Replies to post #163669 on Biotech Values

[mcbio]

Medivir/ENTA

Actually, I don’t think the number of pills in an HCV regimen will have much effect on commercial uptake. Why do so many people think it will? The answer is: a) they are thinking of the (totally different) HIV model; b) they have been brainwashed by GILD; or c) both of the above.

We’re talking about taking a set of pills for 12 (or fewer) weeks, which is hardly a hardship for anybody!

How, then, will MDs select an all-oral HCV regimen to prescribe? Efficacy, tolerability/safety, and reimbursement. The number of pills in the regimen will be no more than an afterthought, if it is even that.

Beyond the convenience standpoint, which we can respectfully disagree on, I tend to think the more pills in a given combo, the harder it is going to be to compete with GILD on price.