Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) is developing fourteen human monoclonal antibodies, utilizing its VelocImmune technology. The company is developing seven of the antibodies in partnership with Sanofi (NYSE: SNY). One of the most interesting candidates being developed under the partnership is alirocumab, a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) antibody.
The companies presented encouraging data on the candidate from a multi-center phase II study (n~100) in Japanese patients. Data revealed that treatment with alirocumab (as a combination therapy) resulted in significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C or bad cholesterol) across three doses (150 mg, 75 mg and 50 mg) compared to patients treated with placebo.
At week 12, average LDL reduction was observed to be 72% at 150 mg, 62% at 75 mg and 55% at the 50 mg dosage. The average LDL reduction in the placebo cohort was found to be only 3%.
We remind investors that in Oct 2013, Sanofi and Regeneron reported encouraging top-line data from the phase III ODYSSEY MONO (n=103) on alirocumab. The randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, parallel-group study is evaluating the efficacy and safety of alirocumab as a monotherapy over 24 weeks in patients suffering from primary hypercholesterolemia (presence of high cholesterol levels in the blood). The patients stand a moderate risk of being affected by cardiovascular diseases. Regeneron/Sanofi commenced enrolling patients in 2 other studies on alirocumab ODYSSEY CHOICE I and CHOICE II (as part of the ODYSSEY phase III program) in the final quarter of 2013 and the first quarter of 2014, respectively.
We note that Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN) recently reported positive phase III data on its cholesterol fighter evolocumab (AMG 145), also a PCSK9 inhibitor.
Regeneron carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Sanofi holds a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). An example of a better-ranked stock is Alexion Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ALXN) carrying a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
ALEXION PHARMA (NASDAQ: ALXN): Free Stock Analysis Report
AMGEN INC (NASDAQ: AMGN): Free Stock Analysis Report
REGENERON PHARM (NASDAQ: REGN): Free Stock Analysis Report
SANOFI-AVENTIS (NYSE: SNY): Free Stock Analysis Report
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