Sanofi and Regeneron report positive arthritis and asthma drug data

Sanofi and Regeneron have announced clinical trial data demonstrating the safety and efficacy of two of their collaboratively-developed therapies.

Results from a phase III trial of sarilumab, an investigational fully-human IL6 receptor antibody, was shown to have improved signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis at 24 weeks and physical function at 12 weeks compared to placebo.

The SARIL-RA-TARGET trial enrolled 546 patients, including subjects who were inadequate responders to or intolerant of anti-TNF therapies. Data from this study will support a planned US regulatory application in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Meanwhile, the companies have also announced findings from a pivotal phase IIb study of dupilumab in adult patients with moderate-to-severe asthma who are uncontrolled despite treatment with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonists.

It was shown that the primary endpoint of the study was met, with the drug improving lung function in asthma patients with high blood eosinophils counts.

Sanofi and Regeneron have kicked off a phase III trial in patients with uncontrolled persistent asthma, known as LIBERTY ASTHMA QUEST, which will serve as the second required pivotal efficacy study needed to support US approval of the drug.