Biotech Values

[oc631]

GILD—Contrary to prior information (#msg-96178223), 70% of early Sovaldi sales were in GT1 (with [Peg-IFN + ribavirin] or Simeprevir), according to today’s CC.

Granted this is an early read. Perhaps 70% is only an anomaly. The question I would like to ask J.M. during the prior C.C. would go something like this: How many of the GT1 patients that started 12-week treatment with Sovaldi/PegRiba (in 2013) are still receiving interferon injections? It wouldn't be a fair question since GILD wouldn't have this data on hand nor accurately know. Market research predicted high GT1 interferon-based treatment rates but common sense disputes the logic of this. An all-oral combination for GT1 patients will be approved by the end of the year. If this 70% Sovaldi/PegRiba script rate* continues the only explanation is some doctors are dropping interferon prematurely (or perhaps not using it at all). It was disingenuous of GILD to associate this 70% trend (during the C.C) to the make-up of the U.S. HCV population. That's comparing apples to oranges and makes a mockery of the tolerability advantages of oral therapy. I'm not suggesting GILD salespeople are promoting dumping interferon during treatment yet early numbers may suggest some providers are moving in this direction. GILD will play dumb concerning any knowledge of non-adherence to labeling yet they stand to lose prior authorization from payers if this practice is exposed.


*GILD slide suggests limited off-label use of the Sovaldi/Simeprevir combination in GT1 patients.