Biotech Values

[DewDiligence]

More soundbites on AGN-KYTH:

http://blogs.wsj.com/corporate-intelligence/2015/06/17/allergan-bets-on-american-vanity-with-2-1-billion-deal

Mr. Saunders [AGN’s CEO] expects Kybella to be a gateway drug of sorts, especially for men. Those bothered by the under-chin fat skews slightly male, and currently men represent only about 12% to 13% of the facial injectable market.

At Dr. Anne Chapas’s Manhattan dermatology practice, adult men are the fastest-growing patient category. Lunchtime fat-blasting procedures appeal to guys seeking to look better without showing obvious signs of cosmetic work. Therein lies a challenge for Kybella, which requires a series of up to six treatments involving up to 50 needles each time. Further, among Kybella’s side effects are bruising and swelling that, while mild in most cases, can last for days.

Not to mention that six treatment sessions will cost a pretty penny (and it won’t be reimbursed by anyone).

On today’s CC, Saunders tried to backpeddle from the 6-injection (minimum 5-month) upper bound specified in Kybella’s FDA label, saying some patients could show good results with only 2-4 treatment sessions. Maybe.