Zero Emission Day is a global initiative that raises awareness about the impact of human activities on climate change and promotes sustainable practices. 

At Ipsen, we are taking decisive action to do our part and achieve net zero emissions. Our Generation Ipsen strategy showcases our ongoing efforts and dedication to a sustainable future, reaffirmed through our last position papers. 

Our collective actions: 

• As part of the “Business Ambition for 1.5°C” initiative, we aim to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, contributing to a net-zero future by addressing all direct and indirect emissions (Scopes 1, 2, and 3). 

• We have accelerated efforts to mitigate climate change, with over 95% of our global electricity now sourced from renewable energy. In addition, we are enhancing energy efficiency, optimizing our electric vehicles fleet energy mix, and investing in innovative heat recovery technologies. In 2023, we achieved a 36% reduction in our Scope 1 & 2 emissions compared to 2019, surpassing our initial goal of a 17% reduction.  

In 2024, we hosted a session “Say on climate” during our general shareholders meeting to raise awareness about climate actions among our shareholders.  

Recent climate data underscores the urgency of such commitments. The new heat record set on July 22, 2024 emphasis the importance of responsible business practices and the immediate need for action. 

Through our Generation Ipsen strategy, we remain dedicated to continuous improvement in sustainability by actively participating in global initiatives and setting ambitious targets. Together, we can achieve a healthier and more sustainable world for future generations.  

Sandra Silvestri, Executive Vice President & Chief Medical Officer at Ipsen, reflects on the theme for this year’s PBC Awareness Day, what living with PBC really means, and the power of collaborating with patient organizations to help drive progress in PBC care.

September is a month dedicated to raising awareness about Primary Biliary Cholangitis, I find myself reflecting on the challenges faced by those living with rare cholestatic disease. PBC Awareness Day on September 8^th is not just a date on the calendar; it’s a reminder that understanding and supporting individuals living with PBC can help them navigate life with this challenging condition.  

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of listening to the experiences of people living with PBC, and each story is a testament to their incredible resilience and strength. The daily challenges they face are often unimaginable, such as the overwhelming fatigue and the itching that disrupts sleep and impacts their quality of life. Yet, despite these hardships, the PBC community continues to educate and advocate for better understanding and treatment of their condition. Their courage inspires us at Ipsen and reinforces the importance of the work we do. 

 
The Importance of PBC Awareness 

On this PBC Awareness Day, it’s more important than ever to bring attention to rare liver disease. Robert Mitchell-Thain, CEO of the PBC Foundation, describes PBC Awareness Day as “an opportunity for the entire community to talk about PBC, to share stories, to raise awareness, and to make sure that the wider public has an idea of what it is.” This year’s theme is centred around Providing Better Care. We are honoured to support the PBC Foundation in their mission, recognizing PBC Awareness Month throughout September.  

PBC is a rare, progressive, autoimmune cholestatic liver disease that predominantly affects women aged 40-60 years of age.¹ The condition is characterized by chronic inflammation of the bile ducts in the liver, which can eventually lead to severe scarring, known as cirrhosis, and, in severe cases, liver failure. One of the main symptoms of PBC is extreme, ongoing fatigue affecting 95% of patients. Another is debilitating itching, affecting 70% of patients, which can impact sleep and exacerbate fatigue further. ^2,3 Despite how common these symptoms are, PBC still often remains misunderstood. For example, it’s sometimes incorrectly associated with alcohol-related liver disease. This confusion can lead to judgement and isolation, making it even more challenging for those living with PBC to navigate their daily lives.  

That’s why it is vital that those living with PBC feel empowered to educate others about their condition, helping to stamp out misconceptions and build a more supportive community around them. Awareness is not just about understanding the disease, it’s also about the wider community expressing empathy, breaking down stigmas, and creating an environment where those affected feel supported and understood.  

The Power of Patient Organizations and Collaborative Efforts 

For those living with PBC, every day presents challenges, and we must use the month of September to not only raise awareness but also educate others about what living with PBC truly means. Patient organizations play a fundamental role in this mission, offering more than just information – they provide a lifeline, a sense of community, and a bridge between patients and healthcare providers.  

