Sanofi renews sponsorship of the British Transplant Games 2025, supporting swimming, to help protect the future of transplant

Transplants can be life-saving – but for many, the journey doesn’t end there. Up to 40% of people receiving a stem cell or bone marrow transplant will go on to develop a serious complication known as GvHD.[¹]

This summer, Sanofi is diving in to support the swimming event at the British Transplant Games, helping raise awareness of life after transplant – and what it takes to truly protect the future of transplant.

Reading, Wednesday 9 July 2025 We are pleased to announce that Sanofi is proud to once again sponsor the Westfield Health British Transplant Games (BTG), taking place in Oxford from 31st July to 3rd August 2025. As part of its ongoing commitment to the transplant community, Sanofi’s transplant franchise is supporting this year’s swimming event – a sport symbolic of strength, recovery and resilience.

More than 1,000 transplant recipients and live donors are expected to take part in over 25 sporting events, celebrating the life-saving power of donation and the strength of the transplant community.[1] [2] Organised by Transplant Sport, the Games are about more than just sport: they’re a powerful opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges that can follow transplant – including graft-versus-host-disease (GvHD), a serious complication which can significantly affect quality of life.[3] The Games don’t finish here in Britain, the winning participants will get the opportunity to compete with athletes and teams from 60 countries in Dresden, Germany from 17th August 2025.

Natalia Fernandez, Transplant Franchise Lead, Sanofi UK & Ireland, said: "We are honoured to once again stand alongside the transplant community through our sponsorship of the British Transplant Games. By supporting the swimming event, we hope to not only celebrate the extraordinary achievements of transplant recipients but also raise awareness of the ongoing challenges many face, such as graft-versus-host-disease. To truly protect the future of transplant, we must shine a light on the importance of early diagnosis and continued care after transplant – so that patients have the best possible chance of reclaiming aspects of everyday life and feeling supported throughout their transplant journey.”

Graft-versus-host-disease (GvHD) is a potentially life-threatening immune response that occurs when donor cells (the graft) recognise the recipient’s tissues (the host) as foreign and begin to attack them.[3] It affects between 30% and 40% of those who undergo allogeneic stem cell or bone marrow transplants in England.[¹]

GvHD can affect nearly any organ in the body, with symptoms ranging from skin tightening and mouth ulcers to lung damage and gastrointestinal issues.[3] It also frequently impacts quality of life – physically, emotionally and financially. According to a 2022 study, 69% of patients with chronic GvHD reported that the condition negatively affected their mental health, among patients and healthcare professionals is key. That’s why Sanofi is calling for more recognition of GvHD – to help ensure that transplant recipients get the support they need, when they need it most.

Dr Paul Harden, Chair of Trustees at Transplant Sport, said: "The British Transplant Games are more than just a celebration of life – they are a platform for advocacy, awareness, and action. Sanofi’s support for the swimming event not only highlights the strength of our athletes but also the challenges they often continue to face. With conditions like GvHD, awareness and early recognition can make a huge difference. We’re grateful to Sanofi for helping us amplify that message."

This year’s Games, hosted at iconic venues across Oxford – including Blenheim Palace – will see competitors showing what’s possible after transplant.[2] Sanofi will be present throughout the event, connecting with athletes and attendees, and sharing stories of those affected by GvHD as part of its wider campaign to protect the future of transplant.

About graft-versus-host disease

Graft-versus-host-disease (GvHD) is a serious immune reaction that occurs in some people following an allogeneic stem cell or bone marrow transplant, when the donor’s immune cells attack the recipient’s tissues.¹ Symptoms may include skin hardening, inflammation of the gut or lungs, and other debilitating complications that differ significantly from person to person.[3]

In England, it is estimated that around 1,400 people receive a donor stem cell transplant each year, with 30–40% going on to develop GvHD.[¹] Early diagnosis is critical, yet awareness remains low. Symptoms of GvHD can be general and vary from person to person, but awareness to allow for early detection is key.[3]

The impact on quality of life can be profound. In one 2022 study of patients and carers, 90% of carers said the condition affected their ability to work or plan for the future.[4] More than 50% of patients reported a high impact on their ability to enjoy life or return to normal activities.[4] These figures highlight the urgent need for greater recognition and earlier intervention – something Sanofi is working to advance by standing with the transplant and GvHD community.

About Sanofi

Sanofi is 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. We work to turn the impossible into the possible, providing life-changing treatment options and life-saving vaccine protection to millions of people worldwide – while placing sustainability and social responsibility at the heart of what we do.

References

1. Anthony Nolan. Analysis of hospital activity and costs following allogeneic stem cell transplantation in England. 2021. Available at: https://www.anthonynolan.org/sites/default/files/2021-03/analysis-of-hospital-activity-and-costs.pdf [Accessed June 2025]

2. The British Transplant Games 2025. Available at: https://www.britishtransplantgames.co.uk/ [Accessed June 2025]

MAT-XU-2501011 v3.0 June 2025

3. Anthony Nolan. An Essential Guide to Graft-versus-host Disease (GvHD). 2021. Available at: https://www.anthonynolan.org/sites/default/files/2021-07/2630PA%20Essential%20Guide%20to%20GvHD_Website.pdf [Accessed June 2025]

4. Hart D. et al. Investigating the Impact of Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease on Patient and Carer Health-Related Quality of Life: A Quantitative Study. Poster presented at BSBMTCT Scientific Day, 2022. [Accessed June 2025]