British Columbia funds treatment with AUBAGIO™ for Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Once-daily oral medication to be reimbursed for first-line use

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 11, 2014 /CNW/ - Genzyme, a Sanofi company, announced today that the British Columbia drug program, PharmaCare, has included AUBAGIO™ (teriflunomide) 14 mg on the provincial formulary as a first-line oral agent for people in the province living with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

AUBAGIO™ is indicated as monotherapy for the treatment of RRMS to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations and to delay the accumulation of physical disability.

"We are pleased to have an additional therapy available to us in the treatment of MS. Having access to this new oral therapy will allow us to tailor our treatment to our patients' needs. We are grateful to the provincial drug program in BC for approving access to this therapy in 1^st line," said Dr. Virginia Devonshire, Clinical Assistant Professor Neurology, UBC.

"It is important that British Columbians living with MS are able to access the full range of treatment options in consultation with their healthcare team," says Tania Vrionis, President of the MS Society, BC & Yukon Division. "The availability of therapies that can be administered orally – especially as 'first line options' – is a welcome development. The MS Society is pleased that the provincial government continues to provide coverage of MS treatments in a timely manner."

About MS in Canada
With 100,000 Canadians living with MS and three people newly diagnosed every day, Canada has one of the highest prevalence rates in the world. As most people are diagnosed with relapsing MS in their twenties and thirties, MS is the most common neurological disease affecting young adults in Canada.

"We applaud the Government of British Columbia's decision to make AUBAGIO™ available to patients suffering from RRMS. With its once-a-day oral regimen, this will provide patients an alternative to injectables," said Peter Brenders, General Manager, Genzyme Canada.

As part of its commitment to those living with MS, Genzyme has developed the MS One to One™ program which offers comprehensive information services and ongoing education as well as reimbursement navigation. Staffed by dedicated MS nurses and highly trained representatives, MS One to One provides support for individuals living with MS, their healthcare providers, family and loved ones.

About AUBAGIO™ (Teriflunomide)
Approved in Canada in November 2013, AUBAGIO™ is an immunomodulator with anti-inflammatory properties. Although the exact mechanism of action for AUBAGIO™ is not fully understood, it may involve a reduction in the number of activated lymphocytes in the central nervous system (CNS). AUBAGIO™ is supported by one of the largest clinical programs of any MS therapy, with more than 5,000 trial participants in 36 countries. Some patients in extension trials have been treated for up to 10 years and are still benefitting from the treatment.

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.ca. 

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).

Genzyme™ and AUBAGIO™ are registered trademarks of Genzyme Corporation. All rights reserved.

SOURCE: Genzyme

Media Contacts: Noëlle-Dominique Willems, Director Government Affairs and Market Access, Genzyme Canada, [phone], [email protected]; Jennifer Dolan, Cohn & Wolfe, [phone], [email protected]