PARIS, July 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sanofi-aventis announces solid growth in the second quarter.
Increase in 2008 Guidance
Barring major adverse events, sanofi-aventis expects 2008 full-year adjusted EPS excluding selected items(1) to grow around 8%, calculated at constant 2007 euro/dollar parity (1.371).
Sensitivity to the euro/dollar exchange rate is estimated at 0.5% of growth for a 1-cent movement in the exchange rate.
2008 second-quarter and first-half net sales
Unless otherwise indicated, all sales growth figures in this press release are stated on a comparable basis.
Sanofi-aventis generated second-quarter net sales of euro 6,689 million, up 5.2%. Exchange rate movements had an unfavorable effect of 6.5 points, of which nearly 75% was due to the U.S. dollar. Changes in Group structure had an unfavorable effect of 2.3 points, which includes the end of commercialization by the Group of Copaxone(R) in the United States and Canada under the agreements with Teva. On a reported basis, net sales fell by 3.6%.
First-half net sales rose by 2.9% to euro 13,626 million. Exchange rate movements had an unfavorable effect of 5.5 points, of which nearly 80% was due to the U.S. dollar. Changes in Group structure had an unfavorable effect of 0.9 of a point. Excluding these effects, net sales fell by 3.5% on a reported basis.
Net sales by business segment - Pharmaceuticals
Second-quarter net sales for the pharmaceuticals business grew 4.1% to reach euro 6,032 million, supported by the performance of our flagship products and by the resilience of the rest of our portfolio. Net sales of the top 15 products were 5.8% higher at euro 4,027 million, while net sales of the other products in the portfolio rose by 0.8% to euro 2,005 million.
First-half net sales for the pharmaceuticals business were up 2.3% at euro 12,421 million. Net sales of the top 15 products were up 3.7% at euro 8,349 million. Excluding the impact of the introduction of generics(2) of Ambien(R) IR in the United States and Eloxatin(R) in Europe, first-half growth for the top 15 products would have reached 9.6%. The other products in the portfolio reported modest first-half decrease of 0.5%, to euro 4,072 million.
Comments by product
Lovenox(R), the leading low molecular weight heparin on the market, reported moderate growth in net sales in the second quarter.
In the United States, following a surge in sales in the a first quarter (due partly to wholesalers buying buffer stocks in response to the withdrawal of some unfractionated heparins), net sales of Lovenox(R) rose by a more modest 6.5% in the second quarter to euro 379 million.
In Europe, we were unable to fully meet demand for the product in the second quarter due to the withdrawal of some batches in which low levels of impurities were detected. Shipments are expected to return to normal levels in the third quarter.
The impact of heparin short supply neutralized over H1 2008 period, Lovenox sales were up 12.9% at euro 1 354 million.
Net sales of Lantus(R), the world’s leading insulin brand, rose by 27.2% in the second quarter to euro 576 million. In the United States, the product reported growth of 26.2% to euro 328 million, boosted by LantusSoloSTAR(R).
The results of the TULIP study, presented to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in June, confirmed the importance of promptly initiating insulin treatment when patients with type 2 diabetes are unable to achieve recommended glycemic targets with diet, exercise and oral diabetes medications alone. In this study, 66% of patients who began treatment with Lantus(R) achieved A1C of <7%, the ADA’s recommended target for glycemic control, while only 38% of patients from the lifestyle management arm were able to achieve the recommended target levels.
Taxotere(R) again achieved double-digit growth in the second quarter, across all three geographical regions. In the United States, net sales were up 15.7% at euro 177 million, boosted by use of the product in adjuvant breast cancer treatment. In May, sanofi-aventis and GEICAM (the Spanish breast cancer research group) announced that a study of women with high-risk node-negative early stage breast cancer had shown that adjuvant treatment (post surgery) with Taxotere(R) as part of the TAC regimen (Taxotere(R), doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide) was associated with a significant improvement in Disease Free Survival compared to a standard FAC regimen (5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide).
