Sanofi and Regeneron report positive clinical data for alirocumab

Sanofi and Regeneron have announced positive clinical trial data that demonstrates the potential offered by its cholesterol-lowering therapy alirocumab.

Detailed positive results from six phase III trials in the Odyssey programme showed that alirocumab significantly reduced levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, or bad cholesterol), thus meeting their primary efficacy endpoints.

All six studies – Long Term, Combo I, Alternative, Options I, Options II and High FH – showed a greater reduction in LDL-C at 24 weeks versus either active comparator or placebo, including the current standard-of-care therapy.

The trials assessed alirocumab in hypercholesterolemic patients who were at high cardiovascular risk, had an inherited form of high cholesterol and/or a history of intolerance to two or more statins.

Dr Jennifer Robinson of the College of Public Health at the University of Iowa said: "New interim results from Odyssey Long Term provide further support for alirocumab's consistent safety profile."

This comes after the companies announced the commencement of a phase III trial of dupilumab, a new therapy for atopic dermatitis, last month.