Sanofi and Regeneron report positive data from cholesterol drug trials

Sanofi and Regeneron have announced positive clinical trial from two cholesterol drug trials called Odyssey Choice I and Odyssey Choice II.

The studies were intended to compare the reduction from baseline in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol – also known as 'bad' cholesterol – at 24 weeks with alirocumab versus placebo in patients with hypercholesterolaemia.

In both trials, the therapy was able to meet its primary efficacy endpoints when administered every four weeks, demonstrating that the drug can help patients reach optimal cholesterol levels via a monthly dosing regimen.

Alirocumab is an investigational monoclonal antibody targeting PCSK9. It is currently in clinical development and has not yet been assessed by any global regulators.

Dr Jay Edelberg, head of the PCSK9 development and launch unit at Sanofi, said: "The Odyssey clinical trial programme has provided key insights and allowed us to investigate alirocumab administered every four weeks in different patient populations."

This comes after the drug was previously able to meet its primary efficacy endpoints in six clinical studies presented at the American Heart Association's 2014 Scientific Sessions last November.