Regeneron announces positive results from drug trials

Tarrytown-based Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Sanofi announced positive results from phase three clinical trials of the drug sarilumab in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

In the study, sarilumab demonstrated improvement in disease signs and symptoms at 24 weeks, physical function at 16 weeks and inhibition of joint damage progression at 52 weeks.  These data were to be presented Thursday at the European League Against Rheumatism Annual Congress in Paris.

“Despite notable advances, many RA patients continue to struggle with debilitating signs and symptoms, underscoring a clear need for additional options,” said Dr. Mark Genovese, a professor at Stanford University Medical Center and lead investigator in the study. “Sarilumab showed efficacy in this study at two different doses, both delivered subcutaneously every other week.  We look forward to the results of ongoing trials in this comprehensive registration program.”

Regeneron is a biopharmaceutical company that develops and manufactures medicines for the treatment of serious medical conditions. Sanofi is a pharmaceutical company based in Paris.