Procter and Gamble (P&G) Philippines, in collaboration with P&G Health, is at the forefront of redefining the landscape of Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) with innovative solutions aimed at improving the lives of millions affected by this condition, spearheading a transformative narrative on Peripheral Neuropathy (PN), with groundbreaking insights unveiled during the #KNOWTHESIGNS Scientific Forum last November 14, 2023, during World Diabetes Day. While the forum took place earlier, the timeless impact of the revelations continues to reshape our understanding of PN, a condition affecting over 50 million people globally.

The key highlight from the forum was the unveiling of the NENOIN Study results, shedding light on the efficacy of a fixed dose combination of B vitamins (B1, B6, and B12) in significantly improving nerve function. The study's findings provide a crucial roadmap for managing Peripheral Neuropathy, offering tangible hope for millions globally.

Understanding the Scope of Peripheral Neuropathy:

Peripheral Neuropathy, affecting over 50 million people globally, poses significant challenges to those with diabetes and pre-diabetes. Numbness, tingling, and burning sensations in the hands and feet are common symptoms, impacting the quality of life for individuals with this condition.

With Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 being the leading cause of PN, the increasing prevalence of PN is closely linked to the rise in the number of diabetic patients. Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is the result of damage to the nerves impacting the quality of life of people as they are not able to go about their daily lives as comfortably. Symptoms of PN include numbness, tingling, prickling, and burning sensations in the hands and feet. B vitamin deficiency and polymedication are other high-risk factors along with diabetes, leading to peripheral nerve damage. Published studies across different countries confirm that up to 80% of patients with PN remain undiagnosed and untreated.

P&G's Comprehensive Approach:

P&G Health is committed to addressing the multifaceted nature of Peripheral Neuropathy by introducing holistic solutions that focus is on providing relief and improved quality of life to individuals dealing with the daily struggles of PN.

Key Components of P&G's Peripheral Neuropathy Management Strategy:

1. Innovative Research: A leader in Nerve Health, P&G Health invests in continuous research, exemplified by studies like the NENOIN Study, to uncover effective solutions for Peripheral Neuropathy. This commitment to innovation underlines P&G's dedication to improving outcomes for those living with PN. PN is associated with poor functional mobility and compromised motor symptoms, in addition to sensory symptoms. These symptoms significantly worsen the quality of life of patients. Results from the NENOIN study concluded that the synergistic combination of vitamins B1, B6, and B12 can not only relief symptoms but also significantly improve nerve function in patients with PN which is a critical learning. This further underlines how early screening for PN and timely treatment can help improve quality of life and treatment outcomes

2. Vitamin B Supplementation: Besides diabetes mellitus, aging, alcoholism, and B vitamins deficiencies are other high-risk factors leading to peripheral nerve damage. Vitamin B1, B6, and B12 play essential roles in the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B1 provides energy to the nerves, vitamin B6 helps with signal transmission in nerves, while vitamin B12 helps with neuronal regeneration. combination of vitamin B1, B6 and B12 that is scientifically proven to repair nerve damage, restore nerve function and regenerate nerves to relieve neuropathy symptoms.

3. Pharmacist Engagement: Acknowledging the integral role of pharmacists in patient care, P&G advocates for their active involvement. By providing guidance on lifestyle modifications and recommending over-the-counter treatments, pharmacists play a vital role in supporting individuals with PN. A Speaker at the Forum, Dr. Kenny P Merin (Pharmacist, and Assistant Vice President, Academics & Research of Lyceum of the Philippines University Davao – Philippines) shared, "Pharmacists are an integral part of the healthcare team and can provide valuable support to patients with PN, yet often we are underutilized. Pharmacists are often the first point of contact and can drive early awareness of patient's condition, offer guidance on lifestyle modifications, and help optimize medication regimens. Pharmacists can also recommend over-the-counter treatments (e.g., therapeutic dose of Neurotropic B vitamins) for PN symptom relief. By actively engaging with patients and healthcare professionals, let's join hands to improve PN patients' long-term health and well-being.”

4. AI-Powered Awareness: P&G's ongoing #KnowtheSigns campaign leverages Artificial Intelligence to make the often-invisible conditions of PN and Vitamin B deficiency more visible and relatable to consumers. Early diagnosis is emphasized as a critical factor in enabling better treatment outcomes.

5. Collective Stakeholder Efforts: Insights from healthcare professionals around the globe underscore the importance of collaborative efforts, education, and early intervention. As a partner to International Diabetes Federation (IDF), P&G Health is committed to continued efforts to raise awareness on Diabetes and its associated complications including Peripheral Neuropathy and Vitamin B Deficiency. The goal is to create a comprehensive support system that addresses the challenges posed by Peripheral Neuropathy on a global scale.

“Our #KnowtheSigns campaign is a step change in the approach towards health awareness, as for the first time, we have leveraged Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make the invisible condition of PN & Vitamin B deficiency visible and more relatable to consumers. We hope to help people understand the condition by shedding light on daily struggles and symptoms. Not many people are aware that early diagnosis can help enable better treatment outcomes and better quality of life, and damaged nerves can be regenerated if nerve damage has not progressed too far,” says Aalok Agrawal, Senior Vice-President, P&G Health, Asia, India, Middle East & Africa.

