Sanofi MS drug shows good results in phase-3 trial

PARIS — A drug under investigation by Sanofi for multiple sclerosis improved several measures of disease activity in patients, according to results of a late-stage clinical trial.

The French drug maker announced the publication of results from the phase-3 "TEMSO" study of Aubagio (teriflunomide) in the New England Journal of Medicine. Data showed that in the 14-mg dosage, the drug reduced the annual relapse rate, reduced disability progressions and improved several magnetic resonance imaging measures of disease activity, including new or worsening brain lesions. The study involved 1,088 people in 21 countries with relapsing forms of MS and is part of a broader clinical trial program that will include 4,000 patients in 36 countries.

"The TEMSO data demonstrate the effect of teriflunomide in terms of reducing relapse rates, disability progression and magnetic resonance imaging lesions," TEMSO study principal investigator and director of the MS Clinic at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto Paul O'Connor said. "These results, sustained over two years, provide clinically meaningful data for teriflunomide."

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