The Yukon to fund treatment with AUBAGIO™ for Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

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

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 18, 2014 /CNW/ - Genzyme, a sanofi company, announced today that the Yukon Pharmaceutical Programs have included AUBAGIO™ (teriflunomide) 14 mg on the territorial drug formulary as a first-line oral agent for people in the Yukon living with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

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

Alan Macklon, a resident of Whitehorse, was diagnosed with MS in 2007. He is pleased with the government decision to fund treatment options as they become available: "It is important that people can get access to a full range of treatments. It is really welcome. Some of us might get benefit from treatments taken orally. It is one thing to talk with our doctors about how to manage our disease; it is another thing to be able to get the treatment option your doctor might suggest."   

"It is important that people in Yukon who are 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 territorial government continues to provide coverage of MS treatments in a timely manner."

"We are very happy that the Yukon is the first territory to make AUBAGIO available to all those who are living with RRMS," said Peter Brenders, General Manager, Genzyme Canada. "We congratulate the Department of Health and Social Services on its leadership in recognizing the value brought by this important new treatment. AUBAGIO not only represents an oral alternative to injectables, but it is a first-line agent for newly diagnosed patients."

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 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.

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

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