Biotech Values

[dewophile]

I'm not sure I agree on the potency issue SVRs with MRK's combo are comparable to GILD and ABBV. Today's release in tx experienced and cirrhotics had SVRs ranging from 90% to 97% - probably averaging in all arms around 95%, although this includes some 18 week arms - again more or less on par with data from GILD and ABBV in prior tx failures and cirrhotics. However I do agree there is a narrower therapeutic window for the PI and if they get a pt who is a poor metabolizer or whatnot of the drug they could get into potential trouble in larger pt populations. but if they emerge clean from phase 3 (and there is a IF here visa vie safety) they will be competitive - albeit not superior IMO in terms of SVR.

given they haven't started enrolling into ph 3 yet they are 1.5 years behind at minimum though and I do think once docs see pts have no problem taking 12 weeks of an ABBV regimen they aren't going to be so apt to switch to a new competitor just based on fewer pills a day regimen (I have always been on record that the pill burden argument is overblown for limited duration therapy)

PS: today's data was SVR 4 I believe not 12 but I assume there will be few if any late virologic failures