Hemlibra Effect Is Muted At Shire

Hemlibra Effect Is Muted At Shire - For Now

Hemlibra has taken a bite out of Shire's FEIBA sales, but compensatory boosts in other areas of the business helped CEO Ørnskov keep the business ticking over while awaiting the finalization of Takeda's takeover.

Flemming Ornskov — Shire CEO, Flemming Ørnskov • Source: Shire

The launch of Roche's Hemlibra (emicizumab) for hemophilia A patients with inhibitors dented Shire PLC's hematology numbers in the second quarter, but the overall effect was mild. The Takeda takeover-in-waiting was boosted by a recovering HAE franchise and growth in immunoglobulin sales, which also helped offset the onset of generic competition to its ulcerative colitis drug Lialda (mesalazine).

Shire-watchers' eyes have been on the uptake of Hemlibra, which has been priced at 50% below competitors in the inhibitor...