Sanofi-aventis Announces 2007 Earnings Ahead of Guidance Sharp Rise in Propose...(ta 3receptor agonist for major depressiv...),Health

Results from two phase III studies evaluating the NK2 receptor antagonist saredutant in major depressive disorders are expected in the second quarter of 2008. The INDIGO study is assessing saredutant in elderly patients, while the MAGENTA study is evaluating maintenance of efficacy.

Filing for approval in the treatment of major depressive disorders is scheduled for the third quarter of 2008.

Results from studies involving saredutant in association with SSRI anti- depressants are expected in 2009. This program aims to address the acknowledged inadequacies in monotherapy anti-depressant regimens by showing the benefits of a strategy of treating major depressive disorders directly with saredutant in association with another anti-depressant.

A decision has been taken to discontinue the development of Dianicline.

Oncology

The database lock for the FLAGS phase III study, evaluating S-1 (alliance with Taiho) plus cisplatin as a first-line treatment for patients with advanced gastric cancer, is due to be completed in the first half of 2008. S-1 is a new oral anti-cancer agent derived from 5-FU which combines 3 pharmacological agents.
Two new phase III studies are in the initial phase:

-- A study evaluating S-1 versus 5-FU as a second-line treatment for

pancreatic cancer. Filing for approval in this indication is scheduled

in 2010.

-- A study evaluating S-1 as a first-line treatment in association with

Eloxatin(R) in 2,000 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Filing

for approval in this indication is scheduled in 2011.

The database lock for the phase III study evaluating aflibercept (VEGF Trap, alliance with Regeneron) as a third-li
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