Genzyme and Isis Provide Update on CHMP Opinion on KYNAMRO™ (mipomersen)

Genzyme and Isis Provide Update on CHMP Opinion on KYNAMRO™ (mipomersen)

, a Sanofi company (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY), and Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: ISIS), today announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has adopted a negative opinion for its marketing authorization application (MAA) for KYNAMRO (mipomersen) for the treatment of patients with Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (HoFH). Genzyme plans to request a re-examination of the CHMP Opinion.

said David Meeker, President and CEO, Genzyme.

said B. Lynne Parshall, Chief Operating Officer and CFO of Isis.

An application for KYNAMRO is currently under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In October 2012, KYNAMRO received a positive vote by an FDA advisory panel that Genzyme had provided sufficient efficacy and safety data to support the marketing of KYNAMRO for the treatment of patients with Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (HoFH).

KYNAMRO is a first-in-class apo-B synthesis inhibitor currently under regulatory review for patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HoFH) to further reduce LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) in patients already maintaining a stable regimen of maximally-tolerated lipid-lowering therapies, and who require additional significant lipid-lowering therapy. It is intended to reduce LDL-C by preventing the formation of atherogenic lipoproteins, the particles that carry cholesterol through the bloodstream. KYNAMRO acts by blocking the production of apolipoprotein B (apo B), the protein that provides the structural core for these atherogenic particles, including LDL and lipoprotein-a (Lp(a)).

FH is a genetic disease that results in elevated LDL-C levels and family patterns of increased risk of premature heart disease and heart disease-related death. FH patients have inherited abnormalities in liver cells that are responsible for clearing LDL particles from the blood. FH is autosomal dominant, which means that all first-degree relatives of FH patients have a 50 percent chance of having the disease as well, making early detection through family screening critically important.

The most severe FH patients have LDL-C levels that are two to four times higher than recommended levels, even when taking multiple cholesterol-lowering medications. These people, who are characterized as having severe FH, include: those who have inherited the disease from both parents (HoFH) and those who have inherited it from only one parent, and have a particularly severe form of the disease (Severe HeFH) defined as those people who are maximally treated and still have LDL-C greater than 200 mg/dL (5.1 mmol) with coronary heart disease or greater than 300 mg/dL (7.1 mmol) without coronary heart disease. People with HoFH may have aggressive heart disease beginning in childhood, and even with today’s therapies remain at significant risk of cardiovascular events. Learn more at .

Genzyme has pioneered the development and delivery of transformative therapies for patients affected by rare and debilitating diseases for over 30 years. We accomplish our goals through world-class research and with the compassion and commitment of our employees. With a focus on rare diseases and multiple sclerosis, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of the patients and families we serve. That goal guides and inspires us every day. Genzyme’s portfolio of transformative therapies, which are marketed in countries around the world, represents groundbreaking and life-saving advances in medicine. As a Sanofi company, Genzyme benefits from the reach and resources of one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, with a shared commitment to improving the lives of patients. Learn more at .

Sanofi, a global and diversified healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients’ needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and the new Genzyme. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).

Isis is exploiting its leadership position in antisense technology to discover and develop novel drugs for its product pipeline and for its partners. Isis' broad pipeline consists of 25 drugs to treat a wide variety of diseases with an emphasis on cardiovascular, metabolic and severe and rare/neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Isis' partner, Genzyme, plans to commercialize Isis' lead product, KYNAMRO, following regulatory approval. Isis' patents provide strong and extensive protection for its drugs and technology. Additional information about Isis is available at .

Isis Pharmaceuticals is a registered trademark of Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Genzyme is the registered trademark of Genzyme Corporation. All rights reserved.

KYNAMRO™ is the registered trademark of Genzyme Corporation submitted to health authorities for investigational agent mipomersen. All rights reserved.