GLG News by Generic Drug Economic Experts

Bruce GoldbergPharmacistKOHLL'S PHARMACY & HOMECARE, INC

Rx Savings with Generic vs Branded Medications

March 28, 2011

Analysis of:Buying Brand-Name Drugs Over Generics Raises Medicaid Costs | www.bloomberg.com

With dollar shortfalls for Rx benefits, controlling drug costs is imperative. By utilizing a strict formulary of covered products, along with clear, real time messaging to the pharmacies,  the generic fill rate (GFR) will rise. With a higher GFR, savings is attained.

Adam FeinFounder & PresidentPEMBROKE CONSULTING INC

Thoughts on the Catalyst-Walgreen Deal

March 10, 2011

Analysis of:Walgreen to Sell Unit for $525 Million | online.wsj.com

This is a big move for Catalyst, which vaults ahead of its competitors to become the fifth largest PBM behind the Big 3 PBMs—CVS Caremark , Express Scripts , and Medco Health Solutions —and United Health’s Prescription Solutions. Even so, Catalyst will have less than 5% of the total U.S. prescription volume vs. about 70% for the top four. Below I discuss the implications for: Walgreens The PBM industry CVS Caremark

Adam FeinFounder & PresidentPEMBROKE CONSULTING INC

Medtronic Dumps Novation: Why GPOs Should Worry

March 1, 2011

Analysis of:Medtronic Makes Bold Pact-Ending Move Amid Medical-Device Woes | online.wsj.com

Medtronic is questioning the core of a GPO’s business model—pooling member purchase volumes in exchange for lower prices from manufacturers and wholesalers. Medtronic is the first company to make such a bold public move against GPOs, but other manufacturers are rethinking their channel and contracting strategies. Direct contracting is an existential mega-threat facing the GPO industry. A weaker GPO industry would likely be a net positive for wholesalers, particularly Cardinal Health .

Adam FeinFounder & PresidentPEMBROKE CONSULTING INC

CVS Caremark: Still Searching for Synergy

February 8, 2011

In the latest results from CVS Caremark , the company was not even able to meet the lowered expectations for its PBM business that the company had set for itself just three months ago. Unless there is major progress, I still predict a 2012 Caremark spin off for the reasons outlined in When will CVS and Caremark split up? Comments by new CEO Larry Merlo suggest that this scenario is now under active consideration.

John AnsellDirectorJohn Ansell Consultancy

Actelion undermined by loss of its crown jewel project

January 28, 2011

Analysis of:GSK and Actelion discontinue clinical development of almorexant | www.gsk.com

Actelion and GSK have announced that clinical development of their Phase III compound for insomnia, almorexant, has been discontinued. This has severe implications for the future of Actelion in particular.

Adam FeinFounder & PresidentPEMBROKE CONSULTING INC

Walgreens Joins the Attack on PBM Mail Profits

January 18, 2011

Analysis of:Walgreen aims to fill more 90-day prescriptions | www.chicagobusiness.com

Low-price retail fulfillment of 90-day prescriptions is a threat to PBM profits. Walgreens joins Walmart and CVS Caremark in pursuing strategies that eliminate the traditional out-of-pocket cost difference for consumers between mail and retail pharmacies. Will plan sponsors pay attention and create a strategic vulnerability in the profit model of Express Scripts and Medco Health Solutions ?

Adam FeinFounder & PresidentPEMBROKE CONSULTING INC

Cardinal Gets to China First with Zuellig Pharma Acquisition

November 29, 2010

Analysis of:Cardinal Health Acquires Leading Pharmaceutical Distributor in China | ir.cardinalhealth.com

The era of global wholesale is dawning. The acquisition represents the first major distribution investment outside of North America by one of the Big Three U.S. wholesalers. I've long pointed to China as a logical growth platform for U.S. wholesalers as in my January 2007 post 3 Ways for Drug Wholesalers to Grow.

Adam FeinFounder & PresidentPEMBROKE CONSULTING INC

McKesson Snags US Oncology

November 1, 2010

Analysis of:McKesson to Purchase US Oncology in a Transaction Valued at $2.16 Billion | phx.corporate-ir.net

This deal is a big win for McKesson, which now solidifies its position as the #2 specialty products distributor. McKesson also picks up the services and Group Purchasing Organization (GPOs) businesses of US Oncology. On the other hand, Cardinal Health now has an even bigger challenge in rebuilding its specialty business and diversify away from its two mega-customers, CVS Caremark and Walgreen . See Double Trouble for Cardinal Health. Time to go shopping?

John AnsellDirectorJohn Ansell Consultancy

Merck shifts away from CNS whilst bolstering respiratory

October 26, 2010

Analysis of:Lundbeck and Merck Sign Exclusive Commercialization Agreement for SYCREST | www.merck.com

A shift of emphasis by Merck & Co away from the CNS area could also indicate a further licensing opportunity. This contrasts with further recent concentration by the company on the respiratory area.

Adam FeinFounder & PresidentPEMBROKE CONSULTING INC

Double Trouble for Cardinal Health

October 14, 2010

Cardinal's recently released annual 10-K filing for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010show a company that's increasingly at the mercy of its two dominant customers. CVS Caremark’s retail pharmacy business and Walgreens are now half of Cardinal’s drug distribution business. Even more troubling, it looks like Cardinal lost substantial market share when we exclude its two mega-customers and account for inflation.

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