Sanofi and Genzyme report positive new data from Lemtrada MS trial

Sanofi and Genzyme have announced new clinical trial data that underlines the benefits their drug Lemtrada can offer in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Encouraging interim results from the second year of an extension study of Lemtrada have shown that after four years of treatment, the positive effects of the therapy was maintained in more than two-thirds of patients.

In approximately 70 percent of patients, disability scores improved or remained stable, while a similar percentage of those treated with Lemtrada did not receive a third course of treatment through the second year of the extension.

This offers new evidence of the prolonged efficacy of Lemtrada on both relapses and disability.

Genzyme's president and chief executive officer David Meeker said: "It is encouraging to see the durable efficacy and manageable safety of Lemtrada maintained two years into the extension study."

The companies received EU approval for the drug last year based on studies carried out among more than 1,700 patients.