Full Press Release Details
European Medicines Agency (EMA) confirms positive
benefit-risk balance for Multaq
Prescribing Information Updated to Ensure Multaq Use
in Appropriate Paroxysmal and Persistent AF Patients -
Paris, France - September 22, 2011 - Sanofi (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) announced today that the Committee for Medicinal
Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) confirmed a positive benefit-risk balance for
Multaq (dronedarone) for the treatment of a newly defined population of paroxysmal and persistent Atrial
Fibrillation (AF) patients, following its review under the Article 20 procedure.
The EMA has defined Multaq s role in the treatment of paroxysmal and persistent AF stating that the Agency s Committee for Medicinal
Products for Human Use (CHMP) has concluded that the benefits of Multaq continue to outweigh the risks for a
limited population of patients with Atrial Fibrillation.
The new indication for Multaq is: Multaq is indicated for the maintenance of sinus rhythm after successful cardioversion in adult clinically stable patients
with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Due to its safety profile (see sections 4.3 and
4.4) Multaq should only be prescribed after alternative treatment options have been considered. Multaq should not be given to patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction or to patients with current or previous
episodes of heart failure.
A Direct Healthcare Professional Communication (DHPC) letter informing healthcare
providers of the updates to the Multaq SPC (Summary of Product Characteristics) will be issued in the European
Union member states where Multaq (dronedarone) is currently available.
The CHMP opinion is significant as it ensures availability of an important treatment option for paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation, a
growing public health concern associated with life threatening consequences, said Dr. Jean-Pierre Lehner, Chief Medical Officer, Sanofi.
Multaq is launched in 37 countries worldwide and has been
prescribed to over 440,000 patients to date.
Sanofi, a global and diversified healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with
seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, rare diseases, consumer healthcare, emerging markets and animal health. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).
Forward Looking Statements
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subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Sanofi, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by,
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authorities, such as the FDA or the EMA, regarding whether and when to approve any drug, device or biological application that may be filed for any such product candidates as well as their decisions regarding labeling and other matters that could
affect the availability or commercial potential of such products candidates, the absence of guarantee that the products candidates if approved will be commercially successful, the future approval and commercial success of therapeutic alternatives,
the Group s ability to benefit from external growth opportunities as well as those discussed or identified in the public filings with the SEC and the AMF made by Sanofi, including those listed under Risk Factors and Cautionary
Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements in Sanofi s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2010. Other than as required by applicable law, Sanofi does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any
forward-looking information or statements.
| Contacts: | ||
| Media Relations | Investor Relations | |
| Jean-Marc Podvin | S bastien Martel | |
| Tel.: + (33) 1 53 77 46 46 | Tel.: + (33) 1 53 77 45 45 | |
| mr@sanofi.com | ir@sanofi.com |