LAVAL, QC, Jan. 16, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Sanofi Canada, a leading healthcare company, is pleased to announce that it has just signed a partnership with the international athletes Alexandre Bilodeau and Caroline Calvé, the new brand ambassadors of Synvisc-One®, a treatment that offers joint protection and pain relief for osteoarthritis of the knee.
Alexandre Bilodeau and Caroline Calvé wish to spread public awareness about the consequences of osteoarthritis of the knee, a condition afflicting over three million Canadians1 and impeding many everyday activities.
Alexandre Bilodeau believes this partnership goes beyond brand representation: "I'm thrilled about my role as a Synvisc-One® brand ambassador, as it enables me to help spread public awareness about the negative impacts of osteoarthritis of the knee. Having healthy knees is important whether or not you're an athlete. As freestyle skiing requires flexibility and balance, my knees are the key to a good performance. However, healthy knees are also important to those who want to stay active and engage in everyday activities, such as grocery shopping and playing with the kids."
Caroline Calvé shares her firsthand experience: "I understand the frustration people might feel when knee issues prevent them from doing what they love. In 2008, I suffered a serious injury that kept me off the slopes for six months. Despite having to live with the ongoing effects of this injury, I can still engage in snowboarding thanks to a sound rehabilitation, proper treatments and a positive attitude. I invite anyone suffering from osteoarthritis not to deprive themselves of their favorite activities and instead talk to their doctor for more information on treatment options, such as Synvisc-One®."
Synvisc-One® is a treatment to decrease pain and discomfort associated with osteoarthritis that replaces the diseased synovial fluid in the knee with a gel-like substance that is very similar to the synovial fluid found in healthy, young joints2.
"Keenly aware of the importance of being able to count on healthy knees to lead an active life, Alexandre and Caroline are the obvious choice to represent the values of Synvisc-One®," says Jon Fairest, President and CEO of Sanofi Canada. "We are proud to support two local, seasoned athletes who excel in their respective field through their determination and perseverance, much like the Sanofi Canada team, who give their absolute best in providing value to patients.
Alexandre Bilodeau (freestyle skiing) is the first athlete in Canadian history to win a gold medal on Canadian soil during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. Alexandre brought home the silver in men's moguls during the 2011 and 2013 FIS World Championships, is a three-time FIS dual moguls world champion, and won the 2008-2009 Crystal Globe (FIS World Cup men's freestyle skiing champion).
Caroline Calvé (alpine snowboarding) is a five-time World Cup medallist, boasts two World Cup victories (December 2011, dual giant slalom in Carezza; and February 2013, dual slalom, Moscow). She recently won the dual slalom event at the World Cup in Italy.
About Sanofi
Sanofi, an integrated global 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).
Sanofi entities in Canada include Sanofi Canada (pharmaceuticals), Sanofi Pasteur (vaccines), Sanofi Consumer Health (health and beauty), Genzyme (rare diseases) and Merial (animal health). Together they employ more than 1,700 people across the country. In 2012 Sanofi companies invested $122 million in R&D in Canada, creating jobs, business and opportunity throughout the country.
About Synvisc-One®
Synvisc-One® (hylan G-F 20) is a visco-supplement injection for osteoarthritis of the knee3. Made from a substance that lubricates and cushions your joint, Synvisc-One® can provide knee pain relief and improved mobility over 6 months, with just one simple injection. Synvisc-One® is only intended for intra-articular use by a physician to treat pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. Visit www.synviscone.ca to learn more, take an online knee pain assessment test and find a sports medicine clinic near you.
Synvisc-One® (hylan G-F 20) is for intra-articular injection to treat pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. Synvisc-One® contains small amounts of avian protein and should not be used in patients with related hypersensitivities. Adverse events involving the injected knee after intra-articular injections of Synvisc-One® may include: transient pain and/or swelling and/or effusion. The post marketing experience has identified the following systemic events to occur rarely with Synvisc-One® administration: rash, hives, itching, fever, nausea, headache, dizziness, chills, muscle cramps, paresthesia, peripheral oedema, malaise, respiratory difficulties, flushing and facial swelling. If venous or lymphatic stasis is present, Synvisc-One® should not be injected into the knee. Synvisc-One® should not be used in infected or inflamed knees or in patients having skin diseases or infections in the area of the injection site.
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| 1 The Arthritis Society. Osteoarthritis - Know Your Options. 11. Brochure accessed online at www.arthritis.ca [03/12/2013]. |
| 2 What is Synvisc-One, http://www.synviscone.ca/en/synvisc-one/what-is-synvisc-one (January 13, 2014) |
| 3 SYNVISC®/Synvisc-One® Product Monographs, Genzyme Canada Inc., July 18, 2008/March 2, 2009. |
Image with caption: "In the photo: Alexandre Bilodeau (center) two-time world champion in parallel freestyle skiing and new brand ambassador of Synvisc-One®, accompanied by Benoit Gravel, Vice-president of Diabetes Patient Centered Unit and, Marie-Josée Larochelle, National Director, Specialized Care., Sanofi Canada (CNW Group/Sanofi Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140116_C8938_PHOTO_EN_35580.jpg
SOURCE: Sanofi Canada
For further information:
For more information or to schedule an interview with Alexandre Bilodeau or Caroline Calvé, please contact:
Louis Payette
Argyle Communications
416-968-7311, ext. 257
[email protected]
Bridget Ann Peterson
Massy Forget Langlois Public Relations
514-842-2455, ext. 26
Mobile: 514 377-1752
[email protected]
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