Biotech Values

[DewDiligence]

MNTA—Not a dumb question; in fact, it was directly addressed on NVS’ 2Q15 CC:

http://seekingalpha.com/article/3343645-novartis-nvs-ceo-joe-jimenez-on-q2-2015-results-earnings-call-transcript

Kerry Holford (analyst, Exane BNP): Going back to Glatopa…when I look at the NRX data, the gains look impressive. But I also know that there seems to be some decrease in the market share for Gilenya… I just wonder if you can talk about how you’re positioning these two drugs. Are they sold by the same sales force in the US market, and how are those reps incentivized?

David Epstein (NVS, head of Pharma Division): …there are separate commercial efforts around Glatopa and Gilenya in the two different divisions. We do work together where there are synergies. (…just to give you one example, in multiple sclerosis it's important to have a patient-support hub. Since we’ve built that with Gilenya, then Sandoz…would also access…that hub so that they can avoid…redundant costs.) So, there's no risk of any kind of cross contamination or distracting of field forces.