Genzyme, a Sanofi company (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY), ahas received a Company Award from EURORDIS, the largest European patient organization in the field of rare diseases. The EURORDIS Company Award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of companies dedicated to rare diseases. Genzyme was honored 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.
EURORDIS Award recipients are selected by the EURORDIS Board of Directors, from 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’s Senior Vice President of Rare Diseases in Europe, Hilde Furberg, accepted the award yesterday during the EURORDIS Black Pearl Gala Dinner in Brussels as EURORDIS began its activities to recognize 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, MD. "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 living with rare diseases. Their pioneering spirit will continue to inspire Genzyme."
Yann Le Cam, Chief Executive Officer 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 multi-stakeholder partnership and international collaboration as well as for solidarity and unity throughout Europe."
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.
About Sanofi
Sanofi, a global and diversified 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).