What’s the Point of Extavia?

Featured Story Oct. 16, 2009 By Angela Maas, Managing Editor Another drug in the self-injected multiple sclerosis (MS) class recently came onto the marketplace. But many within [...]

• Caroline says: The general consensus on Extavia (the generic form of Betaseron that received FDA approval earlier this year) is that its sole purpose is to create Novartis' entree into the MS marketplace in preparation for FTY-720. The MS market is one in which until now, Novartis has been totally unfamiliar. The strategy is clear -- but the point of Extavia is not, according to this very interesting article. Several experts note that Betaseron has the lowest market share of all interferons, and although the price of Extavia hasn't been officially released, insiders report it will cost barely less than Betaseron. The only thing in this article that I patently disagree with is that Copaxone is the most prescribed interferon...um, since when? Interesting insight into pharma marketing strategy and a fun read, nonetheless!
   

• New formulation beta 1b Wins FDA Approval

  Novartis AG won U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval to sell its Extavia multiple sclerosis treatment, its brand of Bayer AG’s Betaseron. Extavia, a form of interferon [...]

  • Caroline says: The second injectable beta interferon 1b has been FDA approved. Novartis' Extavia is approved for early MS and RRMS (same as Betaseron). Novartis is looking to expand/create their MS franchise (fingolimod will be filed later this year) with Extavia.
     
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