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ENCORE Clinical Data Published in The Lancet Suggest Treatment with Oral Maintenance Therapy Effective in Previously Treated Gaucher Disease Patients
[March 25, 2015]

ENCORE Clinical Data Published in The Lancet Suggest Treatment with Oral Maintenance Therapy Effective in Previously Treated Gaucher Disease Patients


Genzyme, a Sanofi company, today announced the publication of results from the ENCORE study exploring Cerdelga® (eliglustat) as a maintenance therapy suitable for adult patients who had reached pre-specific treatment goals on enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in the March 26, 2015 online issue of The Lancet.

ENCORE is a randomized, multinational, Phase 3, open-label, non-inferiority study designed to determine whether patients with Gaucher disease type 1 who had been stabilized after 3 or more years of ERT infusions would remain stable after switching to Cerdelga, a novel, oral, selective inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthase. Eligible patients were randomized 2:1 to receive either oral Cerdelga (n=106) or ERT with Cerezyme® (imiglucerase) (n=53) over a period of 12 months.

The composite primary efficacy endpoint was the percentage of patients whose hematologic parameters and organ volumes remained stable, using the following stability criteria established for patients with Gaucher disease type 1 on maintenance therapy with Cerezyme:

  • Hemoglobin concentration that did not decrease more than 1.5 g/dL
  • Platelet count that did not decrease more than 25%
  • Spleen volume that did not increase more than 25%
  • Liver volume that did not increase more than 20%

After 12 months, 85% of patients receiving Cerdelga and 94% of patients receiving Cerezyme met the composite endpoint of stability in all four of these measures. The difference between the two treatments was within the pre-specified margins.

The principal secondary endpoints were stability with respect to the individual components of the primary endpoint. At least 93% of Cerdelga patients remained stable with respect to hemoglobin concentration, platelet count, spleen volume, and liver volume after 12 months of treatment.

Additional endpoints evaluated bone disease, Gaucher disease severity, quality-of-life and Gaucher-disease associated biomarkers. Baseline values for these measures reflected the clinical stability of this population, and no significant changes were seen after the switch to Cerdelga, with the exception of decreases in levels of the plasma biomarkers glucosylceramide and GM3. Given the mechanism of action of Cerdelga®, these were expected and all values remained within the healthy reference range.

A treatment preference survey done at the beginning of the trial found that 94% of patients in both treatment groups had a preference for oral treatment. After 12 months of treatment, all Cerdelga patients who responded to the survey (94%) confirmed this treatment preference, with the most frequent reasons cited being its convenience, capsule formation, availability at home and feeling better after treatment.

Most adverse events were non-serious and mild or moderate in severity. The most common side effects considered related to Cerdelga were diarrhea (5% of patients), arthralgia (4%), fatigue (4%) and headache (4%). Two Cerdelga patients and one Cerezyme patient (2% of each treatment arm) discontinued treatment. Discontinuations in the Cerdelga group were due to palpitations without clinically relevant ECG findings, deemed possibly treatment-related and myocardial infarction, deemed unrelated to treatment. The Cerezyme patient discontinued due to psychotic disorder, deemed unrelated to treatment.

"These findings extend the efficacy profile of Cerdelga beyond treatment-naïve adult patients with Gaucher disease type 1 to include maintenance therapy in individuals who have been stabilized on enzyme therapy," said lead author Timothy M. Cox (News - Alert), Research Director & Professor of Medicine at the University of Cambridge.

In Gaucher disease type 1, a deficiency of lysosomal acid ß-glucosidase leads to glucosylceramide accumulation in macrophages. This results in symptoms including hepatosplenomegaly, anemia, thrombocytopenia and skeletal disease.

