Sanofi, Breakthrough T1D UK, and Beano have partnered to create a bespoke comic strip to raise awareness of autoimmune Type 1 Diabetes for World Diabetes Day
The strip features a new character, Rhymin' Reema, who joins the Bash Street kids for the bespoke story
The strip will be made publicly available and supported by a character advertorial in the Beano comic

READING, England, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Sanofi and Breakthrough T1D UK announce a special collaboration with Beano, to mark World Diabetes Day, 14^th November 2024, and Diabetes Month (UK). This special collaboration introduces a new Beano character, Rhymin' Reema, created especially for a bespoke comic strip which raises awareness of childhood autoimmune type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Beano, the world's longest-running weekly comic, and home to much-loved characters as Dennis, Minnie, and Gnasher, has created a new character for the campaign, who meets the Bash Street kids. Rhymin' Reema, who loves to write and perform poetry, lives with autoimmune T1D and has to monitor her blood glucose levels closely to prevent dangerous highs (hyperglycaemia) or lows (hypoglycaemia), which could leave her feeling unwell and interrupting her flow. The character advertorial is available in issue #4262 of the comic, out 13.11.2024.

T1D is an autoimmune, complex, and lifelong condition - and it can happen to anyone at any age even without family history.^[1] It can be a challenging disease with lifelong clinical, economic, and emotional unmet needs for patients and families. In the UK, there is a growing prevalence where approximately 400,000 people are living with the disease, including about 36,000 people 19 years of age and younger.^[2],[3] It is known that T1D is not caused by diet or lifestyle, however, currently the causes of T1D are still not completely understood. Researchers are exploring the genes and environmental triggers to understand if they play a part in causing the body's immune system to malfunction and start attacking the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. In the UK T1D is managed through insulin therapy and glucose monitoring.^[4]

Ahmed Moussa
General Manager, General Medicines UK and Ireland, Sanofi
"At Sanofi we are driven by our deep relationships across the diabetes community, which is why coming together with Breakthrough T1D, and Beano has meant so much to us. Rhymin' Reema is really a love letter to the community, we see you. I, myself, have such a fond affinity with the Beano characters, I grew up reading Beano. I am sure young and old will all connect with this character."

Hilary Nathan
Policy & Communications Director, Breakthrough T1D UK
"This partnership is a significant step forward in bringing greater attention to T1D. We're thrilled to partner with Beano and Sanofi to bring Rhymin' Reema to life. Shining a light on a condition that requires constant daily management is crucial, and what better way to do that than through the powerful storytelling."

Mike Stirling
Creative Director, Beano
"Living with Type 1 Diabetes myself, I know firsthand how important it is to raise awareness in a way that's fun and relatable for kids. Beano's unique humour makes it easy to share this important message in a way that kids can really connect with and understand. Rhymin' Reema is such a fun character, and we wanted to show that even with T1D, kids can be full of energy, creativity, and a little mischief, just like all the Beano characters!"

World Diabetes Day, observed annually on November 14th, stands as a beacon of awareness for a global health challenge. This day transcends borders to shine a light on both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, emphasizing the importance of understanding their causes, symptoms, and treatments. More than just education, World Diabetes Day seeks to influence policy changes that improve diabetes care worldwide and offer vital support to those living with the condition. This day serves as a powerful reminder that everyone can play a part in addressing this global health issue.

About Sanofi:
We are an innovative global healthcare company, driven by one purpose: we chase the miracles of science to improve people's lives. Our team, across some 100 countries, is dedicated to transforming the practice of medicine by working to turn the impossible into the possible. We provide potentially life-changing treatment options and potentially life-saving vaccine protection to millions of people globally, while putting sustainability and social responsibility at the centre of our ambitions.
Sanofi is listed on EURONEXT: SAN and NASDAQ: SNY

About Beano:
Beano was first published in July 1938 and is still created every week in its original Dundee headquarters and printed in the UK. Beano recently reported an ABC of 46,295 and is in its fifth consecutive year of audience growth. The brand reaches over 5m fans a month across its digital and social channels. Beano Studios is a rebellious multi-media publishing, entertainment and creative business powered by data and insight. The Studio produces diverse content across TV and the award-winning Beano.com - as well as theatrical, live experiences, licensed products, the Beano Shop, and the legendary Beano comic and annual.

References:

^[1] Diabetes UK. What causes Type 1 Diabetes? Available at: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/types-of-diabetes/type-1/causes. [Accessed: October 2024]
^[2] Sze M Ng and Astha Soni. (2023, August 25). Ten-year review of trends in children with type 1 diabetes in England and Wales. World Journal of Diabetes, 14(8), 1194-1201.
^[3] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. "Type 1 Diabetes in Children and Young People: Incidence and Prevalence." Clinical Knowledge Summaries, https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/diabetes-type-1/background-information/incidence-prevalence/. [Accessed: October 2024]
^[4] Mathew TK, Zubair M, Tadi P. Blood Glucose Monitoring. [Updated 2023 Apr 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan.

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