Genzyme’s Head of Rare Diseases Honored by the Genetic Disease Foundation

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Genzyme, a Sanofi company (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY), today announced that Genzyme’s Head of Rare Diseases, Rogerio Vivaldi, MD, has been honored as the Genetic Disease Foundation’s Industry Person of the Year. The award is given to an individual in the life sciences industry who has made outstanding contributions to advancing medical research and bringing new therapies to people living with rare genetic diseases.

“We are pleased to recognize Dr. Vivaldi for his dedication and commitment to improving patients’ lives.”

“For more than 20 years, Dr. Vivaldi has worked to identify the unmet needs of those living with rare genetic diseases, such as Gaucher disease,” said Elisa Ross, President of the Genetic Disease Foundation (GDF). “We are pleased to recognize Dr. Vivaldi for his dedication and commitment to improving patients’ lives.”

The award will be presented tonight at the GDF Gala at New York’s Gotham Hall. The event will raise funds for the Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

“I am truly honored by this award. As a physician in Brazil, I saw firsthand the importance of diagnosis and treatment for rare genetic diseases,” said Dr. Vivaldi. “At Genzyme we continue the mission to develop and deliver transformative therapies to all patients affected by rare genetic diseases.”

The Genetic Disease Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1997 by patients and families affected by genetic disorders. The Foundation’s mission is to help prevent and treat genetic diseases by supporting research and counseling and conducting educational initiatives.

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. Learn more at www.genzyme.com.

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).