Genzyme has been researching an oral therapy for Gaucher disease for 15 years, from early chemistry and preclinical research through clinical development. Cerdelga is a ceramide analog that works by partially inhibiting the enzyme UDP (News - Alert)-glucosylceramide transferase, slowing the production of ß-glucosylceramide, the substance that builds up in the lysosomes of affected patients. Patients with Gaucher disease type 1 retain residual acid ß-glucosidase enzyme activity and Cerdelga aims to reduce the rate at which the lipid is made so that the residual function is able to clear the excess and re-establish a healthy equilibrium.

"These data suggest that Cerdelga is an effective, well-tolerated oral therapy that will provide Gaucher disease type 1 patients with a first-line treatment alternative to intravenous dosing," said Genzyme's Acting Head of Rare Diseases, Richard Peters MD, PhD. "Since we introduced the world's first treatment for Gaucher disease type 1, Genzyme has remained committed to patients with this disease. Survey results indicate that many patients prefer an oral therapy and we are proud to provide another treatment option to the Gaucher community."

Genzyme's clinical development program for Cerdelga was the largest clinical program ever focused on Gaucher disease type 1 with approximatel 400 patients treated in 30 countries. Recently, results from the ENGAGE study of Cerdelga in treatment-naïve patients were published in The Journal of the American Medical Association.



About Gaucher disease
Gaucher disease is an inherited condition affecting fewer than 10,000 people worldwide. People with Gaucher disease do not have enough of an enzyme, acid ß-glucosidase that breaks down a certain type of fat molecule (glucosylceramide). As a result, lipid engorged cells (called Gaucher cells) amass in different parts of the body, primarily the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. Accumulation of Gaucher cells may cause spleen and liver enlargement, anemia, excessive bleeding and bruising, bone disease, and a number of other signs and symptoms. The most common form of Gaucher disease, type 1, generally does not affect the brain.

About Cerdelga®
Cerdelga® (eliglustat), a novel glucosylceramide analog given orally, was designed to partially inhibit the enzyme glucosylceramide synthase, which results in reduced production of glucosylceramide. Glucosylceramide is the substance that builds up in the cells and tissues of people with Gaucher disease. The concept was initially proposed by the late Norman Radin, PhD, from the University of Michigan. In pre-clinical studies, the precursor molecule, developed with James A. Shayman, MD, also from the University of Michigan, showed specificity for glucosylceramide synthase. Following Genzyme's extensive compound optimization, pre-clinical and early clinical development program, Cerdelga was studied in the largest Phase 3 clinical program ever conducted in Gaucher disease, with approximately 400 patients treated in 30 countries.


On August 19, 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Cerdelga (eliglustat) capsules, the only first-line oral therapy for certain adult Gaucher disease type 1 patients. The FDA approval was based on efficacy data from two positive Phase 3 studies for Cerdelga: one in patients new to therapy (ENGAGE), and the other in patients switching from approved enzyme replacement therapies (ENCORE). The filing also incorporated four years of efficacy data from the Cerdelga Phase 2 study.

The European Commission (EC) recently granted marketing authorization for Cerdelga, based on data from its clinical development program.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Indications and Usage
Cerdelga (eliglustat) capsules are indicated for the long-term treatment of adults with Gaucher disease type 1 (GD1) who are CYP2D6 extensive metabolizers (EMs), intermediate metabolizers (IMs) or poor metabolizers (PMs) as detected by an FDA-cleared test. Patients who are CYP2D6 ultra-rapid metabolizers (URMs) may not achieve adequate concentrations of Cerdelga to achieve a therapeutic effect. A specific dose cannot be recommended for those patients whose CYP2D6 genotype cannot be determined (indeterminate metabolizers).

Important Safety Information
Cerdelga is contraindicated in the following patients due to the risk of significantly increased Cerdelga plasma concentrations which may result in prolongation of the PR, QTc and/or QRS cardiac intervals that could result in cardiac arrhythmias: EMs or IMs taking a strong or moderate CYP2D6 inhibitor concomitantly with a strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitor and IMs or PMs taking a strong CYP3A inhibitor.

