Sanofi and Regeneron reports positive rheumatoid arthritis drug trial data

Sanofi and Regeneron have announced clinical data demonstrating the safety and efficacy of their rheumatoid arthritis therapy sarilumab.

Data from SARIL-RA-TARGET, a phase III trial, showed the investigational human antibody met both its co-primary endpoints of improvements in signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and physical function, as well as secondary efficacy endpoints.

The trial involved 546 rheumatoid arthritis patients who had responded inadequately or were intolerant of anti-TNF therapies. Patients were randomised to received either a 200 mg or a 150 mg dose of sarilumab or placebo, in addition to non-biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs.

Sarilumab was developed using Regeneron's VelocImmune antibody technology and is yet to be receive regulatory approval.

Lead study author Dr Roy Fleischmann, clinical professor in the department of internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, said: "This data suggests that sarilumab, if approved, may be a potential option for patients with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis."

This comes after the firm reported positive data from a study of the Genzyme therapy Lemtrada last month, showing its efficacy in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.