Biotech Values

[iandy]

SGYP: There is a new article from Seeking Alpha that features an interview with a gastroenterologist. I know it is just one doctor but it seems to confirm what I was saying about the focus being solely on the diarrhea rate when it is overall tolerability that might be the more telling differentiation.

From: Synergy Is Worth $25 / Share As Plecanatide Is Set To Be A Blockbuster In An Underserved Market:

Investors are very focused on the Plecanatide diarrhea rate being significantly lower than Linzess' rate. Do you find this to be a problem in the patients you treat with Linzess now?

The doctor made it very clear that he and his patients were not satisfied with current treatment options. Diarrhea was mentioned as a concern, but the most telling point to me was that only 1 in 10 of his patients that start on Linzess remain on it after 6 months. This dropout rate seems a bit on the high end to me personally, but a very interesting data point. Multiple times during the call the expert was very clear that a drug with a superior side effect profile would be rapidly embraced by himself and patients.

How do you currently decide between using Amitiza and Linzess in CIC patients?

He surprised me a bit saying that he uses Amitiza about 2-1 right now in his patients. While Linzess is efficacious, the side effects of bloating and abdominal pain were more than he found tolerable.

What percent of your CIC patients need medication for treatment rather than diet and other interventions?

As a specialist most of the patients that come to him have already tried diet and other interventions. He isn't the first stop for them and OTC laxatives and diet usually haven't worked for these patients. He made the point that the patients in general are very rarely satisfied with any treatment option and "bounce" from doctor to doctor.

Are there any patients you see currently in need of medical intervention for CIC, but not on medication?

It wasn't so much that they aren't trying treatments or are on medication, but that they were not satisfied with what is available. The patients are very eager for a new drug in this space.

http://seekingalpha.com/article/3297825-synergy-is-worth-25-share-as-plecanatide-is-set-to-be-a-blockbuster-in-an-underserved-market