Sanofi and its subsidiary Genzyme announced that more than 20 data presentations from the company’s growing multiple sclerosis (MS) portfolio will be showcased at the 5th Joint Triennial Congress of the European and Americas Committees for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS/ACTRIMS 2011). Data to be presented will include new results from pivotal phase III clinical trials of the company’s lead investigational candidates for the treatment of relapsing MS, Lemtrada (alemtuzumab) and Aubagio (oral teriflunomide), and will be featured in platform and poster presentations.

“Genzyme is committed to transforming the landscape of MS treatment through novel research and development aimed at addressing significant unmet needs for patients with MS,” said David Meeker, MD, chief operating officer, Genzyme. “With Lemtrada and Aubagio – two unique, promising investigational treatments – we hope to deliver advancement in MS treatment across the patient spectrum.”

Following are select abstracts highlighting new data from the phase III CARE-MS I study (The Comparison of Alemtuzumab and Rebif Efficacy in Multiple Sclerosis) and the phase III TEMSO trial (Study of Teriflunomide in Reducing the Frequency of Relapses and Accumulation of Disability in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis).

Lemtrada and Aubagio are the proprietary names submitted to health authorities for the company’s investigational multiple sclerosis agent alemtuzumab and teriflunomide respectively.

Lemtrada is a humanized monoclonal antibody being studied as a potential therapy for relapsing MS. Lemtrada targets the cell-surface glycoprotein CD52, which is highly expressed on T- and B-lymphocytes. Preliminary research suggests that Lemtrada initially depletes the T- and B-cells that may be responsible for the cellular damage in MS. This depletion of T- and B-cells is followed by a distinctive pattern of lymphocyte repopulation. Lemtrada appears to have little or no effect on other cells of the immune system. In addition to the completed CARE-MS I study, another phase III trial, CARE-MS II, will evaluate Lemtrada against interferon beta-1a in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients who have relapsed while on therapy, with top-line results expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Teriflunomide is an immunomodulatory, disease-modifying oral drug with anti-inflammatory properties, and is under investigation for the treatment of relapsing forms of MS. Teriflunomide blocks the proliferation and functioning of activated T and B lymphocytes – which are thought to be especially damaging in MS – by selectively and reversibly inhibiting a critical mitochondrial enzyme. With nine years of continuous use in a Phase II extension, teriflunomide has the longest clinical experience of any investigational oral MS therapy. In addition to the TEMSO trial, two other phase III trials, TOWER and TENERE, are ongoing in people with relapsing MS. A phase III study, TOPIC, is also underway in early MS or CIS (clinically isolated syndrome). Teriflunomide is also being evaluated as an adjunct therapy to interferon-ß in the phase III TERACLES trial.

One of the world's leading biotechnology companies, Genzyme is dedicated to making a major positive impact on the lives of people with serious diseases. Genzyme is responsible for the development of teriflunomide and alemtuzumab.

Sanofi, a global and diversified healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients’ needs.