Also in May, the results from the AVADO study presented to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) showed the benefits of combining Taxotere(R) and Avastin(R) as a first-line treatment for women with HER2 negative metastatic breast cancer.
Ambien CR(R) posted second-quarter net sales of $153 million in the United States, compared with $190 million for the second quarter of 2007. Net sales of Ambien(R) IR, which went off patent in the United States on April 20, 2007, totaled $34 million, against $90 million for the comparable period of 2007.
In Japan, sales of Myslee(R), which have been consolidated by sanofi-aventis since January 1, 2008, amounted to euro 35 million for the second quarter (up 15.1%) and euro 61 million for the first half (up 12.3%).
In June, results from a new study presented at the SLEEP 2008 Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies (APSS) demonstrated that Ambien CR(R) 12.5mg provided significant improvement in sleep onset, sleep maintenance and total sleep time over 8 weeks in patients with comorbid insomnia and major depressive disorder who were administered a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) for depression.
In the United States, sales of Eloxatin(R) - the market-leading colorectal cancer treatment as adjuvant and in the metastatic phase - rose by 4.8% to euro 219 million. In Europe, the ongoing introduction of generic versions of the product again weighed on total net sales, which fell by 5.0% to euro 326 million. In the Other Countries region, the product recorded strong growth of 29.7%, to euro 48 million.
In May, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a supplemental new drug application to include six-year overall survival analysis from the MOSAIC trial in the Eloxatin(R) prescribing information. The trial results showed that after a median follow-up of six years, Stage III colon cancer patients treated with FOLFOX4 (Eloxatin(R) + 5-FU/LV) had a 20% reduction in the risk of dying compared to those treated with standard chemotherapy alone. The new prescribing information also includes five-year disease free survival data in Stage III colon cancer patients treated following surgery to remove the primary tumor.
Net sales of Acomplia(R) reached euro 32 million in the second quarter and euro 54 million in the first half. During the second quarter, Acomplia(R) was launched in Brazil and Italy.
Positive results from ARPEGGIO, the first clinical trial on the administration of rimonabant to patients with type 2 diabetes not adequately controlled with insulin therapy, were presented to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in June.
Xyzal(R), a new prescription oral antihistamine launched by sanofi-aventis and UCB in the United States at the start of October 2007, generated net sales of euro 26 million in the second quarter and euro 44 million in the first half.
In the United States, sales of Plavix(R) (consolidated by Bristol Myers Squibb - BMS) totaled $1,208 million in the second quarter of 2008, compared with $1,019 million in the second quarter of 2007. Over the first half of 2008, sales of the product reached $2,350 million, versus $1,809 million in the first half of 2007 when the product was still affected by the availability of a generic version, mainly at the start of the period.
In Europe, second-quarter net sales of Plavix(R) were up 5.9% at euro 469 million, though sales are still being adversely affected by Germany.
Sanofi-aventis became aware on May 28, 2008, that the German federal drug agency (BfArM) had reviewed and approved three applications for marketing approval relating to clopidogrel besylate in Germany, ahead of the expiry date of the data exclusivity period for clopidogrel in the European Union (July 15, 2008). The applications relate to a different pharmaceutical salt of clopidogrel from the one used in Plavix(R), and the approvals granted cover only some of the indications of Plavix(R). Sanofi-aventis believes that these applications - which rely on data from sanofi-aventis and Bristol-Myers Squibb, who developed Plavix(R)/Iscover(R) (clopidogrel bisulfate) - should not have been accepted by a regulatory body within the European Union before this date. Starting in May 2008, sanofi-aventis therefore instigated a number of civil, administrative and regulatory actions, which initially led to the suspension of the marketing authorizations pending further review by the BfArM. On July 29, 2008, the German administrative court in Cologne ordered the immediate enforcement of two of these marketing authorizations, ending their suspension. Sanofi-aventis and BMS are appealing.
