Surin on Knee Pain and Synvisc-One^®, A Therapy for Osteoarthritis of the Knee

LAVAL, QC, June 5, 2013 /CNW/ - Sanofi Canada and Olympic sprinter Bruny Surin are teaming up to spotlight the impact of knee pain with a unique public awareness event; featuring a high tech simulator that mimics the pain and loss of mobility associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Experts estimate that three million Canadians suffer from osteoarthritisⁱ.  Often people who suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee cope by taking over-the-counter or prescription pain pills - and avoid activities and hobbies they love.

"By the time we hit 35 or 40 years old, most of us will have some wear and tear in our knees, which can develop into osteoarthritis of the knee, a painful condition. Good knee health and preventative joint maintenance is an essential, often overlooked ingredient in a healthy, active life," explains Dr. Pierre Ranger, Orthopedic Surgeon (knee specialist), Associate Professor at the University of Montreal and Medical Director at Centre de Médecine Sportive de Laval, who has been treating Surin for more than 20 years.

While there's been much buzz about supplementation and steroids, Dr. Ranger says that not enough attention has been paid to visco-supplementation, such as Synvisc-One^®, which is a non-invasive injectable for the knee that lubricates and cushions joints to relieve pain and improve mobility and range of motion.

Test Drive:  High Tech Simulator Mimics Pain of Osteoarthritic Knee

That's why Sanofi Canada and famed Olympic sprinter Bruny Surin are debuting the Sanofi Synvisc-One^® Simulator, a high tech, electronic device that simulates the pain and loss of mobility that people who live with osteoarthritis of the knee face every day. The simulator was created by Canadian bio-tech firm Bionik Labs and media and Montrealers can take it for a test drive on June 6, 2013 at Place Ville Marie from 11am to 2pm.

Surin was diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the left knee 18 months ago - and combats the pain with a combination of a healthy diet, low-impact exercise and twice annual Synvisc-One^® injections to cushion and lubricate the knee joint providing pain relief over 6 months.

Bruny Surin is available for interviews:

• Sanofi Synvisc-One^® Simulator Demos and Photo Ops
• His personal story of dealing with severe knee pain
• His preventative treatment plan
• Exercise demos on how to keep your knees healthy and flexible

Dr. Ranger is available for interviews and knee health consultations to discuss:

• Signs your knees may not be healthy
• Non-invasive, natural knee treatment used by Bruny Surin
• Reducing reliance on pain relievers

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). Sanofi companies 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 2011, Sanofi companies invested $151.7 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 kneeⁱⁱ.  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 injectionⁱⁱ.  Synvisc-One^® is only intended for intra-articular use by a physician to treat pain associated with osteoarthritis of the kneeⁱⁱ.  Visit www.synviscone.ca to learn more, take an online knee pain assessment test and find a sports medicine clinic near you.

Synvisc^®/Synvisc-One^® (hylan G-F 20) is for intra-articular injection to treat pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. Synvisc^®/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^®/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^®/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^®/Synvisc-One^® should not be injected into the knee. Synvisc^®/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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ⁱ The Arthritis Society. Osteoarthritis - Know Your Options. 11. Brochure accessed online at www.arthritis.ca [03/12/2013].
ⁱⁱ SYNVISC®/Synvisc-One® Product Monographs, Genzyme Canada Inc., July 18, 2008/March 2, 2009.

SOURCE: SANOFI CANADA