Genzyme,
a Sanofi company, announced today that data on its relapsing multiple
sclerosis treatments, Aubagio® (teriflunomide) and
Lemtrada® (alemtuzumab), will be featured during the
2015 annual meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers
(CMSC) being held in Indianapolis, Indiana, May 27-30.
“The data to be presented during CMSC provide further insight into
the potential clinical impact of Aubagio and Lemtrada,” said Bill
Sibold, Head of Genzyme’s Multiple Sclerosis business. “For more than
a decade, Genzyme has been dedicated to developing novel treatments for
MS. In addition to the global launches of our two products, our
early stage and clinical research programs in MS aim to address
remaining unmet needs with innovative therapeutic approaches and
underscore our long-term commitment to the MS community.”
Genzyme’s platform and poster presentations will feature efficacy and
safety information on Aubagio and Lemtrada, while other company
activities will explore the dynamics involved in treatment decisions.
Presentation details along with information about Genzyme-sponsored
activities are as follows.
Lemtrada:
-
Durable Effect of Alemtuzumab on MRI Activity and Brain Atrophy in
Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Patients: 4-Year Follow-up of
Care-MS II (platform #3562)
-
Alemtuzumab Improves Sustained Accumulation of Disability Outcomes
Using the SAD-Plus Assessment in RRMS Patients with Inadequate
Efficacy Response to Prior Therapy (poster #3531)
-
Improvements in Quality of Life Are Maintained in Alemtuzumab-Treated
RRMS Patients Who Develop Autoimmune Adverse Events: Care-MS II
(poster #3560)
-
Lymphocyte Pharmacodynamics and Safety of Natalizumab in Patients
Previously Treated with Alemtuzumab (poster #3403)
-
Infusion-Associated Reactions in Patients Receiving Alemtuzumab after
Switching from Subcutaneous Interferon Beta-1a (poster #3543)
Aubagio:
-
Teriflunomide Efficacy in Newly Diagnosed Patients With RMS Enrolled
in the TEMSO and TOWER Studies: a Post Hoc Analysis (poster #3400)
-
Consistent Efficacy of Teriflunomide in Prespecified Subgroup Analyses
From a Phase 3 Trial (TOPIC) in Patients With Early Multiple Sclerosis
(poster #3475)
-
Efficacy and Safety of Teriflunomide in Patients Switching From Other
Disease-Modifying Therapies (poster #3392)
-
Hair Photography Project: Exploring the Clinical Course of Hair
Thinning Associated With Teriflunomide (poster #3315)
-
Baseline Characteristics of Patients Enrolled in the Teri-PRO Phase 4
Study in the United States vs Canada, Europe, and Latin America
(poster #3389)
-
Investigation of the Effectiveness and Tolerability of Colesevelam HCl
for Accelerated Elimination of Teriflunomide in Healthy Subjects
(poster #3517)
Disease Management:
-
Best Practice Recommendations of Advanced Practice Clinicians for the
Care of the Challenging MS Patient (poster #3657)
Genzyme-sponsored events at CMSC include the following:
Cases in MS: Selecting Appropriate Treatment Options for Patients
Date:
Thursday, May 28 from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: JW Marriott
Indianapolis Grand Ballroom – Exhibit Hall, Product Theater Area
The Management of Infusions in Patients with Relapsing MS
Date:
Friday, May 29, 7 a.m. – 8 a.m.
Location: JW Marriott Indianapolis
– White River Ballroom G-J
In addition, Genzyme is a sponsor of the following symposium at CMSC
being presented by the MS Association of America:
Addressing the Science and Emotion of Benefit and Risk: Working
Collaboratively to Improve Shared Decision Making
Date:
Thursday, May 28 from 8 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.
Location: JW Marriott
Indianapolis – White River Ballroom C-D
Aubagio® (teriflunomide) U.S. Indication and
Usage
Aubagio is a once-daily, oral therapy indicated in the U.S. for the
treatment of adult patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.
The recommended dose of Aubagio is 7 mg or 14 mg orally once-daily.
Important Safety Information About Aubagio for U.S. Patients
The Aubagio label includes the risk of hepatotoxicity and,
teratogenicity (based on animal data). In the United States, this
information can be found in the boxed warning.