In the rest of the world, Plavix(R) recorded growth of 20% in the quarter and 25.8% in the first half, strengthened by its performance in Japan: second-quarter net sales reached euro 43 million (Q2 2007: euro 12 million), and first-half sales were euro 70 million (H1 2007: euro 16 million).
Second-quarter worldwide sales of Aprovel(R)/Avapro(R)/Karvea(R) were up 14.7% at euro 499 million. Over the first half, sales of the product were up 13.0% at euro 971 million.
Net sales by business segment - Human Vaccines
Second-quarter consolidated net sales for the Human Vaccines business rose by 17.1% to euro 657 million.
Net sales of influenza vaccines increased 78.2% in the quarter to euro 155 million, driven by the fulfillment of a new H5N1 vaccine contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for $192.5 million (compared with $113 million in the second quarter of 2007).
Adult booster vaccines also achieved strong growth, of 18.1%, due primarily to the performance of Adacel(TM) (adult and adolescent tetanus- diphtheria-pertussis booster), which increased 33.2% in the quarter to euro 59 million.
Net sales of Menactra(R) rose by 1.9% in the second quarter to euro 92 million. Sales were impacted by the timing of public sector orders that are expected to occur in the third quarter.
Pentacel(R), the first 5-in-1 pediatric combination vaccine to protect against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and haemophilus influenzae type b, was approved in the United States at the end June and launched at the start of July. This new vaccine is expected to strengthen Sanofi Pasteur’s position in the pediatric segment of the U.S. market.
First-half consolidated net sales for the Human Vaccines business were up 10.1% at euro 1,205 million.
Second-quarter sales at Sanofi Pasteur MSD, the joint venture with Merck & Co in Europe, rose by 39.4% on a reported basis to euro 274 million, boosted by the performance of Gardasil(R), the first vaccine against papillomavirus infections (which cause cervical cancer). Net sales of Gardasil(R) were euro 149 million, compared with euro 58 million in the second quarter of 2007.
First-half sales for Sanofi Pasteur MSD were up 60.1% on a reported basis at euro 552 million.
In June, Sanofi Pasteur inaugurated a new vaccine production facility at Val de Reuil, France. This new facility, which cost approximately euro 100 million, uses the very latest technology to produce vaccines to the highest quality standards. The facility is due to be operational by the end of 2008 once it is certified by the healthcare authorities, and has been designed to fill 200 million syringes and vials per year, doubling the site’s existing capacity.
In Europe, after a slight decrease in the first quarter, sales rose by 1.0% in the second quarter, largely because the rate of decline in German sales slowed. Overall, first-half net sales rose by 0.1%. The impact of Eloxatin(R) generics pared approximately 1.4% off growth for the period.
In the United States, sales rose by 6.6% in the second quarter, boosted by dynamic performances from Lantus (up 26.2%), Taxotere (up 15.7%), and vaccines (up 23.2%). Over the first half, net sales rose by 1.5%. Excluding the impact of generics of Ambien(R) IR3, first-half sales growth would have reached 10.7%.
Net sales in the Other Countries region rose by 12.0% in the second quarter and by 10.6% in the first half.
Adjusted consolidated income statement
Second quarter of 2008
In the second quarter of 2008, sanofi-aventis generated net sales of euro 6,689 million, down 3.6% on a reported basis (up 5.2% on a comparable basis).
Gross profit was euro 5,249 million. Other revenues were affected by the fall in the U.S. dollar, and slipped by 1.7%. The ratio of cost of sales to net sales was 25.8%, an improvement of 0.7 of a point, reflecting the favorable effect of the end of commercialization by sanofi-aventis of Copaxone(R) in North America.
Research and development expenses fell by 0.9%, but rose by 3.4% after excluding exchange rate effects.
