Elan Corporation, plc (ELN) Message Board

To: Robohogs who wrote (6097)	11/24/2004 2:44:46 AM
From: AJ Berger	of 10345

New Reason in Today's NYTimes to Wait before thinking about Selling any ELN stock; "The two companies said they would announce the price in a few days when they are ready to ship the drug. The delayed announcement appears in part to be a way to avoid having discussion of high prices included in news reports about the drug's approval. The companies have indicated Tysabri will be more expensive than the existing drugs, which cost $14,000 to $17,000 a year, and some analysts say the price will be much higher." Most analyst estimates on ELN were based on the therapy costing between $17-20k. It's likly ELN can charge 50% more than that for at least the first 2 years of it's availability, and Insurance companies WILL cover this (as per comments made after today's FDA announcement). After all, it's twice as effective as anything out there, and 25% of the half million MS community reacts poorly to existing medications, and/or avoids much needed therapy altogether. Because Neuro's will have to administer this monthly, they'll be pushing hard to sell it over simply writing 'scripts for the other 5 drugs available.