Biogen, Alkermes win FDA approval of Tecfidera successor — but can they actually sell it?
Just a few months after nailing Phase III data demonstrating the greater tolerability of Vumerity compared to the blockbuster franchise therapy it’s designed to replace, Biogen and their partners at Alkermes have won an FDA approval to start marketing the treatment for multiple sclerosis.
Like much of what Alkermes is known for, the drug’s future success will hinge on an improved safety profile, with fewer gastrointestinal side effects for MS patients. That will be the key argument that Biogen will use to woo patients away from their big drug Tecfidera ahead of generic competition — a cheaper alternative that payers will likely prefer over the new-and-improved drug.
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