From a long time Sanofi is a major company in oncology with various blockbuster Taxotere (docetaxel / Sanofi ) or Eloxatin (oxaliplatin/ Sanofi) are manly considered as standard. In metastatic colorectal cancer they are a multiple chemotherapy regimens were Sanofi are already an important actor, otherwise with the patent cliff is clear that Sanofi have to find new product in order to keep a leading position within the oncology market. The success of Avastin in the mCRC has generated an interest in angiogenesis inhibitors for CRC. As a result, there is a high level of competition between new anti-angiogenesis agents in the CRC pipeline.
Saying this, Zaltrap (aflibercept; Regeneron/Sanofi) is the first targeted therapy launched by Sanofi. The positive result of Phase III VELOUR is an evidence of the potential Zaltrap success. Zaltrap is a human recombinant protein composed by segments of the human vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1 and 2 (VEGFR1/2) and portion of human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1)
The design of the VELOUR Phase III trial show that Zaltrap was being developed for use in the second-line metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) after Avastin in the first-line setting. Sanofi is investigating the indication for naïve patient didn’t be treated by Avastin. Obviously Zaltrap have to differentiate from Avastin in order to face future competitors such as brivanib (BMS)
Zaltrap received in august 2012 an FDA approval for use in combination with FOLFIRI (fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan) to treat patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) that are resistant to or have progressed following an oxaliplatin-containing regimen. In Europe Zaltrap received this marketing authorization from the EMA in February 2013.
Zaltrap is positioned in the second line mCRC treatment when Avastin fails or as an alternative in indications where Avastin is not approved, in order to avoid a direct competition with Avastin.
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