Acorda creates Amazon Alexa skill for MS Awareness Month

In honor of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, Acorda Therapeutics recently launched a new Alexa skill called MS Awareness Facts that will help Amazon Alexa users learn more about the chronic disease and its symptoms.  
“We’re proud to be at the forefront of using this new technology to connect with patients,” Acroda Executive Director of Corporate Digital Strategy and Innovation Michael Russo said. “Education is an important component of each person’s fight against multiple sclerosis. As we move towards becoming an increasingly digital society, it’s important that we provide solutions that match the way people live and work, and in this case that means voice search.”
The skill uses content adapted from Acorda’s award-sinning MS self app, which users can access with the voice command “Alexa, start MS Awarness.” The cloud-based voice service will then present users with one of nearly 50 MS facts, helping them learn more about the disease that affects more than 400,000 Americans and approximately 2.5 million people around the world.
In addition to the MS Awareness Facts skill, Acorda has created a Charity Miles team in honor of MS Awareness month that allows users of the app, available for Android and iPhone, to raise money for an MS charity of their choice by walking, running or biking.