By Sam Cage
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Sanofi-Aventis SA (SASY.PA: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) sees space in the market for several rivals to Roche Holding AG (ROG.VX: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) and Genentech Inc's (DNA.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) blockbuster cancer drug Avastin, Sanofi's head of oncology said on Wednesday.
The experimental Sanofi drug aflibercept belongs to the same class of drugs as Avastin, known as anti-angiogenesis agents, which work by blocking the blood supply to tumors.
"You cannot predict what will be exactly the future. We definitely need several drugs in the field of anti-angiogenetic agents," Alain Herrera, Sanofi's vice president for global oncology, told the Reuters Health Summit in New York.
Analysts expect Avastin -- which is approved for treatment of colorectal cancer and non-small cell lung cancer -- to be one of the world's biggest selling drugs in the years ahead, but it faces competition from a clutch of products that work in a similar way.
Aflibercept is in late-stage trials and Sanofi anticipates its first regulatory filing in 2008, for treatment of advanced ovarian cancer.
Sanofi has yet to compare its product directly with Avastin but could run a head-to-head clinical trial if aflibercept looks like it might be more effective in a particular indication.
"We will generate data in indications in which Avastin is already registered or has demonstrated activity. And if it makes sense, if we can expect a better patient benefit with aflibercept compared to Avastin, we will do the head-to-head trial," he said.
"If we are convinced that this drug can bring a better patient benefit, we will do it." Continued...
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