Biotech Values

[urche]

MNTA/GSK: Is Arixtra still a dog?

Dew has opined repeatedly that Arixtra is a commercial dog (Reference these, among other posts):
http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=28934131;
http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=28934131

I wonder if the tide is turning for Arixtra(fondapirinux) and whether this may have implications for the eventual market for m-enoxaparin.

I was surprised to learn that a well-run NH hospital where I have worked is phasing out Lovenox this month, and substituting Arixtra.

Here is a portion of the letter from the Pharmacy and Therapeutics committee:
Formulary Change:

In the continued efforts to provide patients at XXXX Hospital with safe, effective and cost efficient medications, the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee approved the addition of Arixtra® (fondaparinux) to the hospital’s formulary in place of enoxaparin.

This decision was made based on provider requests, patient safety, drug information, once a day dosing of fondaparinux, reports in literature supporting the use of fondaparinux in the treatment or prophylaxis of thromboembolism in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), and cost savings for the organization.

Therefore, over the next several weeks the organization will be making the conversion from enoxaparin to fondaparinux. A complete conversion will be implemented no later than August 1, 2009.

I would be interested if there is other evidence from across the US that Arixtra is taking turf.

Aside from having to learn how to use a new drug, my concern as a MNTA holder is that if Arixtra is able to position itself with a significant market share just prior to generic enoxaparin being approved, it may pose a significant barrier to adoption of the generic (i.e. MNTA produced) drug.