Sanofi and Regeneron reveal strong data and a price drop for Praluent

pharmafile | March 12, 2018 | News story | Research and Development, Sales and Marketing |  Regeneron, Sanofi, pharma, praluent 

Sanofi and Regeneron have revealed strong new data for its PCSK9 inhibitor Praluent showing the first-ever reduction in deaths within the drug class and a strong reduction in cardiovascular risk, as well as plans to encourage insurers to cover the product and maximise access for patients.

Generated from a study evaluating its use in just under 19,000 participants, the data showed that patients taking Praluent displayed a 15% reduction in risk of heart attack, stroke, death from coronary heart disease or unstable angina requiring hospitalisation. The drug also reduced the risk of all-cause death by 15%. In patients with LDL levels of more than 100mg/dL, these benefits were higher at 24% and 29% respectively.

“The hard data from the Odyssey Outcomes trial confirms … that treatment with Praluent does lead to a reduction of both cardiovascular and all-cause deaths, particularly for the higher-risk patient population,” said David Whitrap on behalf of the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER), who conducted a cost-effectiveness review for Praluent for Sanofi and Regeneron. The manufacturers have confirmed they will lower the price to within the range recommended in the review: between $4,460 and $7,975.The pair also said they will pursue a “precision medicine approach” in order to make the drug available to at-risk patients.

“Too many patients in urgent need of additional treatment options on top of statins have faced tremendous hurdles to gain access to this important medicine,” commented Sanofi CEO Oliver Brandicourt. “We are prepared to change this by improving access and affordability, eliminating these burdensome barriers for high-risk patients in need. We will begin working with payers to ensure that high-risk patients have appropriate access. This is the right thing to do for patients.”

Matt Fellows