Replies to post #2000 on Biotech Values

[DewDiligence]

Re: Tarceva, Iressa:

>> There are 5 targeted therapies that have proven to statistically prolong survival. 4 of those 5 are Genentech products. <<

However, two of those four (Rituxan and Tarceva) were developed by other companies. Roche’s Xeloda was on the list you referred to, but I don’t consider it a “targeted” therapy. Also, Gleevec was not on the list but it should have been.

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On a more important subject, I disagree that Iressa is dead and Tarceva will automatically take 100% of Iressa’s share. I’m of the opinion that the survival benefit of Tarceva, modest as it is, is attributable to the design of the Tarceva trial more than to the drug’s inherent superiority vs Iressa.