Selling and general expenses fell by 7.4% (or by 1.9% excluding exchange rate effects) to euro 1,789 million. Our ongoing cost control measures led to a further marked improvement in the ratio of selling and general expenses to net sales, from 27.8% for the second quarter of 2007 to 26.7% for the second quarter of 2008.
Other current operating income, net of expenses totaled euro 74 million, against euro 5 million in the comparable period of 2007. The 2008 figure includes the payment by Teva of a fee calculated in proportion to North American sales of Copaxone(R).
Operating income - current(1) was 3.1% higher at euro 2,402 million. Excluding the effect of exchange rates, growth would have reached 14.1%. After stripping out the euro 61 million expense recognized in 2007 (as a selected item) for the harmonization of the Group’s welfare and healthcare plans for retirees, operating income - current(1) would have risen by 11.2%.
The 2008 second-quarter financial statements include restructuring costs of euro 179 million (euro 126 million after tax, included in selected items) relating mainly to the adaptation of industrial facilities in France and the sales force in Europe.
An impairment loss of euro 69 million (euro 49 million after tax, included in selected items) was recognized in the period. This reflects the discontinuation of the collaboration with Taiho on S-1, and the Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) recommendation on the TRIST trial evaluating Trovax(R) in kidney cancer.
Net financial expenses were euro 33 million, compared with euro 39 million in the second quarter of 2007, and include a gain of euro 38 million (euro 27 million after tax, included in selected items) on the sale of the investment in Millennium. Interest expense on debt was euro 49 million, compared with euro 55 million in the second quarter of 2007.
The effective tax rate was 29.6%, compared with 30.7% for the second quarter of 2007.
The share of profits from associates was euro 217 million, versus euro 210 million in the second quarter of 2007. The share of after-tax profits from territories managed by BMS under the Plavix(R) and Avapro(R) alliance amounted to euro 145 million, compared with euro 136 million in the second quarter of 2007, with the rate of growth checked by the weaker dollar.
Minority interests came to euro 105 million, compared with euro 99 million in the second quarter of 2007. This line includes the share of pre-tax profits paid to BMS from territories managed by sanofi-aventis (euro 101 million, versus euro 93 million in the second quarter of 2007).
Adjusted net income came to euro 1,605 million, down 4.4%, while adjusted earnings per share (adjusted EPS) was euro 1.23, down 0.8% on the 2007 second-quarter figure (euro 1.24), based on an average number of shares outstanding of 1,306.5 million for the second quarter of 2008 and of 1,351.9 million for the second quarter of 2007.
Adjusted net income excluding selected items was euro 1,753 million, 0.7% higher than the 2007 second-quarter figure (euro 1,740 million), while adjusted EPS excluding selected items was euro 1.34, 3.9% up on the 2007 second-quarter figure (euro 1.29).
Expressed in U.S. dollars(1), adjusted net income excluding selected items was 16.7% up on the second quarter of 2007, and adjusted EPS excluding selected items was 20.7% up on the second quarter of 2007.
First half of 2008
In the first half of 2008, sanofi-aventis generated net sales of euro 13,626 million, down 3.5% on a reported basis but up 2.9% on a comparable basis.
Gross profit was euro 10,581 million. Despite a strong first-half performance by Plavix(R) in the United States (30.4% comparable-basis growth), royalty income rose by only 4.2% to euro 570 million due to the sharp fall in the U.S. dollar. The ratio of cost of sales to net sales was roughly stable at 26.5%, as a better product mix and the end of commercialization by sanofi-aventis of Copaxone(R) in North American in the second quarter almost offset the effect of generic competition for Ambien(R) IR in the United States in the first quarter.
Research and development expenses were virtually unchanged (down 0.1%) at euro 2,180 million, but rose by 3.7% after excluding the effect of exchange rates.
Selling and general expenses totaled euro 3,572 million, a reduction of 6.1% (down 1.3% after excluding the effect of exchange rates), and represented 26.2% of net sales (versus 26.9% in the first half of 2007), reflecting the impact of our selective cost adaptation policy.
