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Assessment of QNEXAA in the US MarketBY: Preethi Venkateswaran | Category: Biotech Research | Submitted: 2011-07-11 18:59:25
OBJECTIVE The objective of this assessment was to evaluate QNEXAA, a drug for anti-obesity developed by Vivus Inc. During this work, the market opportunity for the drug, marketing strategy, financial aspects and the risks associated with it were reviewed. FINDINGS A positive evaluation of the drug QNEXAA results from a complete assessment considering various company presentations, scientific journal publications and press releases. Vivus Inc. a biopharmaceutical company, is into developing novel, next-generation treatments to address the needs in obesity, diabetes, sleep apnea and sexual health. The company has had a rosy history, and is continuing to do well, in drug development and marketing that promises a successful future for QNEXAA. With the introduction of MUSE, a treatment for erectile dysfunction, in 1997 the company had a tremendous success of this drug not only in the US but also in Europe where they partnered with Meda. Recently, in Oct. 2010, the divestiture of MUSE (all its assets) to Meda which was worth $23.5 million, will not only allow their commercialization efforts to focus on QNEXAA, but has also brought a lot of cash to the company for continuing operations. The company has many positive traits: an all star management team, clear recognition by physicians and payers, hence it is well regarded. The reasons for the possible success of QNEXAA are: • A long-term anti-obesity medication with weight loss of 10% observed in patients over a span of one year. • QNEXA® is also in phase II clinical developments for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea - multiple therapies. • Not major side effects noted, except for the probable birth defect seen in women participating in the trails. This is however been researched and further trails are being conducted to avoid this side effect. • Less competition in the market for obesity. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Based on secondary research on the market potential for QNEXA®, the recommendation for this time is to invest in this company, as this seems to be a very promising drug. During upcoming clinical phases of QNEXA®, reevaluation of the side effects and other associated risks will be appropriate. Assessment of QNEXA® in the US Market Objective: The objective of this research was to evaluate the commercial opportunity for Vivus' anti-obesity drug named QNEXA® in the US market. This report was compiled using company's releases on the drug, market information, articles and data on other anti-obesity drugs. Company Profile: VIVUS is a biopharmaceutical company based in Mountain View, CA developing therapies to address obesity, sleep apnea, diabetes and male sexual health. The company's lead product in clinical development, QNEXA®, has completed phase III clinical trials for the treatment of obesity and is currently being considered for approval by US and EU regulators. In the area of sexual health, VIVUS is in phase III development with Avanafil, a PDE5 inhibitor being studied for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Vivus was founded in 1991 and became public in the year 1994. Vivus currently has 130 employees working. Financial Overview: The market capital of the company as of 2010 was $760.90 million. VIVUS had cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities of $130.4 million at March 31, 2011, as compared to $139.2 million at December 31, 2010. The decrease in cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities of $8.8 million is primarily due to cash used in operations and other net cash uses offset by proceeds of $1.5 million from the exercise of common stock options. For the quarter ended March 31, 2011, VIVUS reported a net loss of $9.9 million or $0.12 per share as compared to a net loss of $18.8 million or $0.23 per share for the first quarter of 2010. The lower net loss in 2011 as compared to 2010 results from reduced research and development spending on QNEXA® and Avanafil as these projects progress from the clinical trial stage to the approval stage. The company (NASDAQ:VVUS) share ended at $7.78 on June 10, 2011. Product Profile: The company's lead product in development, QNEXA® is a proprietary once a day oral controlled release formulation of low dose phentermine and topiramate. These are said to control the appetite and satiety in a person. Phentermine is used individually as a short-term medication for weight loss and topiramate used for the cure of epilepsy and migraine. Article Source: http://www.biotecharticles.com/ About Author / Additional Info: This is my personal analysis and please do not treat this as an experts advice. Please check with your doctor before using any weight loss product including Qnexaa. Comments on this article: (0 comments so far)
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