CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sanofi Genzyme, the specialty care global business unit of Sanofi, joins the global multiple sclerosis (MS) community today in recognition of the ninth annual World MS Day, an initiative created by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) to raise awareness for the more than 2.3 million people worldwide living with this challenging disease.

Sanofi Genzyme is committed to addressing unmet needs in MS. In addition to its current marketed therapies, the company has a portfolio of research and development-stage programs targeting both relapsing and progressive forms of MS, as well as neuroprotection and remyelination. Sanofi Genzyme also has external research collaborations with academic institutions such as Johns Hopkins and the Cleveland Clinic, and is a supporter of the International Progressive MS Alliance.

In addition, Sanofi Genzyme is continuously working to advance MS treatment and care through support for care partners and people living with MS, global initiatives to generate disease awareness, and the collection of real-world data to further advance the understanding of the impact of the disease.

This year’s theme for World MS Day is ‘Life with MS.' The goal is to bring the MS community together to share stories, raise awareness and campaign with and for everyone affected by multiple sclerosis.

“On World MS Day and every day, Sanofi Genzyme is proud to be part of the strong global community that supports people living with this disease,” said Bill Sibold, Global Franchise Head, Multiple Sclerosis, Oncology & Immunology, Sanofi Genzyme. “Our team is continuously inspired by the powerful stories we hear from people living with MS and the challenges they face on a daily basis. As part of our long-term commitment to the MS community, Sanofi Genzyme is focused on delivering treatment options and patient-focused programs aimed at addressing these challenges.”

Last year Sanofi Genzyme launched vs.MS, a global initiative focused on highlighting and addressing the physical and emotional burden of the disease. A survey was fielded among more than 1,000 people living with relapsing MS and nearly 600 care partners in seven countries. Results from the survey revealed significant challenges that people living with relapsing MS face on a day-to-day basis. Informed by the survey, Sanofi Genzyme is extending the vs.MS initiative in 2017 by launching resources intended to assist MS health care providers in more fully understanding the broad impact of the disease, with the goal of improving patient care.

This year Sanofi Genzyme will also be launching regional programs utilizing the vs.MS data with the goal of having deeper conversations with people living with MS and exploring potential solutions to the challenges they face.

Additional key initiatives being supported by Sanofi Genzyme in 2017 include:

• Engagement with the MSIF on building capacity among patient advocacy organizations across South America and the Middle East.
• Continued partnership on the ‘Digesting Science’ program, developed by Barts and the London Blizard Institute. This innovative program is focused on helping children understand MS. In 2017, Sanofi Genzyme funding will support the translation and global dissemination of an educational toolkit on how MS affects the body.
• ‘Navigating MS,’ a multi-year initiative with the MS Association of America, which is leading a global coalition of patient advocacy organizations and thought leaders to develop guidance and best practices on patient-healthcare provider communications.

Sanofi Genzyme employees around the world are recognizing World MS Day with a variety of activities, including hosting educational events and performing volunteer work in the community. To learn more about World MS Day, visit www.worldmsday.org.

About Sanofi

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. Learn more at www.sanofigenzyme.com.