Viread is seen as a potential competition with BMS Korea's Baraclude(Entecavir), dominant seller in hepatitis B treatment market.
Despite fierce and lengthy argumentative process, Yuhan, initially claiming Baraclude-level drug price, has finally accepted lower price than the weighted averages of Baraclude(5,878 won) and Hepsera(5,775 won).
Yuhan was planning to settle the price negotiation at around the weighted average price(5,878 won) of Baraclude. But KNHI suggested the price range slightly over 4,000 won, the price 15% lower than the weighted average price of GSK's Hepsera(5,775 won), lowered price due to patent expiration last year.
KNHI, however, finally accepted part of Yuhan's suggestion. The negotiation was settled around a bit over 5,000 won, the price lower than those of Baraclude and Hepsera. Yuhan, though not quite satisfied, is known to have no big grudge since the firm entered into insurance payment market after making long and arduous efforts.
Viread has maintained HBV suppression without resistance during five-year-long clinical test. The drug, No. 1 seller in Europe and the U.S., is expected to emerge as a strong competition of Baraclude.
Yuhan signed an agreement March 30 with Gilead Sciences Inc. to exclusively sell the Viread in Korea. aiming at achieving 100 billion won sales for the next three years to come.
Domestic hepatitis B treatment market amount to 200 billion won, 60% of which is taken up by BMS Korea's Baraclude.
Experts agree that the heyday of Baraclude is actually over.
-대한민국 의학전문지 헬스코리아뉴스-
