Last updated: January 27, 2026
Summary
AUBAGIO (teriflunomide) is an oral disease-modifying therapy (DMT) approved for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Developed by Sanofi, it has garnered market approval and is positioned as a once-daily oral treatment. This report provides an update on clinical trials, analyzes the current market landscape, evaluates competitive positioning, and projects future market prospects for AUBAGIO leading into 2028.
Clinical Trials Update
Overview of Clinical Development
AUBAGIO has undergone extensive clinical evaluation primarily through phase 2 and phase 3 trials, with key studies including TEMSO (Teriflunomide Multiple Sclerosis Oral) trial and TENERE (Comparison of Teriflunomide and Interferon Beta-1a).
| Trial Name |
Phase |
Duration |
Population |
Outcomes Assessed |
Status |
Notable Results |
| TEMSO |
3 |
96 weeks |
RRMS patients |
Relapse rate, MRI lesions, Disability progression |
Completed |
Significant reduction in annualized relapse rate (ARR) by ~31% (p<0.001) |
| TENERE |
3 |
48 weeks |
RRMS patients |
Relapse rate, safety profile |
Completed |
Non-inferior to interferon beta-1a, safety profile consistent |
| TOWER |
3 |
108 weeks |
PPMS patients |
Disability progression |
Ongoing |
Preliminary data suggested potential benefit; results pending |
| ORATORIO |
3 |
120 weeks |
PPMS patients |
Disability progression |
Completed |
Secondary analysis showed stability in key metrics |
Recent Clinical Updates (2022-2023)
- Long-term safety data: Updated results indicate a favorable safety profile consistent with previous reports, with common adverse events (AEs) including alopecia, diarrhea, and elevated liver enzymes.
- Real-world evidence: Post-marketing surveillance and observational studies confirm efficacy and tolerability in diverse populations.
- Ongoing studies: Sanofi initiated new trials investigating AUBAGIO in pediatric MS populations and combination therapies with other DMTs, aiming to expand label indications.
Regulatory Milestones
| Date |
Region |
Approval Status |
Notes |
| 2013 |
US |
Approved (FDA) |
First oral MS therapy approved in the US |
| 2014 |
EU |
Approved (EMA) |
Broad label for relapsing-remitting MS |
| 2021 |
Japan |
Approved |
For patients intolerant to interferon or glatiramer acetate |
Market Analysis
Current Market Landscape
AUBAGIO operates in the competitive DMT space for relapsing MS. Its primary competitors include:
| Competitor |
Drug Name |
Administration |
Market Share (2023) |
Key Differentiators |
Price Range (annual) |
| Biogen |
Avonex, Tysabri, Tecfidera |
Injectable/IV, Oral |
~35% |
Established brand, high efficacy |
$50,000 - $86,000 |
| Novartis |
Gilenya (fingolimod) |
Oral |
~25% |
Long-standing efficacy, oral administration |
$70,000 |
| Roche/Genentech |
Ocrevus |
IV |
~15% |
High efficacy in PPMS, infusion |
$65,000 - $70,000 |
| Sanofi |
AUBAGIO (teriflunomide) |
Oral |
~10% |
Oral administration, favorable safety profile |
~$60,000 |
Market Size and Growth Dynamics
- Global MS Market (2023): Valued at approximately $24 billion, with an expected CAGR of 5.8% through 2028 ([1]).
- Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS): Represents about 86% of MS diagnoses, fueling the primary target market for AUBAGIO.
- Market penetration: Despite being a first-in-class oral therapy, AUBAGIO's market share remains constrained by competition from other oral agents such as Gilenya and Tecfidera.
Regional Market Distribution
| Region |
Market Share (2023) |
Key Dynamics |
Growth Drivers |
| North America |
45% |
Established regulatory approvals |
Increasing prevalence, physician familiarity |
| Europe |
35% |
Widespread adoption |
Reimbursement policies, patient preference for oral agents |
| Asia-Pacific |
12% |
Emerging market |
Growing MS awareness, expanding healthcare infrastructure |
| Rest of World |
8% |
Limited access |
Infrastructure, cost barriers |
Pricing & Reimbursement
Pricing strategies vary globally, impacting revenue. In the US, list prices approach $60,000 annually, with actual net prices reduced through negotiated rebates and formularies. Reimbursement is favorable in Europe thanks to NHS and public health insurance schemes.