Robert Mitchell-Thain shared his story on how he got involved with PBC after his mother was diagnosed with the condition 30 years ago. At this time, she was given five years to live, yet thirty years later, she’s still alive and well: “I got involved because I saw her story and I wanted to really try and fight as best I could to make sure that as many patients as possible with PBC have access to the information and the support when, how, and where they need it”. The PBC Foundation has made a significant impact on the PBC community by offering resources, raising awareness, and advocating for better care and treatment options. 

Collaboration is key to driving progress in PBC care. At Ipsen, we believe in the power of working together with patient organizations, clinicians, researchers, and industry partners. This collaborative approach allows us to gather data, share knowledge, and develop treatments that truly address the needs of patients. We work closely with the PBC Foundation and other partners to ensure that our efforts are aligned with the needs of the PBC community. As Robert Mitchell-Thain states, “We work really hard with patients, clinicians, academics, and industry partners to bring together all the knowledge that is out there about PBC.” This kind of partnership is what drives meaningful change. By pooling our resources and expertise, we can ensure that our efforts are focused on improving the lives of those living with PBC. 

Our commitment to improving the lives of people living with PBC  

As we reflect on the significance of PBC Awareness Day and Month, it is clear that collaboration and support are key to making a difference in the lives of those living with PBC. We must continue to raise awareness, support patient organizations, and drive innovation in PBC care. At Ipsen, we are immensely grateful to the PBC community for continuing to share their stories with us and we will continue to listen to what they have to say – not just throughout PBC Awareness Month, but every single day. 

Together, I believe we can create a brighter future for everyone living with PBC. The journey ahead may be challenging, but with the support of the PBC community, patient organizations, and committed partners, I am confident that we can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by this disease. 

Sandra Silvestri, MD, PhD 

Executive Vice President & Chief Medical Officer, Head of Global Medical Affairs, Global Patient Safety and Global Patient Affairs, ExComm member @ Ipsen, Board Member @ Genfit

For more information about this year’s PBC Awareness Day theme, Provide Better Care, visit www.ipsen.com/rare-diseases/provide-better-care-pbc-awareness-day-2024/ and www.pbcfoundation.org.uk/what-is-pbc/  

At Ipsen, our commitment to supporting para-athletes is a direct reflection of our core values. We believe in removing barriers and fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated, and every individual is supported to drive innovation. Our company culture encourages all employees to reach their full potential, much like para-athletes who push beyond their limits to excel.  

The resilience shown by para-athletes in overcoming their barriers mirrors our approach. We understand that breaking through execution barriers is key to innovation and success. 

The spirit of overcoming challenges and our commitment to excellence are united in our Generation Ipsen sustainability strategy to create a resilient, diverse community. Together, we strive to innovate and leave a lasting, positive impact on the world. 

Discover the inspiring testimonies of Mathieu Thomas and Gaëlle Edon  

It was only at 46 years old that Stephen was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer. Lovingly married to his wife and father to two sons freshly out of high school, in the prime of life with decades ahead of him, Stephen was shocked and confused by his diagnosis. His doctor told him he had 10 to 15 years left. He began asking himself would he get to grow old with his life partner, and would he get to see who his sons would become.

When Stephen was diagnosed, he had never heard of neuroendocrine cancer, and this is not surprising. Neuroendocrine cancer is rare, with 35 in every 100,000 people currently living with the disease globally.¹ Diagnosing neuroendocrine cancer can be difficult, often taking years to be correctly diagnosed, giving the tumor time to spread.¹ Stephen himself first started experiencing symptoms in 2011, but at the time nothing seemed amiss for his doctors; in the end, he was diagnosed 9 years later.

The delay in Stephen’s diagnosis is not unusual and this is why the neuroendocrine cancer community has chosen the zebra as an analogy for the community to relate to. Inspired by the saying “if you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras”, alluding to the recommendation to consider the most obvious and common diagnosis, rather than a rarer disease. Just like zebras’ stripes, no tumors or neuroendocrine cancer patients are the same.  

