sanofi_hq__boetie_hall_web

Sanofi’s Dupixent shows strength at Phase 3 in eosinophilic esophagitis

pharmafile | October 27, 2020 | News story | Manufacturing and Production Dupixent, Sanofi, pharma 

Sanofi has lifted the curtain on new Phase 3 data for Dupixent (dupilumab), showing that the drug met all of its co-primary and secondary endpoints in a study of its efficacy as a treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in patients at least 12 years old.

The study examined 81 participants of at least 12 years of age with EoE receiving either Dupixent or placebo for 24 weeks. Patients receiving Sanofi’s therapy reported “significant improvement” in ability and comfort of swallowing as early as four weeks into the trial, as measured according to the Dysphagia Symptom Questionnaire.

Furthermore, 64% of those receiving Dupixent achieved an esophageal eosinophil count of <15 eosinophils/high-power field after 24 weeks, compared to just 8% of the placebo group who achieved the same. Dupixent also reduced grade and stage scores measuring esophageal tissue changes by 0.761 and 0.753 over the same period versus 0.001 and 0.012 with placebo, representing a reduced disease severity.  

The findings were presented at the virtual American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Annual Scientific Meeting and the United European Gastroenterology (UEG) Week Virtual 2020.

“The results from this trial show dupilumab significantly improved both patients’ ability to swallow as well as structural abnormalities in the esophagus, by targeting type 2 inflammation to help reverse tissue damage and scarring that usually worsens over time,” commented Dr Evan S Dellon, and principal investigator on the trial and Professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. “These results also demonstrate that eosinophilic esophagitis is a disease caused by factors beyond just the presence of elevated eosinophils. Dupilumab, which targets the activity of the cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 that drive type 2 inflammation, was able to show significant improvements in a broad range of clinical, anatomic, cellular and molecular measures.”

EoE is a progressive disease characterised by inflammation of the esophagus, which can eventually lead to scarring which can make eating very difficult or cause food to become stuck. There are currently no therapies approved for the condition by the FDA, though the regulator gave Breakthrough Therapy designation to Dupixent in September this year as a treatment in this indication.

Matt Fellows

Related Content

Sanofi shares phase 2b results for dermatitis treatment

Sanofi has shared positive results from part 2 of the investigational phase 2b STREAM-AD study …

Sanofi to acquire Inhibrx for approximately $1.7bn

Sanofi and Inhibrx, Inc have announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for …

AstraZeneca and Sanofi’s Beyfortus approved in China

AstraZeneca and Sanofi have announced that Beyfortus (nirsevimab) has been approved in China for the …

Latest content