IOF Recognizes Sanofi-Aventis For Good "Bone Health" Corporate Citizenship

Main Category: Bones / Orthopaedics
Article Date: 25 Feb 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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The International Osteoporosis Foundation recognized sanofi-aventis, for outstanding corporate leadership through its efforts to promote good bone health to its staff.

"We are delighted to present sanofi-aventis with this certificate to recognize its adoption of the IOF Corporate Responsibility Program for Bone Health," noted IOF Chief Executive Officer Daniel Navid. "We applaud sanofi-aventis for its commitment to fight osteoporosis, to increase awareness about the condition, and to show what individuals can do to reduce the risk of fractures."

"As a major socially responsible player in the healthcare sector, we at sanofi-aventis uphold our commitment to our employees to keep them aware and informed of the importance of better bone health", said Michel Labie, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Communications, sanofi-aventis. "Our internal communication programme in 2007 and 2008 encourages employees to embrace the importance of bone health in everyday life and to share their knowledge with friends and family."

The award was presented to sanofi-aventis, today by Daniel Navid, IOF CEO.

The IOF Corporate Responsibility Program for Bone Health suggests voluntary actions that a company can take, such as running bone-health education programs, providing bone-friendly food in the staff canteen, making exercise facilities available, and paying for osteoporosis diagnosis and treatments. Full details are available at IOF Corporate Responsibility Program.

Osteoporosis is one of the most serious chronic, non-communicable diseases, affecting one out of three women worldwide (more than breast cancer), and one out of five men (more than prostate cancer).

Osteoporosis, in which the bones become porous and break easily, is one of the world's most common and debilitating diseases. The result: pain, loss of movement, inability to perform daily chores, and in many cases, death. One out of three women over 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures, as will one out of five men1, 2, 3. Unfortunately, screening for people at risk is far from being a standard practice. Osteoporosis can, to a certain extent, be prevented, it can be easily diagnosed and effective treatments are available.

The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) is the only worldwide organization dedicated to the fight against osteoporosis. It brings together scientists, physicians, patient societies and corporate partners. Working with its 184 member societies in 89 locations, and other healthcare-related organizations around the world, IOF encourages awareness and prevention, early detection and improved treatment of osteoporosis.

Sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to improve the lives of everyone. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT PARIS: SAN) and in New York (NYSE : SNY).

References

1. Melton U, Chrischilles EA, Cooper C et al. How many women have osteoporosis? Journal of Bone Mineral Research, 1992; 7:1005-10
2. Kanis JA et al. Long-term risk of osteoporotic fracture in Malmo. Osteoporosis International, 2000; 11:669-674
3. Melton LJ, et al. Bone density and fracture risk in men. JBMR. 1998; 13:No 12:1915

International Osteoporosis Foundation