Genzyme, Isis receive 2014 Partners in Progress Corporate Award for KYNAMRO injection

May 9 2014

Genzyme, a Sanofi company (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY), and Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: ISIS), today announced that they have received the 2014 Partners in Progress Corporate Award from NORD in recognition of KYNAMRO^® (mipomersen sodium) injection. KYNAMRO, selected for being a very important orphan therapy to reach the market in the United States, is an adjunct to lipid-lowering medications and diet to reduce low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B (Apo B), total cholesterol (TC), and non-high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non HDL-C) in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH).

"There are over 7,000 rare diseases, of which, only 300 currently have a treatment option," said NORD President and CEO Peter L. Saltonstall. "Each therapy brought to market for one rare disease provides hope to the many others that are still in need. We are pleased to recognize Genzyme and Isis for their dedication and commitment to improving the lives of patients with a rare disease."

This award marks the third time that Genzyme has been recognized by NORD for its contributions and ongoing commitment to improving the lives of those affected by rare diseases. The award will be presented tonight at NORD's "Portraits of Courage Celebration" in Washington, DC.

"It is an honor to be recognized by NORD and we hope this award serves to highlight the considerable unmet need that still exists in helping patients with rare diseases," said Genzyme President and CEO, David Meeker, M.D. "We are proud that we are able to bring our rare disease expertise to patients living with HoFH, who have exhausted conventional medications and are still in need of additional treatment options."

The NORD Gala is an annual event at which researchers and others are honored for improving the lives of people with rare diseases. Each year NORD honors organizations that have made a positive contribution to further the needs of the patient community, and have inspired the public to do so as well.

"KYNAMRO is the first systemic antisense drug to reach the market and is the culmination of two decades of work to create a new, more efficient drug technology platform," said Stanley T. Crooke, M.D., Ph.D., Chairman of the Board and CEO of Isis. "We are incredibly grateful to NORD for its recognition of the work to bring this much needed therapy to patients living with HoFH."

NORD is a nonprofit organization established in 1983 to represent all individuals and families affected by rare diseases. It provides advocacy, education, support for research, and patient assistance programs to improve the lives of the 30 million Americans living with rare diseases.