Arena Says Patient Programs Will Offset Belviq’s Premium Price For Some

The obesity pill will be priced at a slight premium to Vivus’ rival drug Qsymia, but Arena CEO says the amount patients will actually pay will vary based on coupon and rebate programs.

Although Eisai Co. Ltd./Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc.have decided to price their obesity drug Belviq (lorcaserin) at a premium to rival drug Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate), consumer incentive programs will help to drive use of the product once it is launched, Arena CEO Jack Leif indicated during the company’s year-end sales and earnings call March 4.

Price is particularly important in the area of obesity, where drugs are not widely reimbursed and most patients pay out...

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