Sanofi and Regeneron Launch Comprehensive Phase 3 Clinical Program With LDL Cholesterol-Lowering PCSK9 Antibody

Sanofi

and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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."