Biogen Amevive launch

Biogen's Amevive (alefacept) is available Feb. 3 following approval Jan. 30 for "treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy." Biogen's sales force of 95 is focusing on the top 3,000 dermatologist prescribers of systemic psoriasis therapies; the firm will highlight Amevive's tolerability profile and improved duration of action. Labeling, which includes a bolded warning on the need for weekly blood monitoring, recommends that each 12-week course of Amevive be followed by a minimum of 12 weeks off therapy. Amevive is priced at $560 per once-weekly 7.5 mg IV bolus and $796 per 15 mg weekly intramuscular injection, for cost of $6,720 to $9,552 per 12-week course, or about $13,400 to $17,100 per year. Monitoring, at Biogen's estimate of $55 per week, would add another $1,430 per yea