CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Sanofi and
Sobi™, together with the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) and
WFH USA, today announced an
extension of their support of the WFH Humanitarian Aid Program with
an additional donation of up to 500 million IUs of factor therapy
for humanitarian use, fulfilling the 2014 pledge to donate up to an
unprecedented 1 billion IUs over a ten-year period. Since the
initial pledge to donate their medicine to the program, over 450
million IUs have been provided and over 17,200 people with
hemophilia have been treated with factor donated by Sanofi and Sobi
between 2015 and 2019. Additionally, the companies will continue to
provide financial support for initiatives such as treatment, access
and education programs for a period up to five years,
"Through this partnership with
Sanofi and Sobi, our Founding Visionary Contributors, we have been
able to significantly expand the reach of the WFH Humanitarian Aid
Program, which is leading to a paradigm shift in the management of
hemophilia in areas with limited or no access to treatment and
care," said Alain Baumann, Chief
Executive Officer, World Federation of Hemophilia. "With their
continued support, we are confident that people with hemophilia in
these countries will continue to receive much needed treatment that
is both predictable and sustainable – the foundation of the WFH
Humanitarian Aid Program. Our vision at WFH is treatment for
all."
Significant unmet need in developing world
More than
75% of people with hemophilia have limited or no access to
diagnosis and treatment, particularly in the developing world.
People with severe hemophilia in these countries often do not
survive to adulthood; those who do, often face a life of severe
disability, isolation and chronic pain. The underlying physical and
psychological toll of hemophilia can be significant without
reliable access to care.
"Patients are at the center of
all that we do, and our support of the WFH Humanitarian Aid
Program, together with Sobi, builds on Sanofi Genzyme's legacy of
helping patients around the world have access to the treatments
they need," said Bill Sibold,
Executive Vice President and Head of Sanofi Genzyme. "In the
past five years, we have seen the life-changing impact a reliable
supply of factor therapy can have for people in developing
countries; access to prophylactic treatment for children,
corrective surgeries, all helping to reduce the burden of this
disease. We are honored to play our role in providing hope to those
patients and families most in need."
"For lasting change to become a
reality, we need to recognize that access to treatment is a
fundamental human right. We are proud to do our part to address
this critical health issue, in partnership with Sanofi," said
Guido Oelkers, CEO and President at
Sobi. "Partnership in reaching the goals is essential. We are
pleased to see others following our lead and encourage more
companies to join in the shift that the WFH and their local
organizations have made possible and that we together can carry
forward. Only through a broad long-term commitment to increase
awareness, knowledge and access to treatments will the effect of
our donation be sustainable and withstanding."
The WFH Humanitarian Aid Program has over the years made
significant improvements in providing access to care. A predictable
supply of factor therapy is essential to improving treatment and
care. In addition, education programs for treaters and patients are
critical initiatives helping to develop in-country capacities to
improve diagnosis and treatment monitoring; all of which are needed
to create a sustainable treatment environment which lead to better
outcomes for patients. Sanofi and Sobi's continued support of the
WFH Humanitarian Aid Program for up to five more years, provides
for a potential total contribution up to 1 billion IUs of extended
half-life factor therapy for a period up to ten years, with the
continued opportunity to address the treatment gap and raise the
standard of care in the developing world.
A far-reaching impact on hemophilia care
With the
provision of a consistent supply of factor, corrective surgeries
and prophylaxis treatment for young children have become possible.
Since initial shipments of Sanofi and Sobi medicines to the WFH
Humanitarian Aid Program began, the impact has been far reaching.
Through 2019:
- 450 million IUs of clotting factor have treated over 17,200
people in 42 countries
- 900 children under the age of 10 are receiving prophylaxis
treatment
- More than 160,000 acute bleeds have been treated
- More than 2,300 surgeries have taken place including those that
were life- and limb-saving
Sanofi and Sobi believe all patients should have access to the
treatment they need regardless of where they live.
About the WFH Humanitarian Aid Program
The WFH
Humanitarian Aid Program improves the lack of access to care and
treatment by providing much-needed support for people with
inherited bleeding disorders in developing countries. By providing
patients with a more predictable and sustainable flow of
humanitarian aid donations, the WFH Humanitarian Aid Program makes
it possible for patients to receive consistent and reliable access
to treatment and care. None of this would be possible without the
generous support of Sanofi Genzyme and Sobi, our Founding Visionary
Contributors; Bayer, our Visionary Contributor; Grifols and Roche,
our Leadership Contributors; and our Contributor, CSL Behring. The
WFH and WFH USA collaborate to
manage and control the WFH Humanitarian Aid Program. To learn more
about the WFH Humanitarian Aid Program, visit
www.treatmentforall.org
About Sobi
Sobi is a specialised international
biopharmaceutical company transforming the lives of people with
rare diseases. Sobi is providing sustainable access to innovative
therapies in the areas of haematology, immunology and specialty
indications. Today, Sobi employs approximately 1,400 people across
Europe, North America, the Middle East, Russia and North
Africa. In 2019, Sobi's revenues amounted to SEK 14.2 billion. Sobi's share (STO:SOBI) is
listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. You can find more information about
Sobi at www.sobi.com.
About Sanofi
Sanofi is dedicated to supporting people through their health
challenges. We are a global biopharmaceutical company focused on
human health. We prevent illness with vaccines, provide innovative
treatments to fight pain and ease suffering. We stand by the few
who suffer from rare diseases and the millions with long-term
chronic conditions.
With more than 100,000 people in 100 countries, Sanofi is
transforming scientific innovation into healthcare solutions around
the globe.
Sanofi, Empowering Life
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This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined
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among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and
development, future clinical data and analysis, including post
marketing, decisions by regulatory authorities, such as the FDA or
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biological application that may be filed for any such product
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and commercial success of therapeutic alternatives, Sanofi's
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associated with intellectual property and any related pending or
future litigation and the ultimate outcome of such
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rates, volatile economic and market conditions, cost containment
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COVID-19 will have on us, our customers, suppliers, vendors, and
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foregoing could also adversely impact us. This situation is
changing rapidly and additional impacts may arise of which we are
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risks. The risks and uncertainties also include the uncertainties
discussed or identified in the public filings with the SEC and the
AMF made by Sanofi, including those listed under "Risk Factors" and
"Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in
Sanofi's annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31,
2019. Other than as required by applicable law, Sanofi does not
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Source: Sanofi (EURONEXT: SAN) (NASDAQ: SNY)
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