Actress Elizabeth Perkins and Sanofi US Announce Nationwide Casting Call for Diabetes Co-Stars Documentary

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Nov. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Golden Globe and Emmy nominated actress Elizabeth Perkins, who is living with type 1 diabetes, is partnering with Sanofi US on the Diabetes Co-Stars awareness campaign to produce a new documentary that will feature people living with diabetes and those who support them. Beginning today through December 16, 2012 people can submit their stories to the nationwide casting call at www.DiabetesCoStars.com.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/57457-sanofi-us-elizabeth-perkins-casting-call-diabetes-co-stars-documentary

"I am partnering with Sanofi US to share my story through Diabetes Co-Stars and I look forward to hearing from others about their unique experiences living with diabetes and learning about the encouragement they receive from their own co-stars," said Perkins, star of the upcoming ABC sitcom "How to Live with Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life)."

Perkins, who is one of nearly 26 million Americans living with diabetes, currently uses Lantus^® SoloSTAR^® (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection) as part of her overall diabetes treatment plan, which also includes exercise and a healthy diet. Another important aspect of Perkins' overall diabetes management is the support and encouragement from her husband, director and cinematographer Julio Macat.

"I always recommend to my patients that they reach out for support to help them manage their diabetes, as Elizabeth has done with her husband Julio," said Perkins' physician, Dr. David Kayne, M.D., of The Medical Group of Encino in Encino, Calif. "Elizabeth's story is the perfect example of how valuable a strong support system is in a person's overall diabetes treatment plan."

People living with diabetes are invited to nominate their co-star—the person in their life who has made the biggest impact on their personal diabetes journey. People can also nominate themselves if they support a family member or friend with diabetes. Submissions will be judged on their ability to inspire others through their story of support in diabetes management. To enter the casting call with a video or written entry, hear more about Perkins' story, and to view the official rules visit www.DiabetesCoStars.com. Two co-star teams of winners will be announced on January 31, 2013 along with more information about the documentary's premiere. Follow the Sanofi US Diabetes Facebook page and Twitter feed for additional updates.

Diabetes Co-Stars has helped millions of Americans understand the power of a strong support team for people living with diabetes since its launch in 2010. As part of this year's program, Sanofi US will sponsor the Diabetes Hands Foundation in support of their efforts to encourage an open dialogue around the realities of living with diabetes. The Diabetes Hands Foundation works to connect, engage, and empower people touched by diabetes.

Indications and Usage for Lantus (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection)

Prescription Lantus is a long-acting insulin used to treat adults with type 2 diabetes and adults and children (6 years and older) with type 1 diabetes for the control of high blood sugar.  It should be taken once a day at the same time each day to lower blood glucose.

Do not use Lantus to treat diabetic ketoacidosis.

Important Safety Information for Lantus (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection)  

Do not take Lantus if you are allergic to insulin or any of the inactive ingredients in Lantus.

You must test your blood sugar levels while using insulin, such as Lantus.  Do not make any changes to your dose or type of insulin without talking to your healthcare provider.  Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision.

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.  Lantus must only be used if the solution is clear and colorless with no particles visible.  Do not share needles, insulin pens or syringes with others.

The most common side effect of insulin, including Lantus, is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which may be serious. Some people may experience symptoms such as shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, and blurred vision.  Severe hypoglycemia may be serious and life threatening.  It may cause harm to your heart or brain.  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.  Before starting Lantus, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions including if you have liver or kidney problems, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed.

Lantus SoloSTAR is a disposable prefilled insulin pen. Please talk to your healthcare provider about proper injection technique and follow instructions in the Instruction Leaflet that accompanies the pen.

For Full Prescribing Information for Lantus^® please visit www.Lantus.com or call 1-800-633-1610.

About Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic, widespread condition in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, the hormone needed to transport glucose (sugar) from the blood into the cells of the body for energy. It is estimated that 366 million people worldwide and nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes, including an estimated 7 million Americans who remain undiagnosed. At the same time, approximately 40 percent of those diagnosed are not achieving the blood sugar control target of A1C <7 percent recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The A1C test measures average blood glucose levels over the past two-to three-month period.

About Sanofi Diabetes

Sanofi strives to help people manage the complex challenge of diabetes by delivering innovative, integrated and personalized solutions. Driven by valuable insights that come from listening to and engaging with people living with diabetes, the Company is forming partnerships to offer diagnostics, therapies, services, and devices including innovative blood glucose monitoring systems. Sanofi markets both injectable and oral medications for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Investigational compounds in the pipeline include an injectable GLP-1 agonist being studied as a single agent, in combination with basal insulin, and/or in combination with oral antidiabetic agents.

About Sanofi

Sanofi, a global and diversified 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, rare diseases, consumer healthcare, emerging markets and animal health. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).

Sanofi is the holding company of a consolidated group of subsidiaries and operates in the United States as Sanofi US. For more information on Sanofi US, please visit http://www.sanofi.us or call 1-800-981-2491.

Lindsey Schedler
Tel.: 908 981 6754
[email protected]

US.GLA.12.10.064

SOURCE Sanofi US