Sanofi plans phase III trial of sarilumab

Sanofi is seeking to advance its developmental drug sarilumab to phase III testing following positive results from early-stage trials.

In association with partner Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, the company has expressed satisfaction with the performance of the subcutaneously administered interleukin-6 receptor-targeting antibody in the phase IIb study Mobility.

During the trial, the treatment was shown to deliver clinically meaningful improvements in reducing signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis when combined with methotrexate.

Sarilumab has been collaboratively developed by Sanofi and Regeneron using the latter company's VelocImmune antibody technology.

Dr Elias Zerhouni, president of global research and development at Sanofi, said: "The companies are currently discussing the dose(s) of sarilumab to advance into the phase III portion of the Mobility trial."

Earlier this week, the company published positive data for a phase III clinical study of alemtuzumab, a new therapy for multiple sclerosis.