But Stephen is not alone in his journey. He can count on his family. Stephen jokes that his wife is more concerned about him than he is about himself. She has been his support, his listening ear, offering positivity and advice. Stephen also relies on the unwavering support of his sons, Logan and Gavin, both in their twenties. He describes Gavin as a sensitive boy, who immediately notices when his father is acting differently and having an off day.

Beyond his family, he can also count on the Canadian Neuroendocrine Society, in which he has found a community. There, Stephen has been able to ask questions, find answers on his diagnosis and treatment journey, get resources, and above all, listen to the stories of people who are living with neuroendocrine cancer. Through his blog and his latest role as a support group leader in his local area, he hopes to bring awareness and help people who have been newly diagnosed, helping them like others did for him.

Now, Stephen is looking forward. He has made plans to live part-time in a van with his wife, travelling and exploring as much as possible. Plus, he describes his happiest times on the water canoeing where he finds peace and heals the most. Surrounded by those he loves and cherishes, Stephen has decided not to stay burdened by his diagnosis, making the most out of life instead. In his own words, he is not dying of cancer, he is living with it.

About Neuroendocrine tumors NETs

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a group of uncommon tumors that develop in the cells of the neuroendocrine system throughout the body.³ NETs occur in both men and women, in general aged 50 to 60 years old, although they can affect anyone of any age⁴. The three areas where NETs are most commonly found in the body are the gastrointestinal tract, the pancreas and the lungs.⁵ The number of people newly diagnosed with NETs is believed to be rising due to increasing awareness and better methods of diagnosis, with approximately 35 in every 100,000 people currently living with NETs globally.^1,2 The symptoms of NETs are often not distinct and difficult to identify, leading to delays in diagnosis, with almost a third of people taking at least 5 years to be diagnosed with NETs.¹

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“We’re often asked, what is the PBC journey? And the challenge is that, well, the PBC journey doesn’t exist. There are thousands and thousands of patients around the world, and each of them have an individual journey.” 

This PBC Awareness Day, celebrated on the second Sunday on September each year, we had the opportunity to sit down with Robert Mitchell-Thain, patient advocate and CEO of the PBC Foundation, to delve into their theme this year: Provide Better Care.  

Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) is a rare cholestatic liver disease affecting about 1 in 1,000 women over the age of 40.^1,2 Although it’s more common in women, around 10% of those affected are men, and that number is increasing.¹ Caused by a buildup of bile in the liver that leads to organ damage, PBC can severely impact quality of life. Those affected often endure debilitating itching and extreme fatigue, symptoms that can be incredibly tough to live with.  

It’s important to remember, however, that everyone’s experience with PBC is different. For some, the disease progresses quickly, while for others, it might take years or even decades.³ The symptoms they experience can vary significantly too, as can their experience with healthcare professionals. 

The Provide Better Care campaign is a powerful reminder of this. It highlights how important it is to listen to people living with PBC, so they can get the care that really matters to them—whether that’s slowing down the disease to avoid a liver transplant – which is the priority of care for all patients or finding relief from symptoms to improve their day-to-day life, or both.  

“When we focus on providing better care, the key principle is who’s in front of me and how best do I treat them? And for a clinician, that means listening to your patient. And for a patient, that means talking to your doctor.” 

To hear more about the Provide Better Care campaign, visit the PBC Foundation’s website, here.

References

1. National Organization for Rare Diseases. Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Available at: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/primary-biliary-cholangitis/. Accessed August 2024.
2. Hirschfield GM, et al. A consensus integrated care pathway for patients with primary biliary cholangitis: a guideline-based approach to clinical care of patients. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021. 15(8):929-939.
3. British Liver Trust. Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Available at : https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/liver-conditions/primary-biliary-cholangitis/. Accessed August 2024.

At Ipsen, our strategy is anchored in the principle of taking calculated risks to drive innovation. We inspire our employees to embrace innovation and approach risk-taking with a strategic mindset, ensuring that it aligns with our company’s objectives and ethical guidelines. This philosophy is crucial for fostering growth and securing a leading position in the biopharmaceutical industry. 

