Sanofi Genzyme to Discuss Three Multiple Sclerosis Therapies at Boston Event

Sanofi Genzyme will discuss three of its multiple sclerosis therapies at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting in Boston, April 22-28.

The presentations will cover two approved treatments for relapsing MS – Lemtrada (alemtuzumab) and Aubagio (teriflunomide) – and one that has been in a Phase 1 clinical trial — GLD52 (GZ402668).

Sanofi Genzyme, which is part of the healthcare conglomerate Sanofi, will also discuss its vs.MS program. The global initiative is aimed at highlighting the true physical and emotional burden of MS with an eye toward generating better care practices.

“We are excited to host members of the global MS community here in Boston, and look forward to presenting important new data,” Carole Huntsman, head of Sanofi Genzyme’s MS program, said in a press release.

“More than 83,000 patients worldwide are currently being treated commercially with a Sanofi Genzyme product for relapsing MS. We are committed to furthering research on Aubagio and Lemtrada and finding new ways to address the unmet needs of people living with this chronic, debilitating disease.”

Over 13,000 MS patients worldwide are taking Lemtrada, the company said. More than 60 countries have approved it, with others reviewing it. The approvals came after several clinical trials encompassing nearly 1,500 patients globally.

Doctors prescribe Lemtrada only to patients who fail to respond to two or more other MS medicines, because it carries certain risks. Whether the treatment is effective and safe for children and adolescents under 17 years old has yet to be decided.

Over 70,000 patients worldwide are using Aubagio, which has been approved in more than 70 countries. The drug modulates the activity of the immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties. Its mechanism of action is not fully understood, although scientists think it may reduce the number of immune cells in the central nervous system.

For a complete list of Sanofi Genzyme presentations at the Boston conference, visit this link.