Sanofi's subsidiary Genzyme has received a company award from European Organisation for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS), the largest European patient organisation in the field of rare diseases. The EURORDIS Company Award recognises the outstanding accomplishments of companies dedicated to rare diseases.

Genzyme bagged for pioneering the development and delivery of therapies for rare diseases, its longstanding support of patient organizations, including EURORDIS, as well as initiatives to increase patient access to Genzyme treatments.

Genzyme’s senior vice president of Rare Diseases in Europe, Hilde Furberg, accepted the award during the EURORDIS Black Pearl Gala Dinner in Brussels as EURORDIS began its activities to recognise International Rare Disease Day.

“Genzyme has been partnering with patient advocacy organizations globally from our earliest days to be sure the community’s needs and perspectives are always represented within our organization, and the contributions of these organizations remain central to Genzyme and our ability to bring therapies to patients,” said Genzyme’s Head of Rare Diseases, Rogerio Vivaldi,  “As we approach Rare Disease Day, a day made possible because of EURORDIS, Genzyme wants to thank all of the patient organizations and communities who work daily to improve the lives of patients with rare diseases. Their pioneering spirit will continue to inspire Genzyme.”

Yann Le Cam, CEO of EURORDIS, said,  "We are honored to acknowledge the commitment and achievements of this year’s recipients of the EURORDIS Awards on the occasion of Rare Disease Day 2013. Each of this year’s ten awardees contributes in their own unique way toward fostering the goals of cooperation embodied in this year’s Rare Disease Day slogan: ‘Rare Disorders without Borders.’ We are proud that the rare disease community is becoming a model for multistakeholder partnership and international collaboration as well as for solidarity and unity throughout Europe.”

EURORDIS Award recipients are selected by the EURORDIS Board of Directors, based on over 100 nominations received from EURORDIS members (rare disease patient advocacy groups from all Europe), volunteers and staff, with the aim of promoting leadership and excellence for people living with rare diseases.

Genzyme has pioneered the development and delivery of transformative therapies for patients affected by rare and debilitating diseases.