As P&G Health continues to drive innovation in the realm of Peripheral Neuropathy, the focus remains on providing solutions that enhance the overall quality of life for individuals affected by this condition. The ongoing commitment to research, awareness, and comprehensive care solidifies P&G Health's position as a leader in the pursuit of better outcomes for those with Peripheral Neuropathy.

We are not getting any younger now. Yes, Indeed.

2 years to go, I'm heading to a big 4-0. I'm happy in my life now with my family, my boys particularly. But still health is wealth, health is very important, that's why at my age I need to be healthy and be with my family for more years to come.

Recently, I attended a Merck Media Launch of Nenoin Study with Dr. Rizaldy Pinzon at Marco Polo Hotel, Ortigas, Manila.

Clinical study shows benefits on symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Observational, Non-interventional clinical study confirms the benefits of a unique treatment for all.
Whether the patients were suffering from numbness, pain or paraesthesia (usually painless sensation like tingling or itching, often felt in the arms and feet, they experienced relief on all these symptoms. It was also observed that the longer they used the treatment, the more relief the patients felt from these symptoms.

Finally it is also very reassuring to see that the treatment has shown a good tolerance profile over the whole duration (3 months)

 #LoveYourNerves
Peripheral neuropathy sufferers treated with a combination of three neurotropic B vitamins have experienced improvement on all neuropathy symptoms observed in the study independently from the cause of their neuropathy.

The nervous system allows us to perceive, comprehend, and respond to the world around us. It coordinates voluntary actions like walking and involuntary actions like breathing and swallowing, Nerves, the components of the nervous tissue, enable impulses sensation and motion between the brain, spinal cord and other parts of the body.

SENSORY PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY

Peripheral Neuropathy is a disorder affecting nerves, impairing them in their function of transmitting information and potentially affecting millions of people worldwide. Peripheral Neuropathy can cause various body discomforts, such as tingling, increased or decreased sensitivity to vibration, hot or cold, numbness, muscle weakness and even burning pain. Peripheral Neuropathy can cause "typical symptoms" which appear more often and "atypical symptoms, which are less frequent and can be overlooked or misinterpreted.

Example of symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy: PARESTHESIA, NUMBNESS, BURNING PAIN, SHARP PAIN

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can seem innocuous but have an impact of the patients' well-being and their quality of life. Early detection and treatment are crucial as well as effective treatment options, which relieve patients from their symptoms without having to suffer from significant side effects.
Causes and risk factors of peripheral neuropathy are multiple and include conditions such as:

Genetics Family member suffers from neuropathy); chronic diseases, like diabetes; environmental toxins, alcoholism; nutritional deficiencies e g vitamin B deficiency and other unexplained causes.

Neuroblon Forte treatment: Neurotropic B vitamins combination has been proven effectively for peripheral neuropathy sufferers in relieving symptoms, which have been included into the study independently from the cause of their disease. The symptoms were even more reduced over longer duration of treatment (for a 3 months period tested and the treatment was well tolerated.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT NEUROBION

Neurobion, the nerve care expert from Merck Consumer Health was first launched in the Philippines in July 1972 and is now the world's no. 1 in neurotropic B vitamins combination products. "ICMA MDAS sales for MAT 09/2016 te MAT 06/2017

Neurotropic B vitamins are vitamins exerting their benefits on the health of the nervous system. They have an important role in nourishing enriching and helping to regenerate nerves in those who suffer compromised nerve health or peripheral neuropathy.

Neurobion Tablet and Neurobion Forte Tablet is available over the counter while Neurobion Forte Solution for Injection is available by prescription.

ABOUT MERCK'S CONSUMER HEALTH BUSINESS

The Consumer Health business of Merck aims at preparing society for a new era of humans living 100 healthy years. For this purpose, the business supports the WE100 movement meant to activate projects and communication efforts accordingly.

The leading "lovebrands" of Merck's Consumer Health business, such as Neurobion". Bion?, Nasivin Seven Seas Dolo-Neurobiona, Sangobioni and Femibion support this overarching purpose through consumer-inspired innovation.

The Consumer Health business is with over 3,800 employees globally active in over 40 markets. The portfolio comprises of brands with annual total sales of about 1 billion. Consumer Health is a business of the Healthcare business sector within the Merck Group with global headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany For more information please go to www.merck-consum-er-health.com or https://twitter.com/merck_ch.

ABOUT MERCK GROUP

Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 50.000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions, In 2016, Merck generated sales of € 15 billion in 66 countries.

Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, Miliporesigma and EMD Performance Materials.

New observational, non-interventional clinical study-a giant leap for taking care of peripheral neuropathy sufferer.

Mommies, we need to be more careful on our health. We need to be strong for our family. As much as possible, prevention is better than cure. But if you have it, deal with it and take the necessary precaution to have a healthy lifestyle.