Sanofi and Genzyme report positive data for MS drug Aubagio

Sanofi and Genzyme have announced new clinical data showing the efficacy of their drug Aubagio in the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS).

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from the phase III TEMSO study indicated that Aubagio significantly slowed brain atrophy compared to placebo over two years in people with relapsing multiple sclerosis.

Brain atrophy is the result of the destructive pathological processes that occur in MS. It is seen from the earliest stages of disease and can cause irreversible neurological and cognitive impairment.

The MS clinical studies of Aubagio, including TEMSO, also showed that the incidence of serious adverse events was similar between Aubagio and placebo-treated patients.

Bill Sibold, head of Genzyme's multiple sclerosis business, said: "We remain committed to furthering the understanding of Aubagio and the potential benefits it could deliver to relapsing multiple sclerosis patients."

The drug was approved in Europe in 2013 and was recommended by the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence last year.