Content about Sanofi

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — A drug maker and a hospital have entered an agreement aimed at developing new treatments for various types of hematological malignancies and solid tumors.

Sanofi and Massachusetts General Hospital said their project-based collaboration unites scientists from the respective parties, with the goal of "maximizing the strengths of both academic and industry cross-organizational expertise, and will include both preclinical and clinical translational research to elucidate questions from proof-of-concept to tolerability, efficacy and effectiveness."

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — An experimental drug for treating a rare genetic disease appears effective, according to a late-stage clinical trial.

 SWIFTWATER, Pa. — Sanofi Pasteur is bringing its Fluzone Intradermal Vaccine Coop de Quill VacciNation Tour to Seattle Monday as part of its cross-country efforts to raise awareness about the seriousness of influenza and the various vaccine options that are available for adults 18 through 64 years old this flu season.

In an effort to help improve flu immunization rates, Sanofi Pasteur's Fluzone Intradermal Vaccine Coop de Quill VacciNation Tour will visit the Kirkland Walgreens for a flu clinic event. 

WASHINGTON — Just days after Sanofi Pasteur's hiring of actor Chris O'Donnell as a celebrity spokesman for its flu vaccination campaign, the American Lung Association has hired actress Sarah Chalke for its campaign, for which it is also collaborating with Sanofi Pasteur.

The American Lung Association announced the enlistment of Chalke for its "Faces of Influenza" initiative to promote flu immunizations. Chalke, a cast member of the show Scrubs and a mother, will be the spokeswoman for the campaign during the 2012-2013 season.

For branded drug makers, the pharmaceutical patent cliff has never loomed higher or steeper. The exposure of so many of the world’s biggest-selling medicines to generic competition for the first time is redefining the pricing model for many of the most widely prescribed classes of pharmaceuticals — reducing costs for health plans, payers and patients; scrambling drug makers’ balance sheets; and potentially boosting both drug utilization and adherence rates as reduced out-of-pocket costs induce more patients to fill their prescriptions.


SWIFTWATER, Pa. — The vaccines division of French drug maker Sanofi has signed a deal with actor Chris O'Donnell to promote its flu vaccination products, the company said.

Sanofi Pasteur's campaign includes an effort to build awareness of influenza and vaccine options, including the company's Fluzone Intradermal vaccine, for adults through the age of 65 years. O'Donnell has appeared in such movies as "Fried Green Tomatoes" and "Kinsey," and more recently in such television shows as "NCIS: Los Angeles."

JERUSALEM — Teva Pharmaceutical Industries has launched generic versions of two blood pressure drugs made by Sanofi, Teva said Monday.

Teva announced the launch of irbesartan and irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide tablets, respectively generic versions of Avapro and Avalide. Avapro has annual sales of $464 million, and Avalide has annual sales of $124 million, according to IMS Health. Both drugs are used to treat high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a head lice treatment made by Sanofi, the drug maker said.

Sanofi announced the approval of Sklice (ivermectin) lotion in the 0.5% strength for patients ages 6 months and older. According to Sanofi, head lice infest an estimated 6 to 12 million children ages 3 to 11 years and costs as much as $1 billion in lost school days and lost work for parents.

NEW YORK — A drug under development by Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb for preventing internal blood clots failed to show superiority over a treatment already on the market, the companies said Monday.

The two drug makers announced Monday results of the phase-3 "ADOPT" study, which was designed to compare the safety and effectiveness of Eliquis (apixaban) with enoxaparin in preventing venous thromboembolism in patients with acute medical illness. Sanofi sells enoxaparin under the brand name Lovenox, and it is available as a generic.

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — Take Care Health Systems, which is owned by Walgreens, and Sanofi U.S. have announced the opening of a full-service medical center and on-site pharmacy at Sanofi’s U.S. headquarters in Bridgewater, N.J.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Canadian drug maker Valeant Pharmaceuticals International has signed an agreement with Sanofi’s subsidiary in Canada to distribute a topical medication for osteoarthritis in the country.

Valeant said Tuesday that it had reached an agreement with Sanofi-Aventis Canada for Canadian marketing and distribution rights to Zuacta (zucapsaicin), designed for treating osteoarthritis of the knee.