Biotech Values

[DewDiligence]

PFE makes branded Lipitor more affordable to US patients:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/pfizer-discount-keeps-brand-name-103039496.html

Patients who prefer brand-name cholesterol drug Lipitor to an inexpensive generic version will find it more affordable, thanks to a new discount offer from drugmaker Pfizer Inc. Patients who get a discount card at www.lipitor.com can receive a month's supply for $30 if they have no insurance, are covered under Medicare or Affordable Care Act exchange plans, or have commercial insurance with a copayment of more than $130. If they have commercial insurance with a co-pay of $130 or less, it will cost them $4. Pfizer will pay the pharmacy any difference.

PFE must have carefully analyzed the legalities of this plan insofar as manipulating the copayment of drugs reimbursed by Medicare Part D is tricky. (HHS recently ruled that it’s ok for drugmakers to offer a discount for patients who have commercial insurance via one of the ObamaCare exchanges.)