LAVAL, QC, Jan. 16, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Sanofi Canada, a leading
healthcare company, is pleased to announce that it has just signed a
partnership with the international athletes Alexandre Bilodeau and
Caroline Calvé, the new brand ambassadors of Synvisc-One®, a treatment
that offers joint protection and pain relief for osteoarthritis of the
knee.
Alexandre Bilodeau and Caroline Calvé wish to spread public awareness
about the consequences of osteoarthritis of the knee, a condition
afflicting over three million Canadians1 and impeding many everyday activities.
Alexandre Bilodeau believes this partnership goes beyond brand
representation: "I'm thrilled about my role as a Synvisc-One® brand
ambassador, as it enables me to help spread public awareness about the
negative impacts of osteoarthritis of the knee. Having healthy knees is
important whether or not you're an athlete. As freestyle skiing
requires flexibility and balance, my knees are the key to a good
performance. However, healthy knees are also important to those who
want to stay active and engage in everyday activities, such as grocery
shopping and playing with the kids."
Caroline Calvé shares her firsthand experience: "I understand the
frustration people might feel when knee issues prevent them from doing
what they love. In 2008, I suffered a serious injury that kept me off
the slopes for six months. Despite having to live with the ongoing
effects of this injury, I can still engage in snowboarding thanks to a
sound rehabilitation, proper treatments and a positive attitude. I
invite anyone suffering from osteoarthritis not to deprive themselves
of their favorite activities and instead talk to their doctor for more
information on treatment options, such as Synvisc-One®."
Synvisc-One® is a treatment to decrease pain and discomfort associated
with osteoarthritis that replaces the diseased synovial fluid in the
knee with a gel-like substance that is very similar to the synovial
fluid found in healthy, young joints2.
"Keenly aware of the importance of being able to count on healthy knees
to lead an active life, Alexandre and Caroline are the obvious choice
to represent the values of Synvisc-One®," says Jon Fairest, President
and CEO of Sanofi Canada. "We are proud to support two local, seasoned
athletes who excel in their respective field through their
determination and perseverance, much like the Sanofi Canada team, who
give their absolute best in providing value to patients.
Alexandre Bilodeau (freestyle skiing) is the first athlete in Canadian
history to win a gold medal on Canadian soil during the Vancouver 2010
Winter Olympics. Alexandre brought home the silver in men's moguls
during the 2011 and 2013 FIS World Championships, is a three-time FIS
dual moguls world champion, and won the 2008-2009 Crystal Globe (FIS
World Cup men's freestyle skiing champion).
Caroline Calvé (alpine snowboarding) is a five-time World Cup medallist,
boasts two World Cup victories (December 2011, dual giant slalom in
Carezza; and February 2013, dual slalom, Moscow). She recently won the
dual slalom event at the World Cup in Italy.
About Sanofi
Sanofi, an integrated global healthcare leader, discovers, develops and
distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients' needs. Sanofi
has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth
platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs,
consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and the new
Genzyme. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York
(NYSE: SNY).
Sanofi entities in Canada include Sanofi Canada (pharmaceuticals),
Sanofi Pasteur (vaccines), Sanofi Consumer Health (health and beauty),
Genzyme (rare diseases) and Merial (animal health). Together they
employ more than 1,700 people across the country. In 2012 Sanofi
companies invested $122 million in R&D in Canada, creating jobs,
business and opportunity throughout the country.
About Synvisc-One®
Synvisc-One® (hylan G-F 20) is a visco-supplement injection for
osteoarthritis of the knee3. Made from a substance that lubricates and cushions your joint,
Synvisc-One® can provide knee pain relief and improved mobility over 6
months, with just one simple injection. Synvisc-One® is only intended
for intra-articular use by a physician to treat pain associated with
osteoarthritis of the knee. Visit www.synviscone.ca to learn more, take an online knee pain assessment test and find a
sports medicine clinic near you.
Synvisc-One® (hylan G-F 20) is for intra-articular injection to treat
pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. Synvisc-One® contains
small amounts of avian protein and should not be used in patients with
related hypersensitivities. Adverse events involving the injected knee
after intra-articular injections of Synvisc-One® may include: transient
pain and/or swelling and/or effusion. The post marketing experience has
identified the following systemic events to occur rarely with
Synvisc-One® administration: rash, hives, itching, fever, nausea,
headache, dizziness, chills, muscle cramps, paresthesia, peripheral
oedema, malaise, respiratory difficulties, flushing and facial
swelling. If venous or lymphatic stasis is present, Synvisc-One® should
not be injected into the knee. Synvisc-One® should not be used in
infected or inflamed knees or in patients having skin diseases or
infections in the area of the injection site.
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SOURCE Sanofi Canada
Image with caption: "In the photo: Alexandre Bilodeau (center) two-time world champion in parallel freestyle skiing and new brand ambassador of Synvisc-One®, accompanied by Benoit Gravel, Vice-president of Diabetes Patient Centered Unit and, Marie-Josée Larochelle, National Director, Specialized Care., Sanofi Canada (CNW Group/Sanofi Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140116_C8938_PHOTO_EN_35580.jpg
For more information or to schedule an interview with Alexandre Bilodeau or Caroline Calvé, please contact: