Sanofi launches new report to address the growing burden of COPD in the UK

• Sanofi has published a new report, Breathe Equal: Policy Recommendations to Reduce the Burden of COPD, calling for solutions to tackle the urgent challenge of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), affecting 2% of the UK population, with many undiagnosed.1 • The report is today being launched in Parliament, alongside Asthma + Lung UK, with a call for the Government to develop a National Respiratory Health Action Plan to improve outcomes for patients and reduce pressure on the NHS. • Findings from a Sanofi-organised and funded COPD Roadshow informed the report, identifying key policy changes to drive better diagnosis, disease management, and access to specialist care. Reading, UK. 26 November 2024. Sanofi is proud to announce the launch of Breathe Equal, a campaign aimed at addressing the urgent and escalating challenge of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the UK. Today, healthcare professionals, parliamentarians and policymakers will be meeting in Parliament to launch a central part of the campaign, the Breathe Equal: Policy recommendations to reduce the burden of COPD report. The event is hosted alongside Asthma +Lung UK, the nation’s lung health charity. The new report draws on insights gathered from expert clinicians during a Sanofi funded and organised COPD Roadshow, in Manchester, Hull, Southampton, and London. Over 100 clinicians attended these meetings to share their experiences and recommendations for improving care. They identified policy changes that could improve outcomes for COPD patients and help to reduce burden on the stretched NHS. COPD is a serious and progressive lung condition. 1.4 million people in the UK have a confirmed diagnosis, however it is thought as many as 2 million people could be living with the disease undiagnosed.2,3 Due to COPD’s high prevalence, with 2% of the UK’s population diagnosed with condition, it places a huge burden on both society and the NHS. And with the prevalence expected only to rise, these impacts are only set to worsen unless a coordinated, targeted approach to improve COPD outcomes is taken by the Government, NHS and industry.4 With the Government’s focus on rebuilding the NHS and fostering a healthier, more productive population, the Breathe Equal campaign aligns with national priorities. Together, Sanofi and Asthma + Lung UK are urging policymakers to MAT-XU-2404517 (v1.0) November 2024 prioritise COPD within a comprehensive Respiratory Health Action Plan to facilitate a coordinated and focused approach to improving respiratory health. Dr John Forni, Country Medical Director, Head of Medical UKIE Speciality Care, has said: “We are proud to launch this landmark report, which presents practical and meaningful solutions to overcome the barriers preventing better outcomes for COPD patients. Through our partnership with Asthma + Lung UK, we are dedicated to transforming the way COPD is diagnosed, managed, and treated, ensuring that everyone living with this condition receives the care and support they need to live healthier, fuller lives.” For more information about Breathe Equal and to access the full report, visit: https://pro.campus.sanofi/dam/jcr:db80bc51-61b8-4c48-b7c3-99697d356c65/Breathe EqualPolicy recommendations to reduce the burden of COPD.pdf