Replies to post #7507 on MannKind Corp. (MNKD)

[IntelligentElegance]

We really need sales at this point. I was hoping a buy out from Novo Nordisc months back, instead we have to deal with Sanofi(who I was never keen on from the beginning).

"Meanwhile, Sanofi must hope a recent deal Mr. Viehbacher struck with MannKind Corp. to market the Afrezza inhaled insulin product will be a winner. Opinion is divided. Despite a crash-and-burn experience Pfizer Inc. suffered with such a product, supporters say Afrezza has a better delivery system and many diabetics don't like injectables.

Afrezza will be priced similarly to some injectable devices, but skeptics say diabetics will still have other options and payers must be convinced to give Afrezza preferential treatment for deciding reimbursement.

If the Afrezza deal sputters, one analyst says Sanofi may have to make a drastic decision.

“Sanofi will have to go big or go home,” says David Kliff of Diabetic Investor, who believes Sanofi should either acquire another company or diabetes portfolio. A prime candidate, in his view, is AstraZeneca PLC. “The simple fact is that Lilly and Novo have experience and formulary presence on their side.”
http://m.wsj.com/articles/sticking-point-sanofis-diabetes-franchise-is-crucial-to-sorting-out-a-mess-1415299834?mobile=y

In essence, as per the article, Sanofi is hoping and betting on its diabetic medications. It produces 21% of their revenue. At the moment some things have taken a turn with their top diabetic med and they need something to work out. Sanofi does not have as many products as the larger players and thus they are particularly banking on Afrezza to work out. Its a make or break. High risk high reward. Afrezza, IMO, if it works accordingly, will be pushed like a raging hot freight train by Sanofi to help restablize and then eventually break them into big player territory. They need Afrezza to work out. They dont have too many options.