29 November 2015
Celebrating the UAE Innovation Week, the UAE MOH andGlobalpharma -- A Sanofi Company announced the launch of the innovative advanced medicine pack as a result of the consolidated effort between the government and the private sector

Only pack in the world with four features together: braille calligraphy for the visually impaired, medicine intake chart, QR code, and data matrix technology for anti-counterfeit

Phase I implementation of the advance pack is underway for medication on non-communicable diseases including hypertension, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and asthma

Ten medicines with the newpackaging have been approved by the UAE Ministry of Health

Information available in twolanguages - Arabic and English to serve the needs of 8.2 million people in the UAE[i]

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Abdul Rahman Bin Mohammed Al Owais, UAE Minister of Health, the UAE Ministry of Health (MOH) and Globalpharma - A Sanofi Company jointly launched a first of its kind 'innovative advanced medicine pack' today. With the aim of fulfilling unmet patient needs, the new medicine pack is designed to improve treatment outcomes by making disease information easily accessible, empowering visually impaired people and preventing drug counterfeit.

His Excellency Dr. Amin Hussein Al-Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Policy and Licensing, UAE Ministry of Health;His Excellency ProfessorDr. Tawfiq bin Ahmed Khoja, Director General of the Executive Board, Health Ministers Council, GCC; His Excellency Khalid Bin Kalban, Managing Director and CEO, Dubai Investments; His Excellency Dr. Al Sayed  Omar, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health Kuwait for Medicines and Medical Equipments;andMr. Patrick Aghanian, Head of Middle East Zone for Sanofi UAE unveiled the newpack as part of the UAE Innovation Week celebration.

Innovative Healthcare Solutions

"We aim to enhance the health of people in the UAE through comprehensive health programs and meaningful partnerships. Through this important collaboration with Sanofi, our country now becomes one of the first in the world to implement this truly innovative 'advanced medicine pack," said His Excellency Dr. Amin Hussein Al-Amiri. "We hope to apply this new packaging design for all other medicines for the benefit of all residents in the UAE."

Improving Treatment Adherence

The pack has been designed to facilitate improved patient adherence to treatment regime. The 'intake chart' on the new pack will aid patients with a clear visualization of the intake schedule and link with food and daily routine.

"Managing and treating illnesses is a complex and often challenging process.  At Sanofi, we work to make patients' lives better. We demonstrate this in various ways - through product innovation and delivery systems, amongst others. The new innovative advanced medicine pack is part of our continuous efforts to improve treatment outcomes and patient experience," said Patrick Aghanian. "Collaboration and partnerships that are founded on common goals and shared priorities help us deliver on these commitments. We have worked with the UAE Ministry of Health to introduce this novel pack that aims to empower patients and bring about a meaningful difference in their lives," he said.

Empowering Visually Impaired Patients

The new pack will allow the visually impaired to recognize their medicines, avoid medication errors through braille calligraphy available both Arabic and Latin, and become more independent while managing their condition.

"The advanced medicine pack will empower us to manage our treatment regime with limited dependency on others. I am very glad that the concept is now locally available and positive that it would go a long way in meeting the unique healthcare needs of people like me," expressed Mr. Naser Mohamed Nourani, a visually impaired person.

Technological Innovation and Anti-Counterfeit Measures

Moreover, it will also allow patients to scan the QR code on the box using a smartphone and instantly access educational materials in English and Arabic. It will also carry a 2D data matrix technology, providing full traceability of the medicines for patients' safety. This technology automatic detects counterfeit and expired goods.

-Ends-

About Sanofi
Sanofi, a global 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).

About Globalpharma - A Sanofi Company
Following the completion of the acquisition of a significant stake, announced in 2014, Globalpharma is now integrated as a Sanofi company, becoming the platform to manufacture and promote a part of the generics portfolio of Sanofi in Middle East. Through a transfer of technology, Sanofi aims to strengthen the local industry and implement first-in-class technology procedures to establish and grow generic presence in the Middle East.

For more information please contact:
Jorhie Alban
Communications Director, Gulf Countries
Mobile: +971 55 6258292
Tel: +971 4 550 3612
Email: jorhie.alban@sanofi.com
Suvina
Rai/ Reem Abi Ali
Memac Ogilvy PR
Suvina.rai@ogilvy.com /Reem.abiali@ogilvy.com
Tel: +971 (0)4 305 0335/ +971 (0)4 305 0310           

[i]Unite Arab Emirates National Bureau of Statistics - www.uaestatistics.gov.ae/ReportPDF/Population%20Estimates%202006%20-%202010.pdf

© Press Release 2015