Sanofi Genzyme partners with Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI) to support the multiple sclerosis community in the country

Mumbai, – Sanofi Genzyme, the specialty care global business unit of Sanofi, and
Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI) join hands to raise awareness and to provide better
treatment solutions for the 130,000 people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in India.
N. Rajaram, Managing Director, Sanofi India, said, “At Sanofi, one of our priorities is to
empower people with multiple sclerosis and improve their quality of life. Sanofi Genzyme is
proud to support initiatives, including educational projects, and provide information and
resources to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis in India. In line with that objective, we are in
the process of introducing new and effective treatment options in India that would help in the
management of this debilitating disease.”
Viresh Oberoi, Honorary President, Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI) said, “During
the month of May, every year, around the World, an added focus is brought to spread solidarity
amongst our Members (those afflicted with multiple sclerosis, their care givers and family
members, doctors, nurses, well-wishers) and, to reach out to those who are not currently our
Members to share with them how we can help them cope with this affliction. Even today we do
not know with certainty what causes multiple sclerosis and how we can eliminate it. The theme
of this year’s ‘celebration’ of World MS Day is ‘Bringing us closer – An objective, which I am sure
which will make us all stronger and will provide hope for the future.”
Dr. P. Satishchandra, Senior Professor, Department of Neurology, Apollo Hospital &
Former Director & Vice Chancellor National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences
(NIMHANS) said, “Today, with the advancement of technologies, we are better equipped to
diagnose more cases of multiple sclerosis. Most people with MS have what is known as
‘relapsing-remitting MS’ where the relapse can be prevented with the use of appropriate disease
modifying therapies. As a neurologist who treats many patients with MS, I wish to urge everyone
to be more aware of the symptoms of this condition because an early diagnosis and appropriate
treatment can ensure a healthier life.”
Sanofi Genzyme and MSSI are working together to ensure that people affected with multiple
sclerosis can continue to live fuller lives through support programs that enhance their quality of
life. The eight MSSI chapters in – Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata,
Indore and Pune, along with Sanofi Genzyme are rolling out this year’s campaign
#bringinguscloser, through various awareness programs such as symposiums, MS camps,
MS walks, medical seminars, photo exhibitions, and laughter & music therapy sessions. These programs will help bring the multiple sclerosis (MS) community together to share stories and
raise awareness about the condition.
Sanofi Genzyme in India is focused on treatment for multiple sclerosis, rare diseases, and
immunology. Through its partnership with the MSSI in India, Sanofi Genzyme is playing a critical
role in enabling and empowering the lives of people with multiple sclerosis. Globally, Sanofi
Genzyme is continuously working to advance multiple sclerosis treatment and care with
therapies, portfolio of research and development-stage programs, and MS research
collaborations.
About Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune, debilitating disease of the nervous system that affects the
spinal cord and brain. In multiple sclerosis, there is progressive damage to the sheath that
protects nerve cells, impairing communication between the brain and the nervous system. Signs
and symptoms vary from one person to another and may include: weakness and numbness in
the limbs, poor vision, tingling and pain in parts of the body, unsteady gait, lack of coordination,
fatigue or slurred speech. Multiple sclerosis can be difficult to diagnose and requires lifelong
management.
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.
About World MS Day (i)
A day to commemorate global solidarity and hope for the future, World MS Day is officially
marked on the last Wednesday of May, each year. Events and campaigns are organized
throughout the month of May. It brings the global MS community together to share real life
stories, raise awareness and campaign with and for everyone affected by multiple sclerosis.
The 2018 campaign is called and the theme is ‘research’.
In 2009, the MS International Federation (MSIF) and its members initiated the first World MS
Day.