The para-athletes we sponsor demonstrate how mindful risk-taking can lead to significant accomplishments. They strive to exceed their personal records and redefine what’s possible, while, at Ipsen, we strive to bring cutting-edge innovation and redefine what’s possible for people living with high unmet medical need.  

Our support for para-athletes not only highlights our commitment to overcoming challenges but also highlights our dedication to innovation and excellence. This involvement mirrors our broader strategy of investing in all talents and ideas that promise to make a lasting impact for patients and society.  

The powerful stories of para-athletes who embrace mindful risks inspire everyone at Ipsen. As part of our Generation Ipsen sustainability strategy, we celebrate these experiences, encouraging our teams to innovate fearlessly and thoughtfully. 

Discover the testimonies of Margot Boulet and Angélina Lanza: 

At Ipsen, our commitment to supporting para-athletes is deeply aligned with our core values of cultivating and embracing diversity. By standing alongside these incredible athletes, we demonstrate our dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where every individual is valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. 

Our culture encourages employees to thrive and grow as future leaders, much like para-athletes who strive for excellence in their respective fields. This shared pursuit of excellence is a cornerstone of our community and reflects our belief in the power of perseverance and dedication. 

Our Generation Ipsen sustainability strategy’s focus on people aims to foster a resilient, empowered, and diverse community capable of navigating complexities and innovating for a better, healthier world. By promoting inclusive talent and supporting para-athletes, we strive to create a positive impact for our employees and society as a whole. 

Discover the inspiring journey of Valentin Bertrand and Angélina Lanza:

The first six months of 2024 saw excellent sales growth of 9.5% at CER, and a core operating margin of 32.4%. In light of these strong results, we raised our 2024 guidance, with total-sales growth of over 7.0% and a core operating margin of over 30.0%.

We also launched two new medicines in the first half of the year, bringing treatment options to people living with few or no treatment options for devastating conditions. With more regulatory decisions expected in the second half of the year, we hope to bring these innovations to patients around the world.

Our external innovation strategy delivered multiple partnerships with biotechs offering exciting new modalities to explore and bring to patients, including the attractive late-stage asset from Day One Biopharmaceuticals, announced today.

Hear what CEO David Loew has to say about our H1 results and achievements.

During the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) congress, leading liver experts, Dr Mark Swain, Dr Emma Culver, and Dr Marco Carbone, sat down to discuss the effective management of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). The conversation covered topics including the importance of regular medical check-ups, a personalized care approach, and a shared responsibility for disease management between doctors and patients who are living with PBC.   

PBC is a rare and progressive autoimmune cholestatic liver disease, with an increasing worldwide prevalence.^1-4 PBC can cause chronic inflammation of the bile ducts, leading to a build-up of bile and toxins in the liver (cholestasis), which results in scarring of the liver tissue (fibrosis) which can lead to cirrhosis. If left untreated or under-managed, PBC can eventually lead to liver failure.^5,6  

The importance of considering a holistic approach to patient care, to manage both symptoms and disease progression, was discussed. With agreement that educating patients about the relevance of liver blood tests and helping patients to understand the importance of managing biomarkers of PBC progression, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin, can help patients be in charge of the condition they live with.  

The experts considered how the overall goal of a consultation is to ensure that patients’ concerns are fully addressed. Symptoms such as fatigue, itching, and dry eyes/mouth, are often under-recognized and under-treated, despite having a significant impact on the daily lives of people living with PBC. Ensuring that doctors listen to the symptom impact on quality of life and respond with appropriate advice, was emphasised in the discussion.  

It was agreed that patients and their doctors need to meet for regular consultations at least every six to twelve months. During these consultations, patients should be given the opportunity to discuss the status of their disease in terms of ALP and bilirubin levels, and the impact of their symptoms on their quality of life. 

It was concluded that doctors that support a shared management approach, who listen to patients’ needs and involve them in decision-making, contributes to the empowerment of patients to manage their disease.  

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