Sanofi and Genzyme report positive Lemtrada trial data

Sanofi and Genzyme have published positive new clinical data that supports the safety and efficacy benefits offered by their multiple sclerosis (MS) drug Lemtrada.

The treatment was recently compared to a leading alternative therapy in the phase III Care-MS trial, during which it was studied among relapsing-remitting MS patients who had relapsed while on prior therapy.

Not only was a slowing of disability accumulation seen among patients receiving Lemtrada, but a significant improvement in disability scores was also observed in some patients.

It is hoped that the drug – which was developed in partnership between Genzyme and Bayer HealthCare – can be submitted for European and US regulatory review in the second quarter of 2012.

Dr David Meeker, president and chief executive officer at Genzyme, said: "We believe these groundbreaking results from Care-MS II, including reversal of disability accumulation in some patients … provide a message of hope for people living with MS."

Lemtrada was one of a number of therapies showcased by Sanofi and Genzyme at this week's American Academy of Neurology annual meeting, with new teriflunomide data also presented.