French pharma giant
Sanofi
(
SNY
) recently announced that detailed data on Zaltrap
(aflibercept) from the pivotal phase III VELOUR study was
published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology's (JCO) October 2012
edition. The study evaluated Zaltrap for the treatment of patients
with previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer.
On August 3, 2012, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had
approved Zaltrap as a combination therapy (with 5-fluorouracil,
leucovorin, irinotecan - FOLFIRI) for treating patients suffering
from metastatic colorectal cancer who are either resistant to or
whose disease has progressed following the treatment with an
oxaliplatin-containing regimen.
The FDA cleared Zaltrap on the basis of data from the phase III
VELOUR study (n=1,226). The multinational, randomized, double-blind
phase III study evaluated the use of FOLFIRI in combination with
either Zaltrap or placebo. Significant improvement in median
survival was observed in the Zaltrap arm (13.50 months) as compared
to placebo (12.06 months).
Zaltrap in combination with FOLFIRI also demonstrated a
statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival
(PFS) and overall response rate (ORR) compared to placebo with
FOLFIRI.
Sanofi has a worldwide collaboration with
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(
REGN
) for the development and commercialization of Zaltrap. As per the
agreement between Regeneron and Sanofi, the companies will share
the profits from global Zaltrap sales equally after Regeneron's
obligation to repay its share of development costs is met.
Our Recommendation
We currently have a Neutral recommendation on Sanofi. The stock
carries a Zacks #2 Rank (Buy rating) in the short run. We are
pleased with the company's efforts to develop its pipeline. We
expect Sanofi to continue to contain operating costs in order to
increase earnings in the face of weakening sales of some of its
biggest products. We also expect the company to pursue bolt-on
acquisitions.
REGENERON PHARM (REGN): Free Stock Analysis
Report
SANOFI-AVENTIS (SNY): Free Stock Analysis
Report
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