Genzyme’s Lemtrada™ Approved in Australia for Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--()--Genzyme, a Sanofi company (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY), announced today that the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved Lemtrada (alemtuzumab) for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis for patients with active disease defined by clinical or imaging features to slow the accumulation of physical disability and reduce the frequency of clinical relapses.

“Multiple Sclerosis is a highly complex and often devastating disease that can lead to significant disability in patients, despite availability of standard therapies,” said Associate Professor John King, Senior Neurologist, Royal Melbourne Hospital. “Lemtrada represents a significant advance in the way physicians and patients can think about treating multiple sclerosis. The efficacy data supporting Lemtrada highlight its strong potential to impact disease progression in patients with relapsing forms of MS.”

Lemtrada is supported by a comprehensive and extensive clinical development program that involved nearly 1,500 patients and 5,400 patient-years of follow-up. Approval in Australia follows the recent approval of Lemtrada in Canada and the European Union. Marketing applications for Lemtrada are also under review in other countries.

More than 2.3 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with MS, including approximately 20,000 people in Australia.

Lemtrada 12 mg has a novel dosing and administration schedule of two annual treatment courses. The first treatment course of Lemtrada is administered via intravenous infusion on five consecutive days, and the second course is administered on three consecutive days, 12 months later.

“The approval of Lemtrada in Australia reinforces the significance of this treatment and is an important milestone in Genzyme’s commitment to bring this potentially transformative therapy to patients globally,” said David Meeker, President and CEO, Genzyme. “We’re very pleased with the TGA’s approval and look forward to working with the reimbursement authorities to make Lemtrada available to patients in Australia.”

The Lemtrada clinical development program included two pivotal randomized Phase III studies comparing treatment with Lemtrada to high-dose subcutaneous interferon beta-1a (Rebif®) in patients with RRMS who had active disease and were either new to treatment (CARE-MS I) or who had relapsed while on prior therapy (CARE-MS II), as well as an ongoing extension study. In CARE-MS I, Lemtrada was significantly more effective than interferon beta-1a at reducing annualized relapse rates; the difference observed in slowing disability progression did not reach statistical significance. In CARE-MS II, Lemtrada was significantly more effective than interferon beta-1a at reducing annualized relapse rates, and accumulation of disability was significantly slowed in patients given Lemtrada vs. interferon beta-1a.

The most common side effects of Lemtrada are infusion associated reactions, infections (upper respiratory tract and urinary tract), lymphopenia and leukopenia. Autoimmune conditions and serious infections can occur in patients receiving Lemtrada. A comprehensive risk management program incorporating education and monitoring will support early detection and management of these identified risks.

About Lemtrada™ (alemtuzumab)

Alemtuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that selectively targets CD52, a protein abundant on T and B cells. Treatment with alemtuzumab results in the depletion of circulating T and B cells thought to be responsible for the damaging inflammatory process in MS. Alemtuzumab has minimal impact on other immune cells. The acute anti-inflammatory effect of alemtuzumab is immediately followed by the onset of a distinctive pattern of T and B cell repopulation that continues over time, rebalancing the immune system in a way that potentially reduces MS disease activity.

Genzyme holds the worldwide rights to alemtuzumab and has primary responsibility for its development and commercialization in multiple sclerosis. Bayer HealthCare holds the right to co-promote alemtuzumab in MS in the United States. Upon commercialization, Bayer will receive contingent payments based on global sales revenue.

About Genzyme, a Sanofi Company

Genzyme has pioneered the development and delivery of transformative therapies for patients affected by rare and debilitating diseases for over 30 years. We accomplish our goals through world-class research and with the compassion and commitment of our employees. With a focus on rare diseases and multiple sclerosis, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of the patients and families we serve. That goal guides and inspires us every day. Genzyme’s portfolio of transformative therapies, which are marketed in countries around the world, represents groundbreaking and life-saving advances in medicine. As a Sanofi company, Genzyme benefits from the reach and resources of one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, with a shared commitment to improving the lives of patients. Learn more at www.genzyme.com.

Genzyme® is a registered trademark and Lemtrada™ is a trademark of Genzyme Corporation, a Sanofi company. Rebif® is a registered trademark of EMD Serono, Inc.

About Sanofi

Sanofi, an integrated global healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients’ needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and the new Genzyme. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).

Sanofi Forward Looking Statements

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Contacts

Genzyme Media Relations
Erin Walsh, 617-945-3628
erin.walsh@genzyme.com
Sanofi Investor Relations
Kristen Galfetti, +1 908-981-5560
ir@sanofi.com

Contacts

Genzyme Media Relations
Erin Walsh, 617-945-3628
erin.walsh@genzyme.com
Sanofi Investor Relations
Kristen Galfetti, +1 908-981-5560
ir@sanofi.com