Prince Edward Island funds treatment with AUBAGIO™ for Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Once-daily oral medication to be reimbursed for first-line use

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 25, 2015 /CNW/ - Genzyme, a Sanofi company, announced today that PEI Pharmacare has included AUBAGIO™ (teriflunomide) 14 mg on the provincial drug formulary as a first-line oral tablet for people in the province living with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

AUBAGIO is indicated as monotherapy for the treatment of RRMS to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations and to delay the accumulation of physical disability.

"AUBAGIO is proving to be a very simple, safe and effective treatment for MS. I'm glad to see it endorsed by this province's Prescription Drug Program," states Dr. Richard Leckey, a clinician at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown, PEI and Staff Neurologist at the Dalhousie Multiple Sclerosis Research Unit in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

"We've all waited patiently for safe and effective oral medications in MS," says Dr. Gregg MacLean, Multiple Sclerosis Clinic Director in Saint John, New Brunswick and native Islander. "I am pleased that AUBAGIO has gained a listing in Prince Edward Island."

"The MS Society is pleased that PEI has come on board to provide coverage of another treatment option for those living with multiple sclerosis," says Monica Jordan, Interim President, Atlantic Division,  MS Society of Canada. "This means Islanders living with MS have greater access and more choice when it comes to treatments that manage the effects of their disease. For people with MS who are interested in exploring treatment options, we encourage them to consult with their healthcare team to find the course that is most appropriate for them. The MS Society of Canada continues to support and advocate for greater access to therapies that will improve the quality of life for people living with MS."

About MS in Canada
With 100,000 Canadians living with MS and three people newly diagnosed every day, Canada has one of the highest prevalence rates in the world. As most people are diagnosed with relapsing MS in their twenties and thirties, MS is the most common neurological disease affecting young adults in Canada.

"We congratulate the Government of PEI for making AUBAGIO available to patients suffering from RRMS. With its once-a-day oral regimen, this will provide patients an alternative to injectables," said Peter Brenders, General Manager, Genzyme Canada.

As part of its commitment to those living with MS, Genzyme has developed the MS One to One™ program which offers comprehensive information services and ongoing education, as well as reimbursement navigation. Staffed by dedicated MS nurses and highly trained representatives, MS One to One provides support for individuals living with MS, their healthcare providers, family and loved ones.

About AUBAGIO™ (Teriflunomide)
Approved in Canada in November 2013, AUBAGIO is an immunomodulator with anti-inflammatory properties. Although the exact mechanism of action for AUBAGIO is not fully understood, it may involve a reduction in the number of activated lymphocytes in the central nervous system (CNS). AUBAGIO is supported by one of the largest clinical programs of any MS therapy, with more than 5,000 trial participants in 36 countries. Some patients in extension trials have been treated for up to 10 years and are still benefitting from the treatment.

About Genzyme, a Sanofi Company
Genzyme has pioneered the development and delivery of transformative therapies for patients affected by rare and debilitating diseases for over 30 years. We accomplish our goals through world-class research and with the compassion and commitment of our employees. With a focus on rare diseases and multiple sclerosis, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of the patients and families we serve. That goal guides and inspires us every day. Genzyme's portfolio of transformative therapies, which are marketed in countries around the world, represents groundbreaking and life-saving advances in medicine. As a Sanofi company, Genzyme benefits from the reach and resources of one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, with a shared commitment to improving the lives of patients. Learn more at 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).

Genzyme™ and AUBAGIO™ are registered trademarks of Genzyme Corporation. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Genzyme