Regeneron, Sanofi initiate enrollment in SAR236553/REGN727 Phase 3 program

Sanofi (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) announced today that several trials within ODYSSEY, the Phase 3 clinical program of SAR236553/REGN727, have initiated patient enrollment.  SAR236553/REGN727 is a potential first-in-class, subcutaneously administered, fully-human antibody that lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by targeting PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9), an enzyme which binds LDL receptors, leading to their accelerated degradation and increased LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels.

"We are delighted to lead the field of PCSK9 late stage development with the broad global 22,000 patient ODYSSEY clinical trial program, and would like to thank in advance the patients and physicians who will contribute to the first Phase 3 program evaluating a PCSK9-targeted therapy," said Jay Edelberg M.D., Ph.D., Head of the PCSK9 Development and Launch Unit, Sanofi.  "This comprehensive Phase 3 program will test the safety and efficacy of SAR236553/REGN727 administered as one single injection every two weeks in multiple treatment strategies and patient types, such as those who are at elevated cardiovascular risk, are unable to tolerate statin therapy, or have familial hypercholesterolemia."

"Lowering LDL-C remains the primary objective for the management of hypercholesterolemia and has been supported by numerous morbidity and mortality trials.  Despite the existence of very effective LDL-C lowering therapies, many patients, such as those with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or those with elevated cardiovascular risk, are unable to achieve their LDL-C goals," said Professor Henry N. Ginsberg, M.D., Columbia University Medical Center, New York and Chair of the ODYSSEY Steering Committee.  "Sustained PCSK9 blockade represents a potential new option to further reduce LDL-C on top of standard of care statin therapy and help patients achieve their LDL-C goals."

The ODYSSEY program will enroll more than 22,000 patients.  This includes over ten clinical trials evaluating the effect of SAR236553/REGN727 on the lowering of LDL-C and an 18,000 patient cardiovascular outcomes (e.g., heart attack, stroke) study. LDL-C is expected to be the primary efficacy endpoint for regulatory filings.  The studies will be conducted in clinical centers around the world including the United States, Canada, Western and Eastern Europe, South America, Australia and Asia.  Studies are currently enrolling patients with familial hypercholesterolemia or elevated cardiovascular risk, as well as patients unable to tolerate statin therapy.

"We believe that Regeneron's expertise in antibody discovery and development, combined with Sanofi's experience in clinical development and self-injectable delivery systems, will be an advantage as we work to bring this important new therapy to patients who are unable to reach their LDL-C goals with traditional lipid-modifying therapies, as quickly as possible," said George D. Yancopoulos, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Regeneron and President of Regeneron Research Laboratories.

In parallel, Sanofi announced the creation of a dedicated PCSK9 Development & Launch Unit.  Jay Edelberg, M.D., Ph.D. has recently been appointed as Head of the Development & Launch Unit, reporting to Elias Zerhouni, President, Global R&D and Hanspeter Spek, President, Global Operations, Sanofi.  The creation of a dedicated unit for this new PCSK9 inhibitor underscores Sanofi's commitment to develop this potential first-in-class therapeutic agent.