Sanofi is proud to announce its sponsorship of the British Transplant Games (BTG) 2024, working with the transplant community to increase awareness of the impact of transplant, and help improve quality of life following receiving a transplant.
The games, which are held in Nottingham, started on 1 August and will see over 1,000 transplant recipients and donors compete in over 25 sporting events. Organised by Transplant Sport, the sporting event is held to raise awareness of the need for organ, blood and stem cell donation, encourage transplant recipients to lead active lifestyles and show appreciation for donors and their families. Sanofi is supporting the Transplant Games and working together with the transplant community at this event, to raise awareness of graft versus host disease (GVHD), a life-changing condition which can impact hundreds of people each year.
In England, around 1,400 people undergo stem cell or bone marrow transplant every year and, around 30-40% will develop GVHD, a complication which can significantly impact outcomes for those following surgery. The systematic immune response to the transplant can cause a range of severe disabilities and results in the body’s immune system attacking itself, meaning a suppressed immune response which leaves people increasingly vulnerable to infection. GVHD is not fully understood and impacts people very differently, and in some cases, it can have profound impact on patient quality of life. Sanofi is sponsoring and attending the games to work with the community in raising awareness of this complex and potentially life-threatening condition to work towards better support for people following transplant.
For people living with GVHD, the condition can be disabling with many highlighting a significant quality of life impact. GVHD is associated with substantial financial strains, relationship difficulties and emotional distress for people experiencing the condition, and their support networks. In 2023, Sanofi conducted research to define the impact of chronic GVHD and found that 76% of patients reported their condition has impacted their ability to enjoy life and 82% of patients reported that the condition significantly impacted their physical activity.
These figures highlight the importance of events like this. Not only are the games the UK’s biggest celebration of transplants, but the event also provides an opportunity to highlight the crucial need for organ donation, particularly stem cell donation. Many adults and children will be competing in the games this weekend who have benefitted from being able to receive a stem cell transplant – so it is important to raise awareness of this impactful condition of which many may have experienced following transplant as well. Sanofi said it is dedicated to continuing to collaborate with the community to share experiences and raise awareness of life following transplant, striving to improve outcomes for those affected by GVHD, now and in the future.
Ahmed Moussa, general manager, general medicines, Sanofi UK and Ireland, said: “Sanofi is proud to contribute to the success of the BTG 2024. It is a great opportunity to not only raise awareness of the need for organ donation, but the impact transplant can have on people’s lives – particularly raising awareness of GVHD, a condition which many people experience following stem cell transplant. As a proud sponsor and a partner of the games, we’re involved in the opening sporting event of the games, Archery, where 150 athletes will be competing for their place at the WTG. We are so excited to be in attendance.”
Dr Paul Harden, chairman, Transplant Sport, said: “We are thrilled to have Sanofi as a sponsor for this year’s BTG. The support is invaluable in helping us create a platform that not only showcases the incredible abilities of our participants but also raises crucial awareness for organ donation. We can’t wait for the games and to watch all the fantastic sport.”