Sanofi pulls Campath

Sanofi (Euronext:SAN; NYSE:SNY) subsidiary Genzyme Corp. is withdrawing cancer drug Campath (MabCampath--EU) alemtuzumab from the U.S. and European markets to prepare for commercialization of the anti- CD52 mAb under a different name and dosing regimen for multiple sclerosis. The U.S. withdrawal of the B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) drug will be effective Sept. 4, while the European withdrawal occurred earlier this month. In June, Genzyme submitted regulatory applications to EMA and FDA for alemtuzumab under the name Lemtrada for MS.

Sanofi hopes the moves will prevent off-label use of Campath/ MabCampath for MS. Sanofi previously said the availability of Campath/MabCampath could affect its ability to successfully launch Lemtrada and achieve the sales milestones tied to the Genzyme contingent value right. Last year, Sanofi acquired Genzyme for about $20.1 billion, plus the $14 CVR, $13 of which is devoted to milestones for Lemtrada in MS. Worldwide sales of Campath were $76 million in 2011, and the pharma said revenue has been flat to declining over the last several years. About 4,000 patients annually are treated with the product. Sanofi said it is working with healthcare authorities to establish patient access programs for Campath/MabCampath. ...