Biotech Values

[oc631]

I think that even if one of ABT's combos is first, it will not be so for long. Even a similar 3 drugs combo but with a more potent PI that doesn't need boosting as you've noted, will likely be considered a better combo.

What's interesting about ABT is they are the dark horse in this contest. They are behind in development, with a somewhat sloppy combination, yet 90%+ SVR rates is a remarkable achievement even within this small study.

Being first to market in GT1 oral offers the opportunity to participate in the largest drug launch in history considering pent-up demand for interferon-free treatment. GILD is the clear favorite with GS-7977 and they are expected to be first in all genotypes. If unacceptably low SVR rates are seen using GS-7977/Riba there's a possibility GILD could stratify for GT1B patients to salvage the combo.

If GS-7977/Riba lacks potency in GT1/GT1A do you think GILD would partner with BMY or Tibotec as opposed to focusing only on an in-house combo?