Added benefit of Sanofi's Aubagio not proven, says IQWiG

In yet another negative opinion from the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) this week, the agency has issued a negative view of French drug major Sanofi’s (Euronext: SAN) multiple sclerosis drug Aubagio (teriflunomide).

In an early benefit assessment pursuant to the Act on the Reform of the Market for Medicinal Products (AMNOG), the IQWiG examined whether this new drug offers an added benefit over the appropriate comparator therapy specified by the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA), concluding that, although certain side effects occur less frequently under teriflunomide than under beta interferon 1a, others are more frequent. Overall, IQWiG does not regard an added benefit as proven.

Also this week, the IQWiG issued decisions finding no added benefit for Bayer’s Eylea (aflibercept) and GlaxoSmithKline’s Tafinlar (The Pharma letter January 8). The German decision is also in contrast to a recent assessment by UK equivalent the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, which last month recommended the use of Aubagio under the National Health Service (TPL December 8).