Sanofi Genzyme, the specialty care global business unit of Sanofi, reiterated its support for Rare Disease Day, by organizing events and activities around the world. This year in India, Sanofi Genzyme partnered with various patients groups such as Lysosomal Storage Disorders Support Society, India (LSDSS) and Organization of Rare Diseases India (ORDI), to raise awareness about rare diseases in the country.
It partnered with LSDSS, India, to support programs in New Delhi, Jaipur and Thiruvanathapuram to raise awareness of these debilitating disorders. Sanofi Genzyme partnered with ORDI for the ‘RACE FOR 7’ marathon in Bengaluru. At this event, over 3,500 people joined steps for 7 km, by walking and running to symbolically represent the 7,000 rare diseases that collectively affect more than 350 million people around the world.
Dr. Shailesh Ayyangar, Managing Director - India and Vice President - South Asia, Sanofi, said, “Patients with rare diseases often go years without a correct diagnosis. Sanofi Genzyme is dedicated to working together with the patient, physician and research community to shorten this journey to diagnosis, through support of focused education, testing and diagnostic initiatives. Our global vision is to enable all patients with rare diseases with access to early diagnosis and appropriate treatment by 2025.”
Observed annually on the last day of February, Rare Disease Day is an international awareness campaign established by the European Organisation for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS) in 2008, and supported by hundreds of other patient organizations. This day provides an opportunity to shed light on the impact that these frequently debilitating diseases have on patients and their families. Given their rarity, these conditions are often difficult to diagnose and treat. Patients can endure a long odyssey involving many specialty doctors, tests, and numerous misdiagnoses.
This year, Sanofi Genzyme also launched a global initiative called Pledge 4 Rare, aimed at bringing together the global rare disease community to raise awareness on rare diseases. The campaign encourages people to pledge to run or walk a mile or more on Rare Disease Day in support of the rare disease community, and to share photos and videos on social media using the hashtag #Pledge4Rare.
Sanofi, a global healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients' needs. Sanofi is organized into five global business units: Diabetes and Cardiovascular, General Medicines and Emerging Markets, Sanofi Genzyme, Sanofi Pasteur and Consumer Healthcare.
Sanofi Genzyme focuses on developing specialty treatments for debilitating diseases that are often difficult to diagnose and treat, providing hope to patients and their families.