Eisai launches Arena's Belviq

Eisai Co. Ltd. (Tokyo:4523; Osaka:4523) launched twice-daily obesity drug Belviq lorcaserin from Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ARNA) in the U.S. with a wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) is $199.50 for a one-month supply. The launch, which comes about a year after FDA approved the serotonin (5-HT2C) receptor agonist, triggers a $65 million milestone payment to Arena from Eisai, which has marketing rights to Belviq in North America and most of South America from Arena. The partners are providing a free, one-time trial of a 15-day supply of Belviq under a discount program. Additionally, patients who spend $50 or more on a co-pay each month are eligible for a card that entitles the patient to savings of up to $75 per month for a year.

Competing obesity drug Qsymia phentermine/topiramate from Vivus Inc. (NASDAQ:VVUS) is available in the U.S. at a full retail price of $120-$183.90 per month, depending on dose. Qsymia is also available with drug discount programs (see BioCentury Extra, March 5). ...