Drugs that inhibit CYP2D6 and CYP3A may significantly increase the exposure to Cerdelga; Cerdelga dose adjustment may be needed, depending on metabolizer status. See section 7 of the full Prescribing Information for more details and other potentially significant drug interactions.

Because Cerdelga is predicted to cause increases in ECG intervals at substantially elevated plasma concentrations, use is not recommended in patients with pre-existing cardiac disease, long QT syndrome, or in combination with Class IA and Class III antiarrhythmic medications.

The most common adverse reactions (=10%) for Cerdelga are: fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhea, back pain, pain in extremities and upper abdominal pain.

Only administer Cerdelga during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk; based on animal data, Cerdelga may cause fetal harm. Discontinue drug or nursing based on importance of drug to mother. Cerdelga is not recommended in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment or in patients with hepatic impairment.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Genzyme Corporation at (1-800-745-4447) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including patient Medication Guide, for additional important safety information.

Cerezyme Important Safety Information
Cerezyme (imiglucerase for injection) is indicated for long-term enzyme replacement therapy for pediatric and adult patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Type 1 Gaucher disease that results in one or more of the following conditions: anemia (low red blood cell count), thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count), bone disease or hepatomegaly or splenomegaly (enlarged liver or spleen).

Approximately 15% of patients have developed immune responses (antibodies). These patients have a higher risk of an allergic reaction (hypersensitivity). Use Cerezyme (imiglucerase for injection) carefully if you have had an allergic reaction to the product in the past. Symptoms suggestive of allergic reaction happened in 6.6% of patients, and include anaphylactoid reaction (a serious allergic reaction), itching, flushing, hives, an accumulation of fluid under the skin, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, coughing, cyanosis (a bluish discoloration of the skin due to diminished oxygen), and low blood pressure.

Side effects related to Cerezyme administration have been reported in less than 15% of patients. Each of the following events occurred in less than 2% of the total patient population. Reported side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, fatigue, headache, fever, dizziness, chills, backache, and rapid heart rate. Because Cerezyme therapy is administered by intravenous infusion, reactions at the site of injection may occur: discomfort, itching, burning, swelling or uninfected abscess. Cerezyme is available by prescription only. For full prescribing information, please visit www.genzyme.com.

About Genzyme, a Sanofi Company
Genzyme has pioneered the development and delivery of transformative therapies for patients affected by rare and debilitating diseases for over 30 years. We accomplish our goals through world-class research and with the compassion and commitment of our employees. With a focus on rare diseases and multiple sclerosis, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of the patients and families we serve. That goal guides and inspires us every day. Genzyme's portfolio of transformative therapies, which are marketed in countries around the world, represents groundbreaking and life-saving advances in medicine. As a Sanofi company, Genzyme benefits from the reach and resources of one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, with a shared commitment to improving the lives of patients. Learn more at www.genzyme.com

Genzyme®, Cerdelga® and Cerezyme® are registered trademarks of Genzyme Corporation. All rights reserved.

About Sanofi
Sanofi, a global and diversified healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients' needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and the new Genzyme. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).

Sanofi Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements include projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives, intentions and expectations with respect to future financial results, events, operations, services, product development and potential, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "plans" and similar expressions. Although Sanofi's management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Sanofi, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, future clinical data and analysis, including post marketing, decisions by regulatory authorities, such as the FDA or the EMA (News - Alert), regarding whether and when to approve any drug, device or biological application that may be filed for any such product candidates as well as their decisions regarding labelling and other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of such product candidates, the absence of guarantee that the product candidates if approved will be commercially successful, the future approval and commercial success of therapeutic alternatives, the Group's ability to benefit from external growth opportunities, trends in exchange rates and prevailing interest rates, the impact of cost containment policies and subsequent changes thereto, the average number of shares outstanding as well as those discussed or identified in the public filings with the SEC (News - Alert) and the AMF made by Sanofi, including those listed under "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in Sanofi's annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2014. Other than as required by applicable law, Sanofi does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements.


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