MNKD FROM BOA
Bulls Say
OAfrezza has demonstrated a much more
favorable side-effect profile compared with
injectable rapid-acting insulin therapy. Long-term
safety data also indicate that the product does not
cause a decrease in lung function.
OMannKind plans to price Afrezza at parity with
insulin analogs and has developed its device to fit
comfortably in the palm, which should remedy the
reimbursement and design issues encountered by
Exubera.
OMannKind has signed an Afrezza commercialization
deal with Sanofi, an ideal partner with extensive
experience and commercial infrastructure in the
diabetes market.
Bears Say
ODespite Afrezza's approval and partnership
with Sanofi, the product could flop on the market.
Exubera was removed from the market after it was
deemed a commercial failure thanks to its hefty
price tag and bulky design.
OBeyond Afrezza, MannKind has only a few
early-stage products in its pipeline, making the
company's future almost entirely dependent on
Afrezza.
OSafety concerns linking Exubera use to lung
cancer in former smokers prompted diabetes
experts such as Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly to
discontinue their inhaled insulin products.
