hcv versus influenza

Dear BTA Holders,
My bet is that the rise in SP since Friday is related to the Hepatitis C Virus related patent in the US being awarded to Biota..

Interesting how potential treatments for chronic illnesses are valued highly by big Pharma - ongoing repeat sales means big bickies if you have a market leader - and it looks like Biota now has the inside running with Hepatitis C and potentially other illnesses.

In contrast, with Biota's Relenza treatment for influenza (world beating technology) GSK (Glaxo Smith Kline who have amrketing rights) have virtually ignored the retail market for seasonal flu. They have not been promoting it to GPs etc.

Instead they have relied solely on stockpiling by countries in case of a pandemic. The latter market is big but replenishment is intermittent and hard to factor in to the share-price due to variable cash flow..

Most people throughout the world are exposed to a new strain of seasonal flu each year. Imagine the market if the benefits of treatment were promoted widely. Decreased illness, decreased lost workdays, decreased hospitalisations and decreased deaths.

Makes sense.

Regards
Kangaroo1