In MS clinical studies with Aubagio, the incidence of serious adverse
events were similar among Aubagio and placebo-treated patients. Serious
events may include decreased white blood cell count, peripheral
neuropathy, hyperkalemia, skin reactions and increased blood pressure.
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. ALT should be monitored monthly for
at least 6 months in patients who start treatment with Aubagio.
Aubagio is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment,
pregnant women and women of childbearing potential who are not using
reliable contraception and in patients who are taking leflunomide.
Aubagio is not recommended for breast feeding women, patients with
immunodeficiency states, patients with significantly impaired bone
marrow function or significant anemia, leucopenia, neutropenia or
thrombocytopenia, patients with severe active infection until
resolution, patients with severe renal impairment undergoing dialysis
and patients with hypoproteinaemia.
Please click here for
full U.S. Prescribing Information for Aubagio, including boxed warning
and contraindications.
About Aubagio® (teriflunomide)
Aubagio is approved in more than 50 countries, with additional marketing
applications under review by regulatory authorities globally.
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). Aubagio is supported by
one of the largest clinical programs of any MS therapy, with more than
5,000 trial participants in 36 countries.
Lemtrada® (alemtuzumab) U.S. Indication and
Usage
Lemtrada is indicated in the United States for the treatment of patients
with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Because of its safety
profile, the use of Lemtrada should generally be reserved for patients
who have had an inadequate response to two or more drugs indicated for
the treatment of MS.
Lemtrada is contraindicated in patients who are infected with Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) because Lemtrada causes prolonged
reductions of CD4+ lymphocyte counts.
Important Safety Information About Lemtrada for U.S. Patients
Serious and life-threatening autoimmune conditions such as immune
thrombocytopenia (ITP) and anti-glomerular basement membrane disease can
occur in patients receiving Lemtrada. Monitor complete blood counts with
differential, serum creatinine levels, and urinalysis with urine cell
counts at periodic intervals in patients who receive Lemtrada. Lemtrada
is associated with serious and life-threatening infusion reactions.
Lemtrada can only be administered in certified healthcare settings that
have on-site access to equipment and personnel trained to manage
anaphylaxis and serious infusion reactions. Lemtrada may be associated
with an increased risk of malignancy, including thyroid cancer, melanoma
and lymphoproliferative disorders. The Lemtrada REMS Program, a risk
management program with frequent monitoring, has been implemented to
help mitigate these serious risks.
The Lemtrada label includes a boxed warning noting a risk of serious,
sometimes fatal autoimmune conditions, serious and life-threatening
infusion reactions and also noting Lemtrada may cause an increased risk
of malignancies including thyroid cancer, melanoma and
lymphoproliferative disorders. Lemtrada is contraindicated in patients
with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.
Please click here for
full U.S. Prescribing Information for Lemtrada, including boxed warning
and contraindications.
About Lemtrada® (alemtuzumab)
Lemtrada is approved in more than 40 countries, with additional
marketing applications under review. Lemtrada is supported by a
comprehensive and extensive clinical development program that involved
nearly 1,500 patients worldwide and 5,400 patient-years of follow-up.
Alemtuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets CD52, a protein
abundant on T and B cells. Circulating T and B cells are thought to be
responsible for the damaging inflammatory process in MS. Although the
exact mechanism of action for alemtuzumab is unknown, it is presumed to
deplete circulating T and B lymphocytes after each treatment course.
Lymphocyte counts then increase over time with a reconstitution of the
lymphocyte population that varies for the different lymphocyte subtypes.
Genzyme holds the worldwide rights to alemtuzumab and has responsibility
for its development and commercialization in multiple sclerosis. Bayer
Healthcare receives contingent payments based on global sales revenue.
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.
Genzyme®, Aubagio® and Lemtrada®
are registered trademarks of Genzyme Corporation. All rights reserved.
About Sanofi
Sanofi, a global 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).
Sanofi Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended.
Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts.
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and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally
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projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These
risks and uncertainties include among other things, the uncertainties
inherent in research and development, future clinical data and analysis,
including post marketing, decisions by regulatory authorities, such as
the FDA or the EMA, regarding whether and when to approve any drug,
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candidates as well as their decisions regarding labelling and other
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such product candidates, the absence of guarantee that the product
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approval and commercial success of therapeutic alternatives, the Group's
ability to benefit from external growth opportunities, trends in
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of shares outstanding as well as those discussed or identified in the
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