Sanofi Genzyme observes Rare Disease Day in India

Mumbai: Sanofi Genzyme, the specialty care global business unit of Sanofi, observed Rare Disease Day on 28th February, in India. Rare Disease Day takes place on the last day of February, a month known for having a ‘rare’ number of days.

The company has partnered with Organization of Rare Diseases India (ORDI) for the ‘RaceFor7’ run in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and New Delhi; and with Lysosomal Storage Disorders Support Society (LSDSS) to raise awareness in Delhi, Chennai, Jaipur and Kozhikode about such debilitating disorders.

Given the nature of rare diseases, there is limited awareness of the concept, the existence, the diagnosis and the prevalence of such diseases.  This day provides an important opportunity to shed light on the impact that these chronic and debilitating diseases have on patients and their families. Sanofi Genzyme is committed to working with the medical fraternity, the government, scientific bodies, universities and patient advocacy groups to support greater awareness & education for timely diagnosis and access to treatment.

Sanofi Genzyme’s humanitarian program is in its 21st year in India and supports over 130 patients diagnosed with four of the treatable Lysosomal Storage Disorders. Through India Charitable Access Program, it provides the treatment totally free of cost to these patients, in a country where treatment access is limited.

Sanofi Genzyme in India is focused on treatment for rare diseases, multiple sclerosis and immunology, and is committed to working with key stakeholders to develop sustainable partnership models.

Observed every year on the last day of February, Rare Disease Day is an international awareness campaign established by the European Organization for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS) in 2008. It is globally supported by hundreds of patient organizations. This day provides an opportunity to bring to the fore the impact that these debilitating diseases have on patients and their families.