Sanofi-Aventis: Disappointment Over NV1FGF Drug Trial

French drug company Sanofi-Aventis (SNY) said Wednesday a trial of its NV1FGF drug has yielded disappointing results.

"The Phase III Tamaris trial evaluating the investigational angiogenic therapy NV1FGF...did not meet its primary endpoint," Sanofi-Aventis said.

"The primary endpoint was to demonstrate the superiority of NV1FGF over a placebo in the prevention of major amputation or death from any cause over 12 months, whichever came first, in critical limb ischemia patients who were not eligible for revascularization," the company said.

"We are disappointed that NV1FGF failed to achieve significance in the Tamaris trial, and for patients who are suffering from the dramatic consequences of this disease and are hoping for new treatments" said Marc Cluzel, executive vice president for research and development at Sanofi-Aventis.

"We are evaluating all options on the NV1FGF development and remain committed to innovation in diseases where there are major healthcare needs and no therapeutic alternative," he added.

- By Adam Mitchell, Dow Jones Newswires, [phone]; [e-mail]