Once-daily AUBAGIO® Delayed Onset of Clinically Definite Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in TOPIC Study
- Only Marketed Oral MS Therapy with Positive Data in Patients who
Experienced Initial Attack Suggestive of MS -
Genzyme,
a Sanofi company (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY), announced today positive
top-line results from the TOPIC trial for AUBAGIO (teriflunomide). The
trial was designed to assess whether early initiation of AUBAGIO
(teriflunomide) in patients who experienced their first neurological
symptoms consistent with Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) can prevent
or delay conversion to clinically definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS).
Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) is defined as a first clinical attack
with features suggestive of MS. It typically occurs in young adults and
is often a prelude to CDMS.
In the TOPIC trial, patients receiving AUBAGIO 14 mg and 7 mg were
significantly less likely to develop CDMS, defined as occurrence of a
second clinical attack, the primary endpoint, as compared to placebo.
Additional results, including key secondary and tertiary objectives,
will be presented at a forthcoming scientific meeting.
Primary results were:
-
In patients who received AUBAGIO 14 mg, a 43 percent reduction in risk
of conversion to CDMS was observed over the two-year
study period, compared to placebo (p=0.0087);
-
In patients who received AUBAGIO 7 mg, a 37 percent reduction in risk
of conversion to CDMS was observed over the two-year
study period, compared to placebo (p=0.0271).
“Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) is often a prelude to clinically
definite multiple sclerosis, and early treatment has proved beneficial,”
said Dr. Aaron E. Miller, Medical Director, The Corinne Goldsmith
Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai Medical Center. “These
findings are important as there is an unmet need for an efficacious oral
option for patients at this stage of disease.”
The average duration of AUBAGIO exposure in TOPIC was approximately 16
months. Adverse events observed in the trial were consistent with
previous clinical trials with AUBAGIO in MS. The most common types of
adverse events reported more frequently in the AUBAGIO arms were ALT
(Alanine transaminase) elevations, nasopharyngitis, headache, hair
thinning, diarrhea and paresthesia. There were no deaths reported in
either teriflunomide group over the course of the study. There was one
death due to suicide in the placebo arm. The rate of treatment
discontinuation due to adverse events was similar across treatment arms
(9.1 percent in placebo arm, compared to 12.1 percent in 7 mg
teriflunomide arm and 8.3 percent in 14 mg teriflunomide arm).
“AUBAGIO is the only oral marketed MS therapy to successfully be
studied in CIS and we are very pleased by these topline results which
further reinforce the consistent efficacy and potential for treating a
broad spectrum of MS patients,” said Genzyme President and CEO,
David Meeker, MD. “We remain committed to addressing unmet needs in
MS through new areas of research and delivery of differentiated
therapies for this devastating disease.”
The trial compared treatment with either 14 mg or 7 mg once-daily, oral
AUBAGIO against placebo. This double-blind, multi-center trial enrolled
618 patients who had experienced a first acute or sub-acute,
well-defined neurological event consistent with demyelination, as well
as onset of MS symptoms within 90 days of randomization, and MRI scan
showing two or more T2 lesions characteristic of MS.
AUBAGIO is approved in the U.S., Australia and Argentina for the
treatment of relapsing forms of MS. Marketing applications for AUBAGIO
are also under review by regulatory authorities globally.
The ongoing AUBAGIO clinical development program, involving more than
5,000 patients in 36 countries, is amongst the largest of any MS
therapy. Some patients in extension trials have been treated for up to
10 years.
About AUBAGIO®
AUBAGIO is an immunomodulator with anti-inflammatory properties.
Although the exact mechanism of action for AUBAGIO is not fully
understood, it may involve a reduction in the number of activated
lymphocytes in the central nervous system (CNS).
Indications and Usage
AUBAGIO (teriflunomide) is a once-daily, oral treatment indicated for
patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). AUBAGIO 14 mg
has shown significant efficacy across key measures of MS disease
activity, including reducing relapses, slowing the progression of
physical disability, and reducing the number of brain lesions as
detected by MRI.
Important Safety Information About AUBAGIO
The AUBAGIO U.S. label includes a boxed warning citing the risk of
hepatotoxicity and, teratogenicity (based on animal data).
In MS clinical studies with AUBAGIO, the incidence of serious adverse
events were similar among AUBAGIO and placebo-treated patients. The most
common adverse events associated with AUBAGIO in MS patients included
increased ALT levels, alopecia, diarrhea, influenza, nausea and
paresthesia.
Teriflunomide is the principal active metabolite of leflunomide, which
is indicated in the U.S. for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Severe liver injury including fatal liver failure has been reported in
patients treated with leflunomide.
Leflunomide has greater than 2.1 million patient years of exposure in
rheumatoid arthritis globally since its launch.
AUBAGIO is contraindicated in pregnant women and women of childbearing
potential who are not using reliable contraception.
For full prescribing information and more information about AUBAGIO,
please visit www.genzyme.com.
About Genzyme, a Sanofi Company
Genzyme has pioneered the development and delivery of transformative
therapies for patients affected by rare and debilitating diseases for
over 30 years. We accomplish our goals through world-class research and
with the compassion and commitment of our employees. With a focus on
rare diseases and multiple sclerosis, we are dedicated to making a
positive impact on the lives of the patients and families we serve. That
goal guides and inspires us every day. Genzyme’s portfolio of
transformative therapies, which are marketed in countries around the
world, represents groundbreaking and life-saving advances in medicine.
As a Sanofi company, Genzyme benefits from the reach and resources of
one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, with a shared
commitment to improving the lives of patients. Learn more at www.genzyme.com.
About Sanofi
Sanofi, a global and diversified healthcare leader, discovers, develops
and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients’ needs. Sanofi
has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth
platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs,
consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and the new
Genzyme. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York
(NYSE: SNY).
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