Biotech Values

[DewDiligence]

ENTA/Medivir—ABT-450 is going to be part of 4 or even 5-drug combos whereas simeprevir has a chance to be part of just 2 or 3-drug combos. I think that will prove a pretty big distinction ultimately.

Actually, I don’t think the number of pills in an HCV regimen will have much effect on commercial uptake. Why do so many people think it will? The answer is: a) they are thinking of the (totally different) HIV model; b) they have been brainwashed by GILD; or c) both of the above.

We’re talking about taking a set of pills for 12 (or fewer) weeks, which is hardly a hardship for anybody!

How, then, will MDs select an all-oral HCV regimen to prescribe? Efficacy, tolerability/safety, and reimbursement. The number of pills in the regimen will be no more than an afterthought, if it is even that.