Arena, Eisai sales and marketing update

Eisai launched twice-daily obesity drug Belviq lorcaserin from Arena in the U.S., with a wholesale acquisition cost of $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 from Arena to Belviq in North America and most of South America. 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 (see BioCentury, July 2, 2012 & May 13, 2013). ...