Datapoint: FDA Approves Merck’s Winrevair
The FDA on March 26 approved Merck’s Winrevair (sotatercept) — which the drugmaker netted from its $11.5 billion acquisition of Acceleron — for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The rare disease causes high blood pressure and can lead to heart failure within a few years of diagnosis. Winrevair will be the first activin signaling inhibitor therapy in the PAH market basket, targeting the disease itself rather than managing symptoms. Evaluate Pharma estimates Winrevair will reach $1 billion in global sales by 2026. Among the most advantaged PAH therapies are Johnson & Johnson’s endothelin receptor agonist Opsumit, which holds covered or better status for 98% of all insured lives under the pharmacy benefit, and Uptravi, also from J&J. The rostacyclin receptor agonist holds 84% covered or better status under the pharmacy benefit.
From Evaluate Pharma and MMIT Analytics, as of 3/27/24
