(Reuters) - Sanofi plans to seek U.S. approval for its best-selling anti-inflammatory drug Dupixent to be used in the treatment of "smoker's lung", also known as COPD, after a second large trial showed significant benefits.
Sanofi, which is collaborating on the drug with Regeneron, said in a statement on Monday that a second Dupixent phase 3 trial for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease showed the drug reduced exacerbations of the disease by 34%.
The findings were from an interim analysis after positive results from a first trial known as BOREAS. Given "overwhelming" efficacy, they will be considered to serve as the primary analysis of the trial, the company said, adding details would be presented at an as yet undisclosed medical conference.
Sanofi and Regeneron, which have been testing the drug on current and former smokers who can't control their COPD with established inhalers, had embarked on the second trial to bolster the statistical reliability of the read-outs.
COPD, which damages the lungs progressively, is the third leading cause of death worldwide. It can also be caused by air pollution and related occupational hazards.
Sanofi shares rose as much as 2.6% and were up 0.9% by 0953 GMT.
"Given widespread niggling doubts the BOREAS readout would not be replicated, these...headlines should be well received," analysts at Jefferies said.
