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Genzyme Commemorates World MS Day with Awareness and Educational Events GloballyGenzyme, 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 rehabilitationspecialists, 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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