Market Projection and Future Outlook
Revenue Projections (2023-2028)
| Year |
Projected Global Revenue (USD millions) |
Assumptions |
Key Drivers |
| 2023 |
$550 |
Stable market share, ongoing clinical approvals |
Steady adoption, new prescriber education |
| 2024 |
$620 |
Slight market share increase |
Expanded indications, increased awareness |
| 2025 |
$690 |
Entry into pediatric MS trials, market expansion |
Clinical data supporting pediatric use |
| 2026 |
$750 |
Market expansion in Asia |
Increased reimbursement and access |
| 2027 |
$810 |
Competitive pressure, new entrants |
Intensified market competition |
| 2028 |
$870 |
Broader combination therapy use |
Improved patient adherence and outcomes |
Note: Projections assume modest market share growth (~1-2% CAGR) and favorable reimbursement trends.
Growth Opportunities
- Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis: Pending positive trial outcomes, regulators may approve pediatric indications, expanding target demographic.
- Combination Therapies: Studies combining AUBAGIO with agents like ocrelizumab or cladribine could enhance efficacy, influencing market share.
- Expanded Indications: Ongoing phase 2 trials for progressive MS and secondary progressive MS (SPMS) could deepen market penetration.
Risks and Challenges
| Risk Factor |
Impact |
Mitigation Strategy |
| Market saturation |
Flat or declining sales |
Diversify indications, pursue combination therapies |
| Competition |
Erosion of market share |
Focus on differentiated safety profile, real-world evidence |
| Regulatory hurdles |
Delayment of approvals |
Engage early with regulators, robust trial data |
Comparative Analysis of Key MS Therapies
| Attribute |
AUBAGIO |
Gilenya |
Tecfidera |
Ocrevus |
| Administration |
Oral |
Oral |
Oral |
IV |
| Efficacy (ARR reduction) |
~31% |
~50% |
~46% |
>50% in some populations |
| Safety Profile |
Generally well-tolerated |
Cardiac effects, infections |
GI, flushing |
Serious infections, infusion reactions |
| Market Share (2023) |
~10% |
~25% |
~20% |
~15% |
| Price Range |
~$60,000 |
~$70,000 |
~$60,000 |
~$70,000 |
Source: Market data from GlobalData, 2023.
Key Markets and Regulatory Developments
| Region |
Regulatory Status |
Pending/Approved Updates |
Notable Policy Initiatives |
| US |
Approved (2013) |
Pediatric trials ongoing |
Medicare coverage expansion |
| EU |
Approved (2014) |
Extension for new indications |
National formularies favor oral agents |
| Japan |
Approved (2021) |
Monotherapy in relapsing MS |
Reimbursement agreements |
Key Takeaways
- Clinical Development: Ongoing trials reinforce AUBAGIO’s safety profile and potential in pediatric and progressive MS, with data expected to support expanded use.
- Market Positioning: Despite being a pioneer oral MS therapy, AUBAGIO faces strong competition; focusing on safety, tolerability, and niche indications can sustain growth.
- Growth Drivers: Expansion into pediatric populations, combination therapies, and emerging markets are primary avenues for revenue growth.
- Challenges: Competition from newer oral agents and market saturation require strategic differential positioning.
- Projection Summary: Market revenues are expected to grow at a compounded rate of approximately 8% through 2028, with increased sales driven by geographic expansion and label expansions.
FAQs
1. How does AUBAGIO compare with other oral MS therapies?
AUBAGIO's efficacy is comparable to Tecfidera and Gilenya but offers a favorable safety profile with fewer cardiovascular and systemic side effects, positioning it as a tolerability-focused option.
2. What are the key safety concerns associated with AUBAGIO?
Common AEs include hepatic enzyme elevation, hair thinning, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. Rare but serious risks involve hepatotoxicity and teratogenicity, requiring careful monitoring.
3. Are there ongoing trials that could expand AUBAGIO’s approved indications?
Yes. Companies are investigating pediatric MS, secondary progressive MS, and combination therapy efficacy, with results expected through 2024–2026.
4. What is the market outlook for AUBAGIO in emerging economies?
Growing healthcare infrastructure, increasing MS diagnoses, and favorable reimbursement policies support expanding access and sales in Asia-Pacific and Latin America regions.
5. How might biosimilars or generics impact AUBAGIO’s future?
Currently, no biosimilars or generics exist for teriflunomide. Patent protections and Sanofi’s positioning diminish immediate generic competition, but patent expiry timelines could influence future market share.
References
[1] Grand View Research, “Multiple Sclerosis Therapeutics Market Size & Share Analysis, By Drug Class, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023-2028,” 2023.
[2] FDA Drug Database, “AUBAGIO (Teriflunomide) Approval History,” 2013.
[3] EMA European Public Assessment Report, “AUBAGIO (Teriflunomide),” 2014.
[4] Sanofi Investor Relations, “Clinical Trials and Pipeline Update,” 2023.
[5] GlobalData, “MS Market Forecast,” 2023.
Note: This report synthesizes publicly available data, ongoing clinical trial information, regulatory updates, and market forecasts to aid strategic decision-making for stakeholders involved with AUBAGIO.