Biotech Values

[DewDiligence]

Update on the glaucoma market now that Xalatan is generic in the US:

[http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Ophthalmologists-Report-bw-1394061774.html?x=0&.v=1

The impact of the genericization of Pfizer’s Xalatan at the end of March 2011 is reflected in changes to both current and anticipated ophthalmologist prescribing behavior for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients. Among pharmacologically-treated patients, two-thirds are currently prescribed prostaglandin analogs, specifically Allergan’s Lumigan, Alcon’s Travatan Z, and Pfizer’s Xalatan, with the remaining use being split between fixed combination products (Allergan’s Combigan), beta blockers (Alcon’s Betoptic S), alpha agonists (Allergan’s Alphagan P), and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (Alcon’s Azopt). Surveyed ophthalmologists report recent increased prescribing of Lumigan and Travatan Z in response to diminished insurance coverage for Xalatan in anticipation of generic latanoprost. Interestingly, almost one-half of ophthalmologists report frequent patient requests for a generic product reflecting the strong influence of cost within this patient population. While respondents anticipate continued use of prostaglandin analogs for the majority of their patients with POAG, Lumigan 0.01% is anticipated to pull ahead of Lumigan 0.03% over the next six months due to higher satisfaction with the low concentration formulation’s efficacy and tolerability profile.