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

 
• By Jessica Merrill

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 of pocket. But Leif said the amount patients will actually...

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