In a Market of Injectables, Differences in Convenience Can Greatly Influence Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Choice
Thought Leaders Agree Oral Therapies Represent a Sizeable Clinical Advantage,
According to a New Report from Decision Resources
WALTHAM, Mass.,
Decision Resources, Inc., one of the world's leading research and advisory firms focusing on pharmaceutical and healthcare issues, finds that in a market of injectables, differences in convenience can greatly influence treatment choice, particularly for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) patients who frequently are reluctant to inject.
According to the new report entitled Safety Concerns Will Not Stop Oral Therapies from Making an Impact: A Multiple Sclerosis (Relapsing-Remitting) Study, thought leaders interviewed agree that an orally- available treatment for MS would represent a sizable clinical advantage in this market of injectables. Consequently, each of the emerging therapies profiled in the report (Novartis's fingolimod, Sanofi-Aventis's teriflunomide, and Merck Serono's Mylinax) - all of which are orally available - warrant the highest score for delivery.
In today's market, even small differences in convenience influence the choice between current therapies. "Among the injectables, many patients and thought leaders today prefer subcutaneously delivered therapies (Merck Serono's Rebif, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals' Betaseron, Teva's Copaxone), which use smaller, less burdensome needles than Biogen Idec's Avonex's intramuscular injection, and can be easily administered at home, while others prefer Avonex because it is dosed once-weekly" said Jonathan Searles, analyst at Decision Resources.
"In contrast, the two-hour infusion-plus-observation period with intravenous Tysabri (Biogen Idec/Elan), coupled with the obligatory office-based administration, is less convenient and warrants a lower score for delivery. However, its once-monthly administration may represent a commercial advantage."
Safety Concerns Will Not Stop Oral Therapies from Making an Impact:
A Multiple Sclerosis (Relapsing-Remitting) Study Safety Concerns Will Not Stop Oral Therapies from Making an Impact: A Multiple Sclerosis (Relapsing-Remitting) Study covers the current and future state of the multiple sclerosis (relapsing-remitting) drug market. The report includes: - More than 3,000 physician responses that define drug attributes that drive prescription now and in the future.
- Clinical end point tradeoffs that are most influential to physicians.
- Areas of unmet need with highest potential.
- Benchmark trial results for specific drug opportunities.
- Patient share potential for emerging therapies and target product profiles.
- Decision Resources proprietary analysis of commercial factors that accelerate or constrain a drug's market potential.
- Promotion: DTC spend, detailing intensity.
- Reimbursement: formulary tier, prior approval restriction, quantity limits.
- Labeling: black box warnings, approved patient segments, contraindications.
- Competition: order of entry, pricing, generic entry, pipeline sales forecast.
- Medical practice: decision trees, treating physician type, line of therapy.
- Comparisons of the key clinical attributes of current and emerging therapies in the areas of efficacy, safety, and delivery.
- Analysis and supporting data that identifies the clinical "Gold Standard" now and over the next ten years.
- Key insights as to which clinical end points have the greatest influence on physician decision-making.
The report can be purchased by contacting Decision Resources. Members of the media may request an interview with an analyst. About Decision Resources Decision Resources, Inc., (http://www.decisionresources.com) is a world leader in market research publications, advisory services, and consulting designed to help clients shape strategy, allocate resources, and master their chosen markets. All company, brand, or product names contained in this document may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.