Biotech Values

[DewDiligence]

Re: Blockbusters with expiring patents

Further to dewo’s reply about Prevnar-13… the marketers of several of the drugs on the list you posted have “lifecycle management” plans:

• MRK is developing a subcutaneous formulation of Keytruda.

• BMY is developing a subcutaneous formulation of Opdivo.

• REGN has FDA-approved high-dose (8mg) Eylea to supersede regular Eylea (#msg-172635764).

• LLY doesn’t need Trulicity now that Mounjaro/Zepbound have proven to be superior. (Trulicity sales were down 14% YoY in 4Q23 and the rate of decline is almost surely going to steepen.)

The MRK and BMY efforts with subcutaneous formulations might not pan out as full-fledged replacements for the drugs with expiring patents, but if approved the new formulations ought to soften the blow to a material degree.