We choose to report information on the MS therapies from investor's conferences as it oftentimes adds a different, and very interesting, viewpoint from that seen within the medical community (particularly regarding insurance coverage-- see the very interesting comment below that insurers are apparently OK with covering Tysabri). In this case, this past week J.P. Morgan hosted an annual health-care conference, and the linked story suggest Tysabri (Antegren or natalizumab) was the hit of the show:
"'We think it's one of the most important product launches in the history of biotechnology," said J.P. Morgan analyst Ron Renaud...'
'We believe that a lot of patients will demand to be switched,' said Elan's chief of research and development, Lars Eckman.
Eckman added that at this point, healthcare insurers seem to have little reservation covering the drug, which can cost up to $23,000 a year..."There's been no push back on reimbursement," said Eckman. "This is because it's effective."
Click "read more" to get the link to the full story...
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Biogen's drug is star of show
By Val Brickates Kennedy, CBS.MarketWatch.com
Last Update: 7:27 PM ET Jan. 14, 2005
BOSTON (CBS.MW) -- Although just approved in November, Biogen Idec's new multiple-sclerosis drug, Tysabri, was the runaway hit of J.P. Morgan's annual health-care conference this week, with industry experts stoking expectations that the drug could become a blockbuster.
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/yhoo/story.asp?
source=blq/yhoo&siteid=yhoo&dist=yhoo&guid=
%7BA35E994D%2DCBF9%2D4F61%2D9E45%2D921BE50B9102%7D
