Sanofi Genzyme’s foray into Indian MS market should be met with caution, says GlobalData

Sanofi Genzyme — specialty care global business unit of French pharma company Sanofi — has launched its multiple sclerosis (MS) drug in India, however, according to GlobalData, it should be cautious of fierce generic competition when considering the price tag.

The drug, Aubagio (teriflunomide, 14 mg), is a ‘once-daily’ oral tablet that was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012 and is now available in more than 80 countries.

India has a sizeable MS patient population, making it an important market for companies to establish themselves as leaders in the field. The data and analytics company has estimated that the diagnosed prevalence of MS in the country is set to remain stable at 0.07% over the period 2016–2026 but there will be an increase in the number of diagnosed prevalent cases.

An increase in the number of MS patients primarily occurred because of improved rate of diagnosis as a result of higher availability of practicing neurologists and improved access to healthcare and diagnostic facilities like magnetic resonance imaging in tier 1, 2 and 3 cities.

GlobalData’s estimated cost per year of Aubagio in the US is $76,00 — based on the 14 mg tablet taken orally once daily. However, Indian-based company, Natco Pharma, has already launched a generic version of teriflunomide tablets in India under the brand name Denopsy, which is priced much lower than other alternate options in India.

The Indian market is cost sensitive as a result of low penetration of private insurance, inadequate facilities at public hospitals and high out of pocket payments.

“No doubt, brand value can help Sanofi gain a foothold in the traditionally generic Indian market with its original research product,” stated Vikas Bedi, head of APAC Healthcare Research at GlobalData. “But it should be wary of the cost conscious consumers and fierce generic competition. It needs to price its product competitively if it hopes to make an impact in the Indian market.”