Together on Diabetes, a Bristol-Myers Squibb initiative, is the largest corporate philanthropic commitment to fight type 2 diabetes. Working with well-respected community-based regional and national partners in each country, the program supports efforts to develop and expand effective patient self-management programs and broadly engage affected communities in the fight against type 2 diabetes. In May 2012, the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation announced a $15 million commitment in India and China.

In an e-mail interview with BioSpectrum, Mr John Damonti, president, Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation, shares the highlights of the program and plans to realize their commitment in the two biggest emerging markets of Asia.

Tell us about the BMS Together on Diabetes program.

Mr Damonti: Together on Diabetes is a five-year initiative of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation to help patients living with type 2 diabetes in the US, China and India better manage their disease beyond the doors of their doctor's office, in their homes and communities.

Together on Diabetes was launched in the US on World Diabetes Day in 2010. In May 2012, the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation announced an additional $15 million commitment in China and India, countries that are seeing a growing number of adults with type 2 diabetes. All financial support for Together on Diabetes comes from Bristol-Myers Squibb.