Sanofi-aventis and Genzyme announce new mipomersen trial data

Sanofi-aventis and its new subsidiary Genzyme have announced positive data from a pair of clinical trials of mipomersen, a treatment for high cholesterol.

Findings from the phase III studies have been announced at an American College of Cardiology meeting which demonstrate the benefits the drug can offer to patients who are already receiving lipid-lowering therapy.

The first of these trials illustrated a strong cholesterol-lowering performance among severe heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia patients, with mipomersen meeting its primary efficacy endpoint in the study.

It proved equally effective in another study that tested the drug among subjects with high cholesterol at an increased risk of coronary heart disease.

Paula Soteropoulos, vice-president and general manager of Genzyme's cardiovascular business, said: "We are excited about the potential of mipomersen to help these patients, who are in great need of new treatment options."

Sanofi-aventis took control of Genzyme earlier this week following the successful completion of its exchange offer.