Array Biopharma Inc (ARRY), Sanofi SA (ADR) (SNY), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc (REGN): Three Ways Your Kids Can Be Harmed by Smog

Several companies are already on the move in working to develop more effective treatments for conditions linked to smog — especially asthma. Array Biopharma Inc (NASDAQ:ARRY), for example, recently reported positive results from a mid-stage study of experimental asthma drug ARRY-502. The drug achieved the study’s primary endpoint of statistically significant improvement in a key measure of lung function called Forced Expiratory Volume in one second, or FEV1.

Sanofi SA (ADR) (NYSE:SNY) and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:REGN) also have a new asthma drug in development. In May, the companies announced good results from a mid-stage study of dupilumab. Patients with moderate-to-severe, persistent asthma who took the drug experienced 87% fewer asthma exacerbations than did patients receiving placebo.

Investing angle
Because we serve the interests of individual investors, The Motley Fool always looks at the investing angle with any story. With that in mind, all three of these companies developing new asthma drugs look like solid picks.

Sanofi SA (ADR) (NYSE:SNY) is the largest of the group and provides a nice 2.5% dividend yield. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:REGN) has rewarded investors with a year-to-date gain of almost 50%. Array Biopharma Inc (NASDAQ:ARRY) performed even more impressively so far in 2013, with gains of around 60%.

There is another type of investment, though, that could benefit even Americans who aren’t interested in the stock market. Lowering levels of ozone to 60 parts per billion could produce between $35 billion and $100 billion in health and economic benefits by 2020, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

More importantly, accomplishing this goal could save 4,000 to 12,000 lives and prevent 21,000 hospitalizations and 58,000 asthma attacks each year. Those are the kinds of returns that could help all Americans breathe easier.

The article 3 Ways Your Kids Can Be Harmed by Smog originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Keith Speights.

Fool contributor Keith Speights has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

Copyright © 1995 – 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.