Altabax will have good sales in the impetigo market

Implications: Altabax (retapamulin) will be a competitive topical agent for impetigo because it is a new molecular entity, Bactroban or mupirocin is generic and cannot compete directly, and it is indicated for children as young as 9 months. The market for a nonoral antibiotic is always good, due to lower side effects.

Analysis: It will be a good agent for impetigo especially in young children. Bactroban is generic and will not compete directly; most patients will want a non-oral treatment; and its approved in children as young as 9 months. It will sell well especially if promoted heavily to pediatricians and primary care physicians- GSK, the manufacturer already does this with their other products.