Operating income - current was 2.5% lower at euro 4,924 million, but 5.9% higher after excluding exchange rate effects, and represented 36.1% of net sales versus 35.8% in the first half of 2007. After stripping out the euro 61 million expense recognized in 2007 (as a selected item) for the harmonization of the Group’s welfare and healthcare plans for retirees and excluding exchange rate effect, operating income - current would have risen by 4.7%.
The 2008 first-half financial statements include restructuring costs of euro 207 million (euro 146 million after tax) relating to the adaptation of industrial facilities in France and the sales force in Europe.
The effective tax rate was 29.6%. In 2007, income tax expense included a net gain of euro 223 million arising from changes in provisions and the settlement of tax disputes. The 2007 first-half effective tax rate was 30.7%.
The share of profits from associates was euro 451 million, compared with euro 369 million in the first half of 2007. The share of after-tax profits from territories managed by BMS under the Plavix(R) and Avapro(R) alliance amounted to euro 291 million (versus euro 235 million for the first half of 2007).
Minority interests totaled euro 220 million, compared with euro 211 million for the first half of 2007. This line includes the share of pre-tax profits paid to BMS from territories managed by sanofi-aventis (euro 212 million, versus euro 200 million in the first half of 2007).
Adjusted net income was down 8.6% at euro 3,468 million.
Adjusted earnings per share (adjusted EPS) was euro 2.64, 6.0% lower than the 2007 first-half figure (euro 2.81), based on an average number of shares outstanding of 1,313.7 million for the first half of 2008 and 1,351.5 million for the first half of 2007.
Adjusted net income excluding selected items was euro 3,636 million, down 0.4% on the 2007 first-half figure (euro 3,649 million), while adjusted EPS excluding selected items was euro 2.77, 2.6% higher than the 2007 first-half figure (euro 2.70).
Expressed in U.S. dollars(1), adjusted net income excluding selected items was 14.8% higher than for the first half of 2007, and adjusted EPS excluding selected items was 18.1% higher than for the first half of 2007.
Consolidated statement of cash flows and balance sheet as of June 30, 2008
Operating cash flow before changes in working capital for the first half of 2008 was euro 3,932 million, compared with euro 4,209 million for the first half of 2007.
Working capital needs increased by euro 690 million over the period, against euro 1,163 million in the first half of 2007.
Investing activities generated a net cash outflow of euro 692 million, versus euro 584 million in the first half of 2007. The product acquisitions (euro 104 million) were mainly related to Myslee(R). The sale in May 2008 of the investment in Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. generated a cash inflow of euro 71 million, net of tax.
After the dividend payout of euro 2,706 million (euro 2,371 million in the first half of 2007) and the acquisition of treasury shares for euro 1,225 million, net debt increased by euro 1,363 million in the first half of 2008.
Net debt stood at euro 5,593 million as of June 30, 2008, compared with euro 4,230 million as of December 31, 2007 and at the same level as of June 30, 2007
Gearing was 13.5% as of June 30, 2008, compared with 9.5% as of December 31, 2007.
Increase in 2008 Guidance(4)
Barring major adverse events, sanofi-aventis expects 2008 full-year adjusted EPS excluding selected items to grow around 8%, calculated at constant 2007 euro/dollar parity (1.371).
Sensitivity to the euro/dollar exchange rate is estimated at 0.5% of growth for a 1-cent movement in the exchange rate.
Research and Development
The R&D results highlights of the second quarter of 2008 include the exceptional results of the ATHENA trial, evaluating the efficacy of Multaq(R) on morbidity/mortality of patients with atrial fibrillation. Registration dossier was submitted to the healthcare authorities in Europe and the United States at the end of June, reflecting the commitment and responsiveness of the teams behind this project.
Our ongoing portfolio rationalization program, designed to target resources on the most promising projects, led to the discontinuation during the quarter of some projects judged to have an inadequate risk/benefit profile.
