Genzyme sees positive extended Lemtrada study

Genzyme has conducted an extended study of the effect of Lemtrada on patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), yielding positive results.

The Sanofi subsidiary extended two phase III studies past their initial two years, which showed patients who were treated with Lemtrada saw low relapse rates continue for three additional years.

The two studies – CARE-MS I and CARE-MS II, had annual relapse rates of 0.18 and 0.27 respectively in the original studies. These low figures were maintained between year three (0.19 and 0.22 respectively) – and year five (0.15 and 0.18).

Over 90 per cent of the patients enrolled in the original trials also took part in the extension study and head of Genzyme's MS business Bill Sibold described the five-year data as "exciting and important for people living with relapsing MS".

Lemtrada is not an option for all patients who suffer from relapsing MS; due to its safety profile it is recommended only for patients who have responded poorly to two or more MS treatment drugs.