Just one day after Genzyme announced signs of remission in five-year data of its MS drug alemtuzumab, Sanofi-Aventis said two-year data from its study of teriflunomide showed that the drug significantly cut relapses. In the Phase III study of the once-daily oral drug, both doses of teriflunomide (7 and 14 mg) reduced annualized relapse rate by 31 vs. placebo--the trial's primary endpoint. The risk of disability progression was also cut. No major safety concerns were reported. Results were unveiled at the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis.
"We are very pleased with the successful results of the TEMSO study which are an important step forward in multiple sclerosis clinical research," said R&D head Marc Cluzel. "These exciting results with teriflunomide represent a new real hope to delivering an oral therapy to patients who live with this serious condition and are eager for new treatment options, and more convenient product forms in-line with our sanofi-aventis commitment to multiple sclerosis."
Teriflunomide is one of 26 drugs Sanofi has in its late-stage pipeline, the Wall Street Journal notes.
- see Sanofi's release on the data
- read the Wall Street Journal brief