The main advances in our portfolio during the quarter are described below:
Cardiovascular/Thrombosis
Multaq(R): The results of the ATHENA morbidity/mortality trial were presented at the 29th Annual Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) in San Francisco. The results showed that Multaq(R) significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular hospitalization or death by 24% (p = 2.10(-8)) in patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, thereby meeting the trial’s primary endpoint.
For the first time in twenty years of pharmaceutical research in atrial fibrillation, a treatment has shown a significant decrease in the risk of cardiovascular death by 30% (p = 0.03) on top of standard therapy, including rate control and antithrombotic drugs. Multaq(R) also significantly decreased the risk of arrhythmic death by 45% (p=0.01). First cardiovascular hospitalization was reduced by 25% (p = 9.10(-9)) versus the placebo group.
Registration dossier for Multaq(R) was submitted at the end of June in Europe and in the United States.
Idrabiotaparinux (biotinylated idraparinux) is a long-acting selective neutralizable factor Xa coagulation inhibitor, administered by weekly subcutaneous injection.
The results of the EQUINOX bioequipotency study show that idrabiotaparinux has a similar pharmacodynamic profile to idraparinux, as well as an efficacy and safety profile in line with those obtained with idraparinux in the Van Gogh study (which evaluated idraparinux in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis). In addition, after 6 months of treatment, neutralization of the anti-Xa effect of idrabiotaparinux by avidin is obtained very rapidly with no rebound effect.
Enrolment to two large-scale phase III trials is ongoing. More than half of the 3,200 patients for the CASSIOPEA pulmonary embolism trial have been recruited to date. Enrolment of patients to the BOREALIS-AF trial is on track. This trial is designed to assess the efficacy of biotinylated idraparinux versus anti-vitamin K in the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. Filing for approval in this indication is scheduled for 2011.
AVE5026 is a powerful anti-coagulant (ultra low weight molecular heparin) with pharmacodynamic properties that go beyond anti-Xa factor activity. Because of its subcutaneous mode of administration, it is not associated with differences in bioavailability.
Enrolment to the 7 trials in the phase III program, which will include over 10,000 patients, is under way.
Filing for approval in the first set of indications (prevention of venous thromboembolic events in patients requiring hip or knee replacement, or undergoing hip fracture surgery or abdominal surgery, or receiving chemotherapy) is scheduled for 2010, followed by a subsequent filing (prevention of thromboembolic events in medical patients) in 2011.
NV1FGF is a highly innovative gene therapy approach. Enrolment to the TAMARIS phase III trial, which will evaluate the product’s efficacy in preventing amputations in patients suffering from critical lower limb ischemia, has started with 120 active centers. Filing for approval in this indication is scheduled for 2010.
It has been decided to discontinue the development of ilepatril (AVE 7688) and SL65.0472.
Oncology
Aflibercept (VEGF Trap) is being developed under an alliance with Regeneron. It has a unique mechanism of action and its properties, when compared with monoclonal antibodies, give it the potential to be an anti-angiogenesis agent with a broader spectrum of activity.
Results from a randomized double-blind study involving 215 women with advanced ovarian cancer treated with a 2 mg/kg or 4 mg/kg dose of aflibercept every two weeks have been presented to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
The study showed clear evidence of a response as measured by RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) and CA-125. According to the IRC (Independent Review Committee), RECIST response rates were 4.6% in patients receiving the 4 mg/kg dose and 0.9% in those receiving the 2 mg/kg dose. However, the study did not achieve its primary endpoint of demonstrating that patients in either arm of the study achieved an IRC-assessed response of at least 5%.
The CA-125 response, an important marker of tumoral activity in ovarian cancer, was a secondary endpoint of the study. Response rates, defined as at least a 50% reduction in CA-125 antigen levels, were 11.6% in the evaluable patients treated with 4 mg/kg and 11.5% in the evaluable patients treated with 2 mg/kg.
