Biotech Values

[DewDiligence]

ESRX’s own PR on ABBV deal for Viekira Pak:

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=69641&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=2001457

…Express Scripts today announced an update to its National Preferred Formulary that will significantly expand access to AbbVie's new medication, Viekira Pak, a breakthrough treatment for hepatitis C.

Viekira Pak…was determined to be at least clinically equivalent to Harvoni and Sovaldi by Express Scripts' independent Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee. As a result of the committee's determination, Viekira Pak will immediately be added to the Express Scripts formulary, and will be the exclusive option for patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C, regardless of symptoms or disease progression, starting January 1, 2015.

Approximately 75 percent of the more than 3 million Americans with hepatitis C have a form of the virus known as genotype 1. All clinically appropriate patients with that form of hepatitis C who are covered by the Express Scripts National Preferred Formulary – which covers about 25 million Americans – will have access to Viekira Pak.

Beginning January 1, 2015, Sovaldi, Harvoni and Olysio will be excluded from the National Preferred Formulary. Sovaldi, Harvoni and Olysio will continue to be available for patients who have already begun treatment regimens. Sovaldi will be available for patients with other hepatitis C genotypes [i.e. GT2/GT3] who have advanced liver disease.