Sanofi is accelerating the development of a new Lantus formulation, a move designed to help the drugmaker remain competitive as Novo Nordisk A/S introduces a rival to its best-selling diabetes medicine. Sanofi, France’s biggest drugmaker, said today it will bypass mid-phase clinical trials for the experimental drug, and begin final-stage testing of the product in the first quarter next year. The Paris-based company decided to move directly to late-stage development after consulting with regulatory agencies, Chief Executive Officer Chris Viehbacher told analysts during a conference call.
