Sanofi, and Regeneron shares pop more than 6% after data shows asthma drug Dupixent may also treat COPD
- After the presentation of data on a jointly produced medicine that shows promise in treating COPD, the shares of pharmaceutical companies Sanofi and Regeneron both increased by more than 6%.
- The medication is already licensed for treating asthma and a few skin disorders, including eczema, but it may also be the first novel COPD therapy in more than ten years.
- The results are positive for Dupixent while rival COPD medications from pharmaceutical companies like AstraZeneca and GSK struggle to advance successfully toward approval.
On Thursday, when the pharmaceutical firms revealed encouraging data indicating that their jointly produced asthma medicine Dupixent also shows potential in treating COPD patients, shares of Sanofi and Regeneron both increased by more than 6%.
Compared to a placebo during 52 weeks, new findings from a phase three clinical trial suggest Dupixent decreased poor spells of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, by 30%. The medication is already licensed for treating asthma and a few skin disorders, including eczema, but it may also be the first novel COPD therapy in more than ten years.
A person’s ability to do daily tasks may be hampered by the life-threatening respiratory condition COPD, which results in a gradual reduction in lung function and symptoms including persistent cough and shortness of breath. According to the World Health Organization, it was the third biggest cause of death in 2019 with 3.2 million fatalities worldwide. A major risk factor for COPD is smoking, however, the condition can also strike nonsmokers.
Patients with type 2 inflammation of COPD, an inflammatory reaction that can impair lung function, were recruited in the study. According to Regeneron, almost 300,000 patients in the United States alone have COPD with type 2 inflammation.
The more than 900 study participants, all of whom were current or past smokers, demonstrated improvements in lung function, quality of life, and respiratory symptoms after receiving Dupixent. These findings represent a victory for Dupixent while rival COPD medications from manufacturers like AstraZeneca and GSK struggle to advance successfully toward approval.
The chief medical officer of Sanofi, Dr. Dietmar Berger, stated in a press release that “change cannot come soon enough for people living with uncontrolled COPD but, sadly, many investigational treatments have failed to demonstrate significant clinical outcomes leaving these vulnerable patients with few treatment options.” We are thrilled to present this novel and possibly paradigm-shifting clinical findings because they may inspire new optimism in patients, carers, and medical professionals.
Data from a second phase three study of Dupixent in COPD, according to the companies, are anticipated in 2024. Dupixent’s most recent results, according to J.P. Morgan analyst Chris Schott, surpassed expectations.
In a research note to clients on Thursday, Schott stated: “This advantage shows a clear clinically relevant benefit for Dupixent and should encourage wider adoption for the asset in this area of the COPD market.” J.P. Morgan anticipates that new COPD patients will result in $1.5 billion to $2 billion in additional sales for Dupixent, he continued. Dupixent brought in $8.7 billion for Regeneron last year, a 40% increase over 2021.
A similar analysis of the new data was provided by Cowen analyst Steve Scala, who noted that COPD provides a significant market potential for the medicine. When Dupixent is authorized, “we expect robust adoption,” the author said in a note on Thursday. He also said that the “good evidence in COPD, which may become a blockbuster potential for Dupixent and extend its growth trajectory through 2030+,” is “very encouraging.”
The chief medical officer of Sanofi, Dr. Dietmar Berger, stated in a press release that “change cannot come soon enough for people living with uncontrolled COPD but, sadly, many investigational treatments have failed to demonstrate significant clinical outcomes leaving these vulnerable patients with few treatment options.” We are thrilled to present these novels and possibly paradigm-shifting clinical findings because they may inspire new optimism in patients, carers, and medical professionals.
