Containing Campath

Sanofi and its Genzyme Corp. subsidiary are not completely withdrawing alemtuzumab from the market, but they are making it harder for doctors to use the drug for its approved use, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and nearly impossible to use off label for multiple sclerosis.

In its 1H12 earnings, Sanofi disclosed it would withdraw alemtuzumab from the market for CLL. On Aug. 8, the European Commission issued a decision to withdraw the marketing authorization for MabCampath in Europe. Withdrawal in the U.S., where the drug is sold under the name Campath, will be effective Sept. 4...