Genzyme Launches Its In Step Program for St. Louis-Area Arthritis Sufferers
According to the Eastern Missouri chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, St. Louis ranks ahead of the national average for diagnosed and undiagnosed arthritis sufferers, and the condition is the leading cause of disability in the state. To help those suffering from chronic knee pain better identify and treat their condition, Genzyme is launching the "In Step" program in greater St. Louis. The program will contain elements of patient education and support, including treatment options to help early-to-mid stage osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee sufferers to find relief options, as well as speaking and sponsorship programs.
In St. Louis, 34 percent of adults report being told by a doctor that they have arthritis (or chronic joint symptoms suggestive of undiagnosed arthritis). More importantly, two thirds of metropolitan St. Louis adult arthritis sufferers are not being treated by a doctor for their pain. Nationwide, 10 million Americans suffer from OA of the knee alone. Genzyme offers an FDA-approved, non-pill treatment option for relief from OA of the knees. Synvisc(R) is a viscosupplementation treatment that restores the properties of shock absorption and lubrication, which reduces or stops the pain and improves mobility.
"Osteoarthritis can be very disabling. In fact, it is the number one condition that limits adult mobility in this country. When combined with appropriate care such as diet, exercise and oral medications, viscosupplementation can significantly increase pain relief for OA of the knee sufferers," said Dr. Gregory Galakatos, an orthopedic surgeon who treats osteoarthritis patients in St. Louis. "OA of the knee often goes undiagnosed, as early-stage sufferers do not often seek medical help. Patients considering viscosupplementation or other treatment options should to speak with their doctors to discuss the best course of treatment."
Synvisc (Hylan G-F 20) is a viscosupplementation treatment that has been proven to provide pain relief from osteoarthritis of the knee for up to six months by restoring and increasing the cushioning and lubrication of joint fluid. Synvisc is not a drug. It is made from a substance that is found in normal joint fluid, called hyaluronan, and is injected directly into the knee joint by a specialist. Hyaluronan acts as a "shock absorber" and lubricant in the knee joint and is needed for the joint to work properly.
Synvisc is indicated for the treatment of pain in osteoarthritis of the knee in patients who have failed to respond adequately to conservative therapy, and simple analgesics such as acetaminophen. Synvisc is administered through a series of three injections, and offers up to six months of relief. The success of viscosupplementation may depend on how well the fluid restores the elasticity and lubrication of the synovial fluid. Individual results may vary.
"Synvisc is a safe alternative to oral medications, both over-the-counter and the controversial prescription drugs known as COX-2s," said Dan Deardorf, senior director of Genzyme’s Biosurgery division. "Synvisc is the only viscosupplementation treatment on the market that provides up to six months of pain relief with just three treatments. Essentially, it restores the knee’s elastic and lubrication properties by injecting the equivalent of healthy joint fluid from 18- to 27-year-old adults."
For more information visit www.us.Synvisc.com/stlouis or call 888-231-7570.
Facts about Osteoarthritis
According to the Arthritis Foundation, 66 million (nearly one in three adults) suffer from chronic joint pain and 21 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis, which is characterized by a breakdown of the cartilage and a deterioration of the fluid in a joint. The symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, from moderate to severe, and stiffness. Most of the people who have osteoarthritis are older than age 45, and women are more commonly affected than men.
About Genzyme
One of the world’s leading biotechnology companies, Genzyme is dedicated to making a major positive impact on the lives of people with serious diseases. Founded in 1981, Genzyme has grown from a small start-up to a diversified enterprise with 2005 revenues expected to exceed $2.6 billion and more than 7,600 employees in locations spanning the globe. With many established products and services helping patients in more than 80 countries, Genzyme is a leader in the effort to develop and apply the most advanced technologies in the life sciences. The company’s products and services are focused on rare inherited disorders, kidney disease, orthopedics, cancer, transplant and immune diseases, and diagnostic testing. Genzyme’s commitment to innovation continues today with a substantial development program focused on these fields, as well as heart disease and other areas of unmet medical need.