In addition, a phase II study of aflibercept as a first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer is due to begin in the second half of 2008.
Based on the 1,600 patients already treated, the undesirable side-effects of aflibercept have been consistent with those expected for this class of anti-angiogenesis agents (hypertension, proteinuria). The reported incidence of bowel perforations has been low.
AVE8062 (licensed from Ajinomoto) is an agent that induces rapid destruction of intra-tumoral micro-vessels. Enrolment to a phase III study evaluating AVE8062 as a second-line treatment for advanced sarcoma has begun. Filing in this indication is scheduled for 2011.
In July, the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) for TRIST study of Trovax(R) (partnership with Oxford Biomedica) in renal cancer has recommended that patients vaccinations in this study be discontinued.
On July 18, 2008, sanofi-aventis announced the termination of the agreement with Taiho Pharmaceutical for the development and commercialization of S-1.
Central Nervous System
Eplivanserin is a compound in a new class, 5HT2-A antagonists, intended to treat sleep disorders. It improves the quality of sleep by reducing the number and duration of WASO (Wake time After Sleep Onset) events in patients with fragmented sleep patterns, with no residual effects reported to date.
Submissions for the approval of eplivanserin are due to be filed with the authorities in the fourth quarter of 2008.
Saredutant: Results from the MAGENTA study, evaluating the maintenance of the effects of saredutant in the treatment of major depressive disorders, confirmed the product’s good long-term safety profile. However, the MAGENTA study also showed that relapse was not significantly reduced versus placebo when patients who had responded to saredutant after 3 months had their treatment extended to 12 months.
Analysis of all other saredutant short term studies revealed a benefit for patients with major depressive disorders based on the HAM-D scale.
The decision on submitting saredutant for regulatory approval will depend on the results of two ongoing trials assessing the product in combination with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) escitalopram and paroxetine, which are due to be completed in the first half of 2009.
Teriflunomide is a potential oral treatment for multiple sclerosis, with a targeted efficacy profile similar to interferons on relapse and progression of disability, but with a better safety. Enrolment of the 1,080 patient population in the TEMSO phase III placebo-controlled trial evaluating teriflunomide as monotherapy is now complete.
It has been decided to discontinue the development of amibegron and SSR 149415 (a V1B receptor antagonist).
Metabolism
AVE0010 is a novel injectable anti-diabetic in the GLP-1 receptor agonist class. Results from the phase IIb study of AVE0010, presented to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), showed that treatment with AVE0010 was well tolerated and significantly improved glycemic control, compared to placebo in type 2 diabetes patients who were unable to achieve adequate control with metformin as monotherapy. The once-daily dose regimen gave a marked dose-response effect, with a reduction in HbA1c comparable with that of a twice-daily regimen. Treatment with AVE0010 was also accompanied by weight loss, a reduction in post-prandial glycemia, and good gastro-intestinal tolerance.
A large phase III programme involving over 3,000 patients began in the second quarter. This programme is evaluating a once-daily injection of AVE0010 on top of the main existing treatments (metformin, sulfonylurea, insulin, pioglitazone), and also includes a comparison with exenatide and a monotherapy study. Submission for approval is scheduled for 2010, but this date may change due to new FDA pre-conditions in this indication. A phase I study evaluating a prolonged release formulation is under way.
Rimonabant: The development program in type 2 diabetes is ongoing.
Results from ARPEGGIO, the first clinical trial on the administration of rimonabant to patients with type 2 diabetes not adequately controlled with insulin therapy, were presented to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in June. Rimonabant significantly improved HbA1c by 0.89% from the baseline value, and by 0.64% over the control group (p<0.0001). Glucose control was three times more pronounced when rimonabant was added than with insulin treatment and lifestyle advice alone.
Enrolment of the 17,000 patient population to the CRESCENDO morbidity-mortality trial is now complete, and the results are expected in 2011.
AVE5530 is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor. Results from phase
