Dow Jones Newswire 
(9/25, Chaudhuri) reports Anaheim, California-based Questcor Pharmaceuticals Inc. on Monday disclosed in an SEC filing that Federal regulators are investigating the marketing practices the firm uses to promote its primary revenue generator, HP Acthar Gel (corticotropin). This revelation comes just one week after Aetna dropped coverage for most uses the injectable drug, which has FDA approval as treatment for several disorders, including nephrotic syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and infantile seizures.
(9/25, Chaudhuri) reports Anaheim, California-based Questcor Pharmaceuticals Inc. on Monday disclosed in an SEC filing that Federal regulators are investigating the marketing practices the firm uses to promote its primary revenue generator, HP Acthar Gel (corticotropin). This revelation comes just one week after Aetna dropped coverage for most uses the injectable drug, which has FDA approval as treatment for several disorders, including nephrotic syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and infantile seizures.
The AP (9/25) reports Aetna said earlier this month that it will "drop reimbursement for all uses except infantile spasms, but patients currently receiving Acthar gel will be covered so they can complete their treatment. Aetna has said it expects to further review its policy on Acthar next month." As for the promotional probe, analysts "say these investigations can take years to play out." According to Oppenheimer analyst Christopher Holterhoff, "sales may be hurt if the company has to change its marketing" methods.
(9/25) reports Aetna said earlier this month that it will "drop reimbursement for all uses except infantile spasms, but patients currently receiving Acthar gel will be covered so they can complete their treatment. Aetna has said it expects to further review its policy on Acthar next month." As for the promotional probe, analysts "say these investigations can take years to play out." According to Oppenheimer analyst Christopher Holterhoff, "sales may be hurt if the company has to change its marketing" methods.
Reuters (9/24, Venkatesan) adds that Questcor neither disclosed which agency was performing the probe nor provided details on what aspects of the firm's marketing practices were being investigated. However, Reuters notes that the investigation was likely prompted by a California investment company, which stated it was concerned about Questcor's promotional methods in July; and ThinkEquity analyst Jim Molloy said he believes that probe is related to incentive payments to physicians.
(9/24, Venkatesan) adds that Questcor neither disclosed which agency was performing the probe nor provided details on what aspects of the firm's marketing practices were being investigated. However, Reuters notes that the investigation was likely prompted by a California investment company, which stated it was concerned about Questcor's promotional methods in July; and ThinkEquity analyst Jim Molloy said he believes that probe is related to incentive payments to physicians.
According to Bloomberg News (9/25, Lopatto), Questcor "said it intends to cooperate with the investigation and that the company doesn't plan further comment except for regulatory-compliant disclosures." The Orange County Business Journal (9/25, Reed) also covers the story.
(9/25, Lopatto), Questcor "said it intends to cooperate with the investigation and that the company doesn't plan further comment except for regulatory-compliant disclosures." The Orange County Business Journal (9/25, Reed) also covers the story.
No comments:
Post a Comment