Sanofi and Genzyme highlight positive new Aubagio data

Sanofi and Genzyme have presented new clinical data that underlines the benefits provided by the multiple sclerosis (MS) drug Aubagio.

Key data from the Tower trial has been highlighted at the annual congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis, showcasing the strong performance of Aubagio in the placebo-controlled study.

A once-daily oral Aubagio regimen significantly reduced annualised relapse rates and slowed progression of disability among patients with relapsing forms of MS, as well as being associated with a low risk of relapse.

Dr David Meeker, president and chief executive officer of Genzyme, said: "The convenience of a once-daily oral therapy offers a meaningful alternative for patients wanting to avoid the burden of regular injections."

The clinical development programme for Aubagio has been the largest of any MS therapy, with more than 5,000 patients from 36 countries involved.

It received US regulatory approval for the treatment of relapsing forms of MS last month, based on positive data from the phase III trial Temso.