^PrMozobil™ provides enhanced mobilization of stem cells for autologous transplantation in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma patients

MONTRÉAL, May 9, 2012 /CNW/ - Sanofi Canada announced today that Mozobil™ (plerixafor), a new treatment for the mobilization of stem cells in patients with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) and multiple myeloma (MM), is now available on the Canadian market. Mozobil™ is the first in a new class of haematopoietic stem cell mobilising agents that reversibly blocks the CXCR4-SDF-1a interaction in the bone marrow.  Mozobil™ is intended to be used in combination with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) for the collection of stem cells in order to be able to perform an autologous transplantation in patients with NHL and MM. Mozobil™ was granted market authorization by Health Canada in December, 2011.

"Mozobil™ is an important advancement in the treatment of patients with certain types of blood cancer who require stem cell transplant," said Dr. Ronan Foley, Haematologist and President of the Canadian Blood and Marrow Transplant Group representing 23 transplant centres across Canada. "Advancement such as Mozobil™ that can provide patients with hope for remission or a cure is very important when you are dealing with such a difficult illness."

Mozobil™, a Canadian discovery that reinforces Canada's leadership in the world for transplantation, is designed to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells from the bone marrow into the bloodstream where they can be collected, making it more likely for patients with certain types of cancer to proceed to transplant. Currently, before a transplant can take place, patients receive drugs called growth factors and possibly chemotherapy to mobilize their hematopoietic stem cells into the bloodstream, allowing them to be collected.

"For many patients who are about to undergo stem cell transplant, having access to an effective treatment option is of utmost importance," said Sue Robson, RN, Executive Director of the Lymphoma Foundation of Canada. "We welcome all medical advances that help improve the lives of patients living with these diseases. These advances can provide hope and have the potential to extend lives."

In order for a transplant to take place, a minimum number of 2 million stem cells per kilogram of body weight must be collected. For many patients this process can take three of four hours over multiple days to complete. "Approximately 15-20% of patients fail to mobilize enough cells, and thus a transplant is not possible," added Dr. Foley.

"A new treatment option that enhances the probability of a successful stem cell collection and subsequent transplant provides hope for those patients who otherwise would not have had this option and is a significant step forward in the treatment of multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma," states Aldo Del Col, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Myeloma Canada.

In addition to its benefits for patients, Mozobil™ may offer potential benefit to transplant centres by decreasing the number of days needed to collect stem cells, a procedure known as apheresis. This can provide transplant centres with more predictable and efficient use of their apheresis resources. Mozobil™ may also reduce the number of patients who require a second mobilization procedure because of a failure to mobilize a sufficient number of cells.

"At Sanofi, we understand the importance of giving a voice to patients and that the best science often comes from looking outside and partnering with the right organizations. We are committed to bringing patient partners to the table much earlier with every opportunity and working together to make sure patients have access to medication that can help improve their lives," said Stan Glezer, VP Evidence, Value and Access, Sanofi Canada.

Prior to Health Canada market authorization in December 2011, Mozobil™ was made available to patients in 2008 by Genzyme via Health Canada's Special Access Program.

About Mozobil™

Mozobil™, a novel small molecule CXCR4 chemokine receptor antagonist, has been shown in multiple earlier studies to rapidly and effectively increase the number of stem cells in the blood in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Once circulating in the blood, stem cells can be collected in order to proceed to an autologous stem cell transplant.

Important Safety Information

Mozobil™ is indicated for use in combination with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells to the blood stream for collection and subsequent autologous transplantation in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Prescribing physicians and patients should be aware of the potential for tumour cell mobilization in leukemia patients, increased circulating leukocytes and decreased platelet counts, splenic enlargement, and fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. The most common adverse reactions (≥ 10%) reported in patients who received plerixafor in conjunction with G-CSF that were more frequent than in patients who received placebo were diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, injection site reactions, headache, arthralgia, dizziness and vomiting. For full prescribing information, please visit www.genzyme.ca.

About Sanofi

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, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and the new Genzyme. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).

Sanofi companies in Canada include sanofi-aventis Canada Inc. (pharmaceuticals), Sanofi Pasteur (vaccines), Sanofi Consumer Health (health and beauty), Genzyme (rare diseases) and Merial (animal health). Together they employ more than 1,700 people, mainly in the greater Montreal and Toronto areas. In 2011 Sanofi companies invested $151.7 million in R&D in Canada, creating jobs, business and opportunity throughout the country.