Genzyme,
a Sanofi company, joins the global multiple sclerosis (MS) community
today in recognition of the seventh annual World MS Day, an initiative
created by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) to
raise awareness of this devastating disease. Beyond its ongoing
research, clinical development programs and commercial therapies,
Genzyme is further committed to improving the lives of people living
with MS through real-world data collection, support for caregivers and
patients, as well as awareness programs globally.
“World MS Day serves as an important reminder of the very real
challenges millions of people living with MS face every day,” said Bill
Sibold, Genzyme’s Senior Vice President and Head of MS. “Their strength
and determination are what motivate us as a company to continue to
develop scientific advancements and novel programs that may have a
positive impact on those affected by MS. We are proud to once again join
the global MS community to honor this milestone and to help increase
understanding and awareness of MS.”
Genzyme is partnering with local patient organizations on a variety of
activities in support of World MS Day, and is collaborating with the
community throughout the year, by hosting awareness events across
countries and providing important support for a variety of programs.
Genzyme 2015 sponsorships and partnerships include:
International Progressive MS Alliance: Genzyme is a leading
industry supporter for this advocacy-driven initiative that brings
together thought leaders and MS societies from around the world to
tackle the significant unmet need in progressive disease.
Shift MS: Genzyme continues to drive innovative partnerships with
groups like Shift MS, an online community of people living with MS,
headquartered in the UK. Currently, Genzyme and Shift MS are
collaborating on an initiative to understand and ultimately help people
to harness their “MS Energy.” Events have included art exhibits, focus
groups and an online portal to share stories of how people are being
more than their MS.
Rehabilitation in MS (RIMS): A European-based network of
rehabilitation specialists, RIMS has developed a two-year project with
support from Genzyme to leverage evidence-based rehabilitation
strategies that can provide support for MS patients experiencing issues
with fatigue and cognitive functioning.
MSBase: MSBase is an ongoing, longitudinal, strictly
observational registry open to all practicing neurologists and their
healthcare team. A collaboration between participating physicians, the
MSBase Registry is a unique international database in Multiple Sclerosis
(MS). The overall objective is to support investigators worldwide
through its unique web interface to improve the quality of care of
patients with MS.
Risk Benefit Panel CMSC: At the Annual Consortium of MS Centers
Meeting in Indianapolis, May 27-30 2015, Genzyme will sponsor a session
to be presented by the MS Association of America titled, “Addressing the
Science and Emotion of Benefit and Risk: Working Collaboratively to
Improve Shared Decision Making.”
In addition to these efforts, Genzyme continues to globally support a
variety of patient-focused programs including sport initiatives such as
mountain climbing, biking, walking and dance that provide disease
awareness and encourage engagement in overall health. In addition,
Genzyme supports educational initiatives that ask the critical questions
‘do we know enough’ and ‘can we do more to manage this disease’.
Similar to last year’s theme, this year’s World MS Day activities are
focused on access. Whether it is access to healthcare, education,
employment, support or resources, people living with MS face many
challenges to access in their lives. Genzyme is proud to be a sponsor of
this international milestone, helping to break down these barriers to
access and joining MSIF in declaring the MS Community is “Stronger than
MS.”
Messages of support and encouragement will be featured on the World MS
Day website and across social media. To find out more about all the
things that make the MS Community “Stronger than MS,” visit www.WorldMSDay.org.
Genzyme employees from around the world are participating in this
campaign by creating visual representations, or “MS Barrier Walls”
of the challenges facing those affected by the disease, at the
company’s sites globally. Leading up to World MS Day, employees will
help “break down” these Walls by sharing words, pictures and
stories of strength and support that illustrate what makes the MS
Community “Stronger than MS.”
About Genzyme, a Sanofi Company
Genzyme has pioneered the development and delivery of transformative
therapies for patients affected by rare and debilitating diseases for
over 30 years. We accomplish our goals through world-class research and
with the compassion and commitment of our employees. With a focus on
rare diseases and multiple sclerosis, we are dedicated to making a
positive impact on the lives of the patients and families we serve. That
goal guides and inspires us every day. Genzyme’s portfolio of
transformative therapies, which are marketed in countries around the
world, represents groundbreaking and life-saving advances in medicine.
As a Sanofi company, Genzyme benefits from the reach and resources of
one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, with a shared
commitment to improving the lives of patients. Learn more at www.genzyme.com.
Genzyme® is a registered trademark of Genzyme Corporation. All rights
reserved.
About Sanofi
Sanofi, a 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).
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