Chantix market is cash money
Executive Summary
Two-thirds of volume for Pfizer's smoking cessation therapy Chantix (varenicline) is fueled by the cash market, Pfizer President-Worldwide Pharmaceutical Operations Ian Read says during the company's first quarter earnings call April 19. "Reimbursement is a challenge, and it continues to be a challenge," he said. Last October, Read stressed that reimbursement remained an important issue for Chantix, with only 25% of lives covered, but said Pfizer remains "very optimistic" (1"The Pink Sheet" Oct. 30, 2006, p. 18). Pfizer reports $145 million in sales for Chantix in the first quarter...