Sanofi's Dupixent to Make China Debut of Respiratory Dual Indications at Its Sixth CIIE Appearance

Shanghai, China, October 25, 2023 – The China International Import Expo (CIIE) serves as an "accelerator" and "incubator" for the introduction and implementation of innovative achievements, and has become a window for China to build a new development pattern. This year, Sanofi, a global leading innovative pharmaceuticals and healthcare company, will bring its star product Dupixent (dupilumab injection) to the CIIE for the sixth time. Focusing on the significant unmet needs in China's chronic respiratory disease field, Sanofi will showcase cutting-edge clinical achievements in the area of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and new indications for type 2 asthma, while continuing to accelerate the introduction of globally leading innovative products and solutions into China.

Sanofi Specialty China General Manager Lily Xie said, "After more than 40 years of deep cultivation in the Chinese market, Sanofi has actively seized the opportunities brought by the CIIE, transforming several innovative products from exhibits to commercial products. Dupixent is a witness to the powerful spillover effects of the CIIE. Just before this year's CIIE, it received approval for its new indication for adult prurigo nodularis, achieving the record of having five indications approved and launched in China over a five-year CIIE journey. This year, we will explore new opportunities at the CIIE and actively contribute to the construction of China’s innovative pharmaceuticals ecosystem, bringing more scientific miracles to Chinese patients with 'China speed'."

First-in-class breakthrough in COPD treatment after a decade

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common chronic respiratory disease in China, characterized by the "four highs": high prevalence, high disability rate, high mortality, and high disease burden. COPD ranks third among causes of death and third in disease burden in China, making it a major chronic disease on par with hypertension and diabetes. Recent results from BOREAS, a Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of Dupixent in adults with COPD, showed that Dupixent significantly reduced the rate of moderate to severe acute exacerbations by 30% when added to triple inhaled therapy (ICS+LABA+LAMA). It also improved lung function, quality of life, and respiratory symptoms. Currently, Dupixent is the first and only biologic to achieve such significant benefits in COPD, marking a "zero" breakthrough in a decade of innovation in COPD biologic therapies and ushering in a "new era" for COPD treatment. The New England Journal of Medicine hailed these trial results as "encouraging."

In addition, asthma, as a chronic airway inflammatory disease, has also become a global health issue, with acute exacerbations potentially life-threatening. In China, 55-70% of asthma patients have poor control of their condition. Approximately 90% of asthma patients with inadequate control on medium-to-high-dose ICS treatment are primarily driven by type 2 inflammation. Dupixent (达必妥) for moderate-to-severe asthma has been approved by the FDA, offering a targeted treatment option addressing the "underlying cause" for patients with poorly controlled asthma.

Demonstrate Spillover Effects, Create a New Paradigm for Immunotherapy

Benefiting from the development of modern medicine and technological progress, the successive emergence of innovative drugs has rewritten the treatment landscape for immune system diseases. Since its approval in China, Dupixent has covered the entire age spectrum—from adults to adolescents, children, and infants—with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis indications, starting from its introduction at the CIIE. It is the first and only targeted biologic approved for treating moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis across all age groups. At the 32nd annual meeting of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV), an OLE study on Dupixent for the treatment of adult patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis confirmed its sustained efficacy and safety over five years, reinforcing the clinical evidence base for long-term control of atopic dermatitis. Additionally, Dupixent was also approved this year in China for a second dermatological indication: moderate-to-severe adult prurigo nodularis, creating synergistic effects in two disease areas within the field of dermatology.

Li Jian, Head of Medical Affairs of Sanofi Specialty Care China, stated: "Type 2 inflammatory diseases are a category of inflammatory conditions caused by an overactive Type 2 immune response, involving multiple systems such as the skin, respiratory tract, and digestive tract. Due to the common Type 2 inflammatory mechanism, targeted therapies can specifically address Type 2 inflammatory diseases, fundamentally transforming the treatment landscape for this group of conditions. In the future, within the field of immune inflammation, Sanofi will also accelerate the research and exploration of breakthrough drugs that go beyond Type 2 inflammation, promoting the development of transformative healthcare innovations."

From November 5 to 10, during the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE), Sanofi will make a surprising appearance at the National Exhibition and Convention Center with its "Miracle Lab" booth. This will further emphasize the theme of "Pursuing Scientific Miracles, Revitalizing the Radiance of Life," showcasing the latest advancements in the company’s diverse R&D pipeline (as of July 2023, approximately 80 clinical R&D projects). Utilizing technologies such as holographic projection, Sanofi aims to provide audiences with an ultimate immersive experience.
*Dupixent COPD and asthma indications have not yet been approved in China.

Sanofi Booth: Medical Device and Healthcare Products Exhibition Area, National Convention and Exhibition Center (Shanghai) 7.2B2-03