Sanofi to present growth opportunities, development strategy for Dupixent in type 2 inflammatory diseases

Paris: Sanofi recently said in its recent release that the company's commercial and R&D executives will provide an overview of the growth and development strategy for Dupixent (dupilumab) in the third of its five-part series to highlight Sanofi's progress in R&D.

As announced in December 2019, Sanofi expects to deliver strong growth for Dupixent with the ambition of achieving more than €10 billion in peak sales driven by its selective mechanism of action targeting the type 2 inflammation pathway. Sanofi co-develops and co-commercializes Dupixent with Regeneron.

"By specifically targeting IL-4 and IL-13, Dupixent's mechanism of action is uniquely suited to help address conditions driven by type 2 inflammation," said John Reed, M.D., Ph.D., Global Head of Research and Development, Sanofi. "While atopic dermatitis and asthma are the foundational diseases where Dupixent was first approved for use, a great opportunity exists across multiple diseases where type 2 inflammation plays a role. We are therefore aggressively pursuing clinical evaluation of additional indications where patients are urgently awaiting solutions for their unmet medical needs."

Today's presentation will detail five potential future line extensions for Dupixent, including:

· Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) – It was recently announced that Part A of the Dupixent EoE pivotal Phase 3 trial met both co-primary endpoints as well as all key secondary endpoints. Dupixent demonstrated significant clinical and anatomic improvements, including the ability to swallow. In the U.S., approximately 160,000 patients with EoE are currently treated, of which an estimated 50,000 have failed multiple treatments.

Part B of the Phase 3 trial is ongoing, and, if the results are positive, regulatory submissions are expected to be filed by the end of 2022. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan drug designation to Dupixent for the treatment of EoE. Currently, no FDA-approved treatments are available for this condition.

. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) with Evidence of Type 2 Inflammation – Dupixent may benefit COPD patients with evidence of type 2 inflammation. Currently, a Phase 3 study is underway in COPD, with approximately 900 patients enrolled. A second confirmatory study is now being initiated based on a rigorously defined, prespecified futility analysis of data from the ongoing COPD trial. If successful, regulatory submissions would be made in the 2024 timeframe. In the U.S., approximately 300,000 patients with COPD continue to suffer exacerbations despite available treatment options.

. Prurigo Nodularis (PN) – PN is a skin disease resulting in intense itching (pruritus) that adversely impacts the quality of life, with many patients developing anxiety and depression. Currently, no approved treatments are available for PN, which represents a significant unmet need with approximately 74,000 patients eligible for a biologic in the U.S.

Currently, two Phase 3 studies are underway testing Dupixent, each enrolling 150 patients with PN. Topline trial results are expected in 2021, which could support regulatory filings at the end of 2021.

· Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) – CSU is a common condition characterized by the recurrent appearance of highly pruritic (itchy) wheals (hives) with or without angioedema. CSU patients experience debilitating hives and pruritus secondary to mast cell and basophil dysregulation. Approximately, 40-50% of patients do not respond to approved treatments including antihistamines and other biologic treatments. Approximately 300,000 patients are eligible for a biologic in the U.S.

Earlier this year, a 240 patient registrational study of Dupixent in CSU was initiated, and if the results are positive, regulatory filings would be submitted in 2022.

· Bullous Pemphigoid (BP) – BP is a rare autoimmune skin disease with type 2 inflammatory features, including pruritic plaques and large fluid-filled blisters. Approximately 27,000 patients are chronically treated with oral corticoid steroids who are potentially eligible for a biologic in the U.S.

A pivotal Phase 3 trial testing Dupixent in BP patients has been initiated. If the results are positive, regulatory filings will be submitted in 2023+. The FDA has granted orphan drug designation to Dupixent for the treatment of BP.

All of these potential uses are investigational, and the safety and efficacy of Dupixent in any of these indications has not been evaluated by any regulatory authority.

Read also: Dupixent met co-primary endpoints in Part A of Phase 3 trial: Regeneron, Sanofi