Novartis Canada and SP Quebec Mark 16 Years of Partnership with MS Tri-Challenge, Surpassing $650,000 CAD in Fundraising
核心洞察
Novartis Canada and SP Quebec (搜索) celebrate 16 years of partnership through the annual MS Tri-Challenge fundraiser, having raised over $650,000 CAD since 2010 for multiple sclerosis (搜索) research and patient support.
The 2026 MS Tri-Challenge will take place on Saturday, September 12, at Parc Jean-Drapeau in Montreal, featuring a 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike ride, and 10 km run.
Canada has one of the highest MS prevalence rates globally, with approximately 90,000 individuals affected nationwide and roughly 20,000 people living with MS in Quebec alone.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. (搜索) and SP Quebec (搜索) are marking 16 years of collaboration through the MS Tri-Challenge, an annual fundraising triathlon that has generated more than $650,000 CAD for multiple sclerosis (搜索) research and support programming since 2010. The event returns to Montreal on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Parc Jean-Drapeau as part of the Sail Challenge Esprit de Montréal.
"Partnerships like the one we share with Novartis Canada are instrumental in driving meaningful projects for research and education for people living with MS in Quebec," said Diego Martinez, Director at SP Quebec (搜索). "The dedication shown year after year by participants reflects a deep commitment to making a tangible difference for the MS Québécois community."
The triathlon invites participants to complete a 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike ride, and 10 km run, either individually or as part of a team. The event draws Novartis employees, their families, and friends, uniting seasoned athletes and newcomers alike in support of Canadians living with MS.
A Long-Standing Commitment to the MS Community
Since its inception in 2010, the MS Tri-Challenge has served as a cornerstone of Novartis Canada's community engagement efforts. Jason Brown, Vice-President Neuroscience at Novartis, emphasized the company's dual approach to MS care. "At Novartis, we are committed to reimagining MS care, not only through innovation, but also through meaningful partnerships that support patients and communities," Brown said. "We are incredibly proud of this long-standing collaboration that year after year has delivered positive impact for Canadians living with multiple sclerosis (搜索)."
The funds raised through the triathlon support MS research, educational initiatives, and programs designed to improve quality of life for those affected by the disease across Quebec.
MS Burden in Canada
Canada carries one of the highest prevalence rates of multiple sclerosis (搜索) globally. Approximately 90,000 individuals are affected nationwide, with roughly 20,000 people living with MS in Quebec alone. MS is a chronic, often disabling immune-mediated disease that attacks the central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve. The disease is categorized into four main types: clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), relapsing remitting MS (RRMS), secondary progressive MS (SPMS), and primary progressive MS (PPMS). These forms are distinguished by whether a person experiences relapses — clearly defined acute inflammatory attacks of worsening neurological function — and whether they experience progression of neurologic damage and disability from disease onset.
The Quebec Division of MS Canada
The Quebec Division of MS Canada (搜索) serves as the leading source of information, support, and advocacy for people affected by MS across the province. Through a province-wide network of partner organizations and local chapters, the division delivers programs including education and information services, peer support, referrals, wellness tools, and guidance tailored to the needs of people living with MS. The organization also advocates for the MS community by raising public awareness, influencing policy, and ensuring that patient voices are heard in decisions affecting care and access to services.
Novartis in Canada
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. (搜索) employs approximately 500 people across the country and invests over $36 million annually in research and development. The company's medicines reach nearly 300 million people worldwide, reflecting its broader mission to reimagine medicine for patients, healthcare professionals, and societies facing serious diseases. Continued investment in research, advocacy, and patient support remains critical to addressing the evolving needs of the MS community in Canada.