Rebif Market Position Safe Due To Tysabri Reimbursement Concerns – Serono
This article was originally published in The Pink Sheet Daily
Executive Summary
Serono exec cites several hiccups to the uptake of Elan/Biogen Idec's multiple sclerosis therapy Tysabri, including reimbursement concerns and premium price. Global sales for Pfizer/Serono's Rebif reached the $1 bil. mark last year.
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Elan Expects Tysabri To Capture 50% Of Expanded Multiple Sclerosis Market
Elan says its goal is to grow the MS market, not to destroy Tysabri partner Biogen Idec's Avonex franchise. Patient uptake for Tysabri is "far beyond what we thought it would be," Elan says. The firm is also encouraged by physicians' acceptance of one-year trial data and a desire to establish infusion centers.
Biogen Idec/Elan's Tysabri Priced At Premium To Serono/Pfizer's Rebif
With a wholesale acquisition cost of $1,808, Tysabri will sell for at least a 20% premium to Rebif. Pricing for the MS therapy reflects the expectation of future indications in Crohn's and rheumatoid arthritis.
Elan/Biogen Idec's Tysabri, Formerly Antegren, Approved For MS Based On One-Year Data
Monoclonal antibody's label includes studies as monotherapy and as add-on in patients previously treated with Avonex. Two-year results are expected in the first half of 2005.