Replies to post #43419 on Biotech Values

[DewDiligence]

>Amlodipine is in Lotrel<

True, but that’s not the answer. The answer is that amlodipine (along with Diovan) is a component of Exforge, which figures to be a big-selling new drug for NVS.

NVS already has FDA approval for Exforge and has been waiting for the Norvasc patent to run out. After today’s court ruling, NVS will probably launch immediately.

[rfj1862]

>Amlodipine is in Lotrel. I would buy Benazepril(generic) and generic Norvasc(Amlodipine) and drop the Lotrel. Bad news ?<

Except then you'd have 2 copays, and your compliance with your medication would like be worse. Particularly if you were taking multiple concomitant medications for other conditions.

The primary rationale for combination antihypertensives revolves around compliance and persistence. Multiple studies have shown that the more pills you take, the more likely you are to stop taking your medication. That, and the Joint National Committee 7 guidelines acknowledge that most patients with hypertension require 2 or more agents to get to goal.

Given the sales of combination antihypertensives like Lotrel and the various HCTZ combinations, among others, physicians and patients buy into this argument.