Aflibercept Phase 3 VELOUR clinical trial for mCRC to continue to completion

Sanofi-aventis (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: REGN) announced that the Phase 3 VELOUR clinical trial of aflibercept (VEGF Trap) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) will continue to completion as planned, with no modifications due to efficacy or safety concerns.  This decision is based on the recommendation of an Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC) following a planned interim analysis.  Both sanofi-aventis and Regeneron management and staff remain blinded to the interim study results.

"We look forward to the final results of the trial, which are expected in the second half of 2011 with belief that the combination of aflibercept and FOLFIRI has the potential to benefit patients with this difficult-to-treat disease," said Tal Zaks, Head of Development, Global Oncology Division, sanofi-aventis.