Replies to post #73340 on Biotech Values

[srsmgja]

In my prior post I left out the price increase for Tysabri.

To the best of my knowledge there was a 3% increase at the beginning of the year and another 3% increase mid year.

[genisi]

Aggressive price hikes were a major trend in the MS market during 2007: price of Avonex increased 27%, whereas that of Copaxone and Rebif increased 18%, and Betaseron increased 16% (excluding a 13% increase in January 2008). Tysabri's price/patient/year is x2 higher so I suppose that's a good explanation for the modest annual 3% price increase. However, you are correct that only about one-third of Copaxone growth was driven by volume increases, price increase did the most.

[DewDiligence]

Re: Copaxone is Cleaning Tysabri’s Clock / srsmgja

Hi, srsmgja. You neglected to mention the effect of currency on the figures in #msg-35647813, which reduced Copaxone’s year-over-year sales growth to a material agree. On a constant currency basis, Copaxone’s year-over-year growth in 4Q08 would have been even better than the 37% increase in dollars. Regards, Dew

p.s. Welcome to the board!

[DewDiligence]

Copaxone Continues to Clean Tysabri’s Clock in US Market

For MNTA investors, Copaxone’s US sales and market share are relevant as the economic underpinning for the generic-Copaxone program MNTA is undertaking with partner NVS.

Record 1Q09 sales of Copaxone (#msg-37542200) combined with the tepid 1Q09 sales of Tysabri (#msg-37091385) means that, in the US market, Copaxone is not only holding its ground against Tysabri, but also is gaining share at Tysabri’s expense while continuing to take share from the interferon drugs.

1Q09 US Sales of Copaxone and Tysabri

 
             1Q09 U.S.  Change 
             Sales($M)  vs 4Q08 
 Copaxone      430       +12% 
 Tysabri       116        +1% 

Source: Teva, Biogen Idec.