Ionis Pharmaceuticals stands to make a few bucks from this decision too. Quite the tangled web...

http://ipsite.org/3ge3

Personally I don't think they will appeal. The key will be the ongoing Royalties once they are awarded. They were seeking 10% of profit so indeed $200m is a far cry lower.

The thing I found interesting was the timing of Gilead in significantly dropping their price for the VA a few weeks back. This was a Federal Court and the deals made behind the curtain make the Wizard of Oz look honest.

Wizard of Oz look honest?  Where are you getting this stuff?

Riba flashback!

Idiot.

I've been reading about this too and Merck wanted far more, but the jury awarded far less. Gilead is of course going to appeal the decision and it will be tied up in litigation for quite awhile. Here's an op ed I received that is an interesting piece. When profits are in the multi billions, a few hundred measly million won't hurt the big dogs...

http://ipsite.org/3ge1

Never mind. Simple $200m slap on the wrist.

Hopefully it will not result in a cease and desist order in the manufacturing process. While this stuff is of course interesting it could result in problems for those seeking treatment.

Interesting stuff Mike!

Guess we won't really know what it all means until the dust settles ...

I'm sure Merck is very pleased with the outcome so far ...

I can only hope that it somehow drives prices down ...

Since Merck's Zapatier cost less than Harvoni, maybe ...

... but Gilead is going to have to pay Merck a portion now, I hope they don't UP the price to maintain their current very high profit.

... again, guess we won't really know what it all means until the dust settles ...

D

Click here:

http://ipsite.org/3gbb