Genzyme Celebrates Fifth Annual World MS Day

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Genzyme, a Sanofi Company (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY), together with the global multiple sclerosis (MS) community of patients, advocates and healthcare providers, will today celebrate World MS Day, a campaign created by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) to raise awareness of MS. Genzyme is committed to making a difference in the lives of people living with MS with differentiated therapies that include once-daily, oral AUBAGIO and LEMTRADA, as well as a research pipeline focused on innovative approaches to treating MS. LEMTRADA (alemtuzumab) is currently under regulatory review.

As aproud supporter of World MS Day and other MSIF programs, Genzyme has diversified its franchise offering with innovative grants and partnerships designed to broaden awareness about MS and address remaining unmet needs within the community. 2013 grants and partnerships include:

The International Progressive MS Collaborative: Genzyme is an active supporter for this global platform, developed to leverage the unique expertise and resources of its experts to expedite the development of effective disease modifying and symptom management therapies for progressive forms of MS.

MSIF Infrastructure Grant: Genzyme has provided a grant to the MSIF that will initiate, support and encourage the development of new MS organizations in Middle East and Pan-Asia regions, where there is currently little support, limited information and low awareness of the disease. MSIF has already begun to see the emergence of patient-led organizations and Genzymes support will help strengthen the MSIFs ability to meet the needs of people with MS in these regions.

"I Ride with MS:" Genzyme is the sole sponsor of the "I Ride with MS" program from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society that celebrates cyclists participating in the Societys annual Bike MS series who are also living with MS. By providing visibility to riders living with MS, I Ride with MS participants are not only strengthening cyclists' commitment to create a world free of MS, but also serve to inspire all who are part of the MS movement. Bike MS consists of 100 cycling events across the country that aim to raise money for MS research and other services supported by the Society.

MS One to One: Because each patients experience with MS is unique, Genzyme has also created MS One to One to provide customized, one-to-one support with a dedicated, MS certified team of nurses available 24/7, who offer information and answers to frequently asked questions about MS, and more. For more information, visit http://www.MSOnetoOne.com.

Today and every day, millions of people living with MS and their families will face challenges with incredible strength and determination, said Bill Sibold, SVP and Head of MS, Genzyme. While MS can be a devastating diagnosis, there has never been a more hopeful time than now with new and exciting treatment advances. As a supporter of World MS Day, our MS team at Genzyme is inspired by those living with MS. We are proud to participate in this years campaign and are committed to engaging the global community across the spectrum of care. Our pledge to the community is that we will take on the challenge of MS together.

In its fifth year, World MS Day 2013 carries the theme of Whats Your Motto, collecting inspirational phrases around three areas most important to young adults living with MS: identity, relationships and the future. To get the conversation started, MSIF identified six young adults around the world to share their mottos on http://www.WorldMSDay.org.

Genzyme and its local affiliates are supporting a wide range of activities in recognition of World MS Day. Across the globe, Genzyme employees have also joined the MSIF Whats Your Motto international campaign by artistically depicting their own mottos through paintings, photography and video.

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Genzyme Celebrates Fifth Annual World MS Day