Bridgewater, NJ -- April 2, 2008 – Sanofi-aventis announced today its rapid-acting insulin Apidra® (insulin glulisine [rDNA origin] injection) will now become the primary sponsor of Team Type 1, a team of amateur and professional cyclists living with type 1 diabetes.
“Team Type 1 began as two friends challenging one another to take control of our diabetes and to become the best cyclists we possibly could. Today, we’ve grown into a diverse team of athletes from around the world, who have proven that not even diabetes can prevent us from accomplishing our dreams,” said Phil Southerland, co-founder and president of Team Type 1. “We appreciate the ongoing support of sanofi-aventis in helping us bring this vision to other people with diabetes and move us even closer to our ultimate goal – competing in the Tour de France.”
In 2007, the team of ten cyclists, all with type 1 diabetes, won the 3,052 mile-long, cross-country Race Across America (RAAM) in a record 5 days, 15 hours and 43 minutes. With this increased level of support from sanofi-aventis, Team Type 1 will expand its roster in 2008 and field two teams: an amateur development level team for the 2008 RAAM comprised of 11 riders, all of whom have type 1 diabetes, and a professional level racing team featuring a mixed roster of 15 cyclists four of whom have diabetes. All members of Team Type 1 with diabetes use Apidra® in an insulin infusion pump to help control their high blood sugar.
“I began using Apidra® because my doctor recommended it as a fast and effective way to keep my blood sugars under control,” continued Southerland. “Since starting Apidra®, I have noticed how quickly it helps get my blood sugar down which is important not only to me, but to my whole team.”
Team Type 1 cyclists will participate in educational speaking engagements across the country to spread awareness of diabetes and encourage others with the disease to take an active role in their health management.
“Team Type 1 has an inspiring message of hope and achievement to share with the diabetes community, because they show that despite diabetes, they are able to follow their dreams through hard work and careful healthcare management,” said Shashank Deshpande, Director, Diabetes Marketing, Apidra®. “We at sanofi-aventis are proud to play a part in helping Team Type 1 reach an even greater audience than before and continue to inspire people with diabetes through their dedication and accomplishments.”
To reduce the risk of potential complications of diabetes and to overcome the challenges of managing their condition, Team Type 1 encourages others with the disease to maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, manage their blood sugar, take their insulin and work with their healthcare team.
“With the help of my family and my physician, I learned early on that I needed to be very disciplined in managing my blood sugar if I wanted to be as healthy as possible and continue to play sports, which has always been one of my passions,” said Joe Eldridge, co-founder of Team Type 1. “As both a member of this team and a person with type 1 diabetes, I want to encourage others with diabetes to learn as much as they can about their condition, how to manage it and how to find the right treatment.”
Please visit www.Apidra.com for more information about Apidra®.
About Apidra®
Apidra® works fast and offers flexible insulin dosing to help manage mealtime blood sugar levels. Along with exercise, a basal insulin, and a proper meal plan, Apidra® is proven to help reduce A1C levels in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Apidra® can be administered using an insulin pump, vial and syringe, the OptiClik® reusable insulin pen or intravenously under proper medical supervision in a clinical setting.
Apidra® is from the maker of Lantus® (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection), the number one prescribed insulin.*
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR APIDRA®
Apidra® is for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes for the control of high blood sugar. Apidra® should normally be used with a longer-acting insulin. Do not use Apidra® during a low blood sugar reaction (hypoglycemia) or if you are allergic to insulin glulisine. Apidra® may also be infused subcutaneously by external insulin infusion pumps.
Apidra® differs from regular human insulin by its rapid onset and shorter duration of action. When used as a mealtime insulin, Apidra® should be given within 15 minutes before or within 20 minutes after starting a meal. Due to the short duration of action of Apidra®, patients also require a longer-acting insulin or insulin infusion pump therapy. Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision. Tell your doctor about all other medicines and supplements you are taking. Glucose monitoring is recommended for all patients with diabetes.
Possible side effects may include low blood sugar; injection site reactions, such as changes in fat tissue at the injection site; and allergic reactions, such as itching and rash. Less common, but potentially more serious or life-threatening, is generalized allergy to insulin, including anaphylactic reactions.
When used in a pump, do not mix Apidra® with any other insulin or liquid. If the pump or infusion set does not work right, you may not receive the right amount of insulin. Hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, or ketosis can happen. Problems should be identified and corrected as quickly as possible.
Exercise or activity level may change the way your body uses insulin. Check with your healthcare provider before you start an exercise program because your dose may need to be changed.
For full prescribing information, please visit www.Apidra.com.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR LANTUS®
Prescription Lantus® is for adults with type 2 diabetes or adults and children (6 years and older) with type 1 diabetes who require long-acting insulin for the control of high blood sugar.
DO NOT DILUTE OR MIX LANTUS® WITH ANY OTHER INSULIN OR SOLUTION. It will not work as intended, and you may lose blood sugar control, which could be serious. Do not change your insulin without talking with your doctor. The syringe must not contain any other medication or residue. You should not use Lantus® if you are allergic to insulin. Lantus® is a long-acting insulin you inject just once a day, at the same time each day. You must test your blood sugar levels while using an insulin such as Lantus®.
The most common side effect of insulin, including Lantus®, is hypoglycemia, which may be serious. Other possible side effects may include injection site reactions, including changes in fat tissue at the injection site, and allergic reactions, including itching and rash. In rare cases, some allergic reactions may be life threatening. Tell your doctor about other medicines and supplements you are taking because they can change the way insulin works.
For full prescribing information, please visit www.Lantus.com.
About sanofi-aventis
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 : SAN) and in New York (NYSE : SNY).
U.S. Contacts:
Carrie Melia
Carrie.melia@sanofi-aventis.com
908-981-6486
* Based on TRx data from IMS Health, National Prescription Audit™ (Next Generation Prescription Methodology). Time period from May 2003 to December 2007.