Prolia Needs Part D

Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN) blamed the navigation of reimbursement and fulfillment issues for a Prolia denosumab rollout that's been slower than the Street had anticipated. The company expects the real pick-up in sales to come after Medicare Part D reimbursement starts early next year.

Prolia, launched in June, posted $10 million in sales for 3Q10; the consensus estimate was $32 million. The drug is approved to treat osteoporosis in post-menopausal women who are at high risk of fractures or who have failed or are intolerant of other osteoporosis therapies...