with Parkinson’s to help recognize and articulate their OFF period experiences. This initiative builds on Acorda’s “Live Well. Do Tell.℠” program, which was launched in March 2018.

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Steve and Leslie Peters, Dr. Matthew Stern and Julie B. examine the art. Dr. Stern, a movement disorder specialist, which is a neurologist who has received additional training in Parkinson’s and other movement disorders, provided additional insight into the symptoms of OFF periods. (Photo: Business Wire)

Many people with Parkinson’s experience OFF periods in which Parkinson’s symptoms re-emerge even though the person is on an existing treatment regimen. OFF periods affect about 40 percent of the approximately one million people with Parkinson’s in the U.S. The need for better dialogue about OFF period symptoms was originally highlighted in the “Live Well. Do Tell.” Statement of Need, a report developed based on insights from a multi-disciplinary steering committee of Parkinson’s community leaders.

Framing OFF Through Art includes a series of artworks inspired by the personal stories of people with Parkinson’s and their care partners. The artworks were created by artists who have personal connections to the disease. Each artist partnered with two people with Parkinson’s and their care partners and developed a work of art to represent their stories. The art is intended to educate and encourage other people with Parkinson’s and their care partners to recognize OFF period symptoms and start a conversation with their own healthcare teams.

“OFF periods can be frustrating and challenging, as symptoms are varied and often difficult for patients to communicate effectively to their care providers,” said Matthew Stern, M.D., Director Emeritus of the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center, Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Pennsylvania Hospital. “By helping people with Parkinson’s understand how to verbalize what they are experiencing, we, as their healthcare providers, can better understand their needs and help them achieve a better sense of well-being.”

The artwork debuted on October 23 in New York at an event attended by the artists, people with Parkinson’s and their care partners. The first piece, created by Julie B., whose mom is living with Parkinson’s, is now available on LiveWellDoTell.org. Additional art pieces and stories will be revealed each month.

“Art is a powerful way to engage a community, and in Framing OFF Through Art, our goal is to create an emotional connection that results in better dialogues about Parkinson’s symptoms,” said Ron Cohen, M.D., Acorda’s President and CEO.

For more information about “Live Well. Do Tell.”, Framing OFF Through Art and to see the artwork and the stories of the individuals featured, visit LiveWellDoTell.org.

About “Live Well. Do Tell.”

“Live Well. Do Tell.” is an initiative created by Acorda with input from a multi-disciplinary steering committee of Parkinson’s community leaders. The goal of the program is to develop tools to address communication gaps among people with Parkinson’s, care partners and their healthcare professionals.

The steering committee included people with Parkinson’s, care partners, movement disorder specialists, a nurse practitioner and representatives from key advocacy groups, including the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, Caregiver Action Network, Davis Phinney Foundation, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Parkinson’s Foundation, the Parkinson & Movement Disorder Alliance and the World Parkinson Coalition.

About Parkinson’s and OFF Periods

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder resulting from the gradual loss of certain neurons. These neurons are responsible for producing dopamine and that loss causes a range of symptoms including impaired movement, muscle stiffness and tremors. As Parkinson’s progresses, people are likely to experience OFF periods, which are characterized by the return of Parkinson’s motor and non-motor symptoms; these can occur even in the presence of regular maintenance therapy. Approximately one million people in the U.S. and 1.2 million Europeans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s; approximately 40 percent of people with Parkinson’s in the U.S. are estimated to experience OFF periods.

About Acorda Therapeutics

Founded in 1995, Acorda Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies that restore function and improve the lives of people with neurological disorders. Acorda has a pipeline of novel neurological therapies addressing a range of disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Acorda markets two FDA-approved therapies, including AMPYRA® (dalfampridine) Extended Release Tablets, 10 mg.

Forward-Looking Statement

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