French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi announced on Thursday the European Commission's approval of its drug Dupixent to treat severe asthma in children aged 6 to 11.
“
The European Commission (EC) has extended the marketing authorization for Dupixent (dupilumab) in the European Union.
Dupixent is now approved for additional disease-modifying therapy in severe asthma associated with type 2 inflammation
,” the group said in a statement.
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Sanofi declared last May at the end of a phase 3 clinical trial that its flagship drug developed with the American Regeneron reduced "
significantly severe asthma attacks
" in 6-11 year olds and, "
within two weeks, rapidly improve(s) respiratory function
”.
Dupixent, which is administered by injection, was already used in adults and adolescents over 12 years of age.
“
We are very pleased to be able to bring Dupixent, with its well-established safety and efficacy profile, to even younger patients with severe, uncontrolled asthma in Europe
,” commented Naimish Patel, Global Head, in the press release. Development, Immunology and Inflammation at Sanofi.
The drug, also used against certain dermatitis, brought in 5.2 billion euros for Sanofi last year, an increase of almost 53% compared to 2020, Sanofi had indicated in early February on the occasion of the publication of its annual results.
It could eventually bring in more than 10 billion euros in turnover per year, the group estimates.
