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Typically, the first generics for blockbuster meds get off to a running start. Not so with Novartis' ($NVS) generic of Teva's ($TEVA) multiple sclerosis standout Copaxone, though--and Bernstein analyst Ronny Gal thinks he can explain why.
The Swiss pharma giant's knockoff, dubbed Glatopa, right now has market share of only about 20%--as opposed to the roughly 50% some industry-watchers say it's capable of snagging. And that could be because coverage of the copy is "considerably behind that of Copaxone," he wrote in a Friday note to clients.
Copaxone reaches the "best available coverage" tier for 59% of covered lives, he pointed out, while Glatopa can only boast that level for 31%. Many payers have kept Teva's original as either preferred or equally accessible thanks to discounting, he noted, and on top of that, Glatopa--likely thanks to its high price--is treated by many plans as a branded product.
"It appears that the lower penetration is, for the most part, factual and simply reflects current formulary status coverage," Gal wrote. Teva is offering more discount to payers, and those payers are preferring its brand over equally or slightly more expensive Glatopa."
Novartis' Sandoz unit, though, appears to be taking that tack deliberately. It "can always lower its price and capture share," Gal noted, but right now, it "appears to be interested in building share cautiously in order to protect market price." The way he sees it, Sandoz is holding the reins, and as it gradually brings its price down, "share will shift," he wrote.
There's another question on the minds of industry-watchers, though, and that's how Glatopa will affect payer coverage on Teva's next-gen version of Copaxone. In July, Gal predicted Glatopa's presence would lead payers to restrict the newcomer version as they work to manage costs. And that could be bad news for Teva, which managed to convert patients over to the long-acting version at a rate that had analysts impressed.
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