Sanofi reports positive data for rheumatoid arthritis drug

Sanofi and partner Regeneron Pharmaceuticals have announced positive data from the Saril-RA-Mobility phase III study, which assessed the benefits of their new therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Results from the study showed the compound sarilumab, when used in combination with methotrexate, was able to offer benefits to patients with active RA who had previously responded inadequately to methotrexate alone.

The Sanofi/Regeneron drug was able to improve signs and symptoms of the disease, while also enhancing physical function and inhibiting progression of joint damage.

Saril-RA-Mobility lasted for 52 weeks and involved around 1,200 patients, with full data from the study to be presented at a future medical conference.

Tanya Momtahen, sarilumab global project head at Sanofi, said: "We are encouraged by these phase III results and the impact sarilumab demonstrated on inhibition of progression of structural damage assessed radiographically in this study."

This comes after Sanofi and Regeneron's alirocumab showed its efficacy as a means of reducing cholesterol levels in clinical trial data presented last month.