ThromboGenics starts Jetrea roll-out in USA

With the launch of its Jetrea (ocriplasmin) in the USA imminent, Belgian drugmaker ThromboGenics (Euronext Brussels: THR) has seen upward activity in its share price, likely reflects expectations for premium pricing and with this now achieved, focus shifts to launch dynamics, note analysts at Edison Investment Research.

Product launches can be difficult to forecast accurately, and the share price suggests high expectations. However, a positive European Union recommendation in coming weeks is likely to provide near-term support, they say.

Jetrea received US approval last fall (The Pharma Letter October 19, 2012) for the treatment of symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion (VMA). ThromboGenics plans to commercialize the product itself in the USA with launch confirmed to commence yesterday (January 14). The US price per injection is $3,950, a 30% premium to prior $3,000 guidance, although management had previously indicated this could be conservative.