Saphris Enters a Crowded Market with the Same Old Baggage

As I noted back in 2007, asenapine (now Saphris) had the best chance of launching among the pipeline atypical anti-psychotics. Now a product of Schering-Plough, Saphris is approved for use in bipolar and schizophrenia. However, it enters a saturated market with competitors that have well-entrenched positions. Additionally, it's the first to enter since generic risperidone became available.Further, Saphris fails to differentiate itself from the side effects ubiquitous in this class. Given the hurldes, I would anticipate slow trial and uptake of Saphris without a heavy DTC focus or very aggressive pricing. It probably won't be as bad as Invega unless they really blow it on the initial sales calls with over-promising efficacy. The physicians are too savvy about this product to use it before third or fourth line in the class. Good luck SGP.