Sanofi Symposium: Prevention of Diabetes and Hypertension Complications at the Heart of Discussions in Phnom Penh

Nearly 200 participants, most of them doctors, pharmacists, and medical students, gathered on October 18, 2025, in Phnom Penh for a symposium dedicated to preventing complications from diabetes and hypertension, particularly those affecting the eyes, kidneys, and heart. The event, organized by the PPM commercial team in partnership with Sanofi Global Unit, provided an opportunity to discuss the latest advances and recommendations in the management of these chronic diseases.

The program brought together leading experts from Preah Kossamak Hospital of Cambodia-China Friendship, such as Associate Professor Dr. Touch Khun (diabetologist and director of the diabetes center), Dr. Lim Eaksrong (cardiologist and head of the cardiac intensive care unit), and Dr. Sar Sophary (endocrinologist). In his address, Dr. Touch Khun recalled the constant growth of chronic diseases in Asia and globally, highlighting the central role of diabetes and hypertension in the emergence of serious complications affecting vital organs.

Dr. Sar Sophary presented the latest statistics from the International Diabetes Federation: in 2021, 537 million people were affected worldwide, a figure expected to increase by 46% by 2045, reaching 783 million cases. She stressed the importance of early glycemic control and recommended the prompt introduction of insulin and treatment intensification for type 2 diabetes patients. However, she pointed out that only 55.5% of treated patients succeed in managing their blood sugar, while nearly half do not reach therapeutic targets.

Dr. Lim Eaksrong detailed the 2025 recommendations from American and European cardiology societies, which distinguish three categories of hypertension based on blood pressure. He advised initially favoring lifestyle changes for three months before starting medication in new patients. According to him, patient education should become a priority in medical practice. Participants expressed a wish for Cambodia to establish national guidelines to harmonize medical practices throughout the country.

On this occasion, Ms. Srun Monica, PPM’s head of commercial promotions for Sanofi products, introduced the French lab's new treatments for high blood pressure and for cardiac and renal protection: Aprovel 150 mg and 200 mg, both irbesartan-based film-coated tablets indicated for hypertension and renal protection in diabetic patients; and CoAprovel 150 mg / 12.5 mg, a combination of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide, which offers reinforced antihypertensive efficacy thanks to the diuretic; and CoAprovel 300 mg / 12.5 mg, a high-dose formulation composed of 300 mg irbesartan and 12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide, intended for resistant forms of hypertension or cases requiring a dual mechanism of action.

Tech Symo, PPM’s local commercial director, emphasized the importance of education in fighting chronic diseases. According to him, PPM is committed to going beyond its role as a manufacturer and distributor by promoting information and prevention among healthcare professionals, with support from partners such as Sanofi.

Dr. Touch Khun concluded the day by stating that diabetes management should not focus on the disease alone but integrate the prevention of related risks, especially hypertension and lipid disorders. He finally reminded that new-generation insulins offer improved glycemic management, without increased risk to the heart or kidneys, and called for a better quality of life for treated patients.