Replies to post #45673 on Biotech Values

[ghmm]

Biowatch, do you know if certain populations have a higher predisposition to PML?

If I recall correctly didn't Biogen sign a deal with a smaller company to investigate treatments for PML? Granted this is very early stage and may not amount to much.

[jbog]

Biowatch,

Not to slam tysarbi because I do believe it's a top notch weapon for MS patients, but if you think about it once avonex was banned from being used with tysarbi Biogen had to weigh the risk/reward of selling ty versus avonex. A couple of slip ups (pml) with ty would knock billons off of Biib never to be recovered. Not worth it.

[blackcat]

Biowatch,

Although I have suspected that BIIB made some choices that would deliberately slow down the ramp-up of Ty, I think they have gotten past that point now. As I understand it they really fought hard to not have to give up "Combo", in spite of knowing that it caused problems.

(I had several good friends at the AC, including two who spoke, and I was also able to watch the meeting)

Actually - ÉLAN can't do much of anything as far as marketing goes in the US. BIIB holds the BLA here, and ÉLAN in the EU. All sales reps belong to BIIB and, of course, they have the mfg. I believe BIIB would like to become an "MS Franchise" - we'll see whether or not they succeed.

As you're no doubt aware, they have been the target of takeover rumors of late. Should that occur, the Change of Control" clause would come into effect allowing ÉLAN to purchase all of Ty or vice versa.

I am hoping we get some more updated info at ANN - or - surprise - maybe even BIIB will provide some at their CC. Stranger things have happened.

Regards,
Cat