Despite the Numerous Agents in Development for the Treatment of Chronic HCV Infections, a Notable Share of Physicians in Europe Lack Awareness of the HCV Pipeline
One Third of Surveyed Specialists in the EU5 were Unable to Cite Any New Therapy in Development for HCV, According to a New Report from BioTrends Research Group
EXTON, Pa., June 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- BioTrends Research Group, one of the world's leading research and advisory firms for specialized biopharmaceutical issues, finds in their TreatmentTrends®: Hepatitis C Virus (EU) report, that surveyed gastroenterologists and hepatologists in Spain and France are more likely to be aware of emerging HCV drugs than their counterparts in the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany. Among physicians with unaided awareness of HCV therapies in development, 42 percent specifically recalled Gilead's sofosbuvir, while only 13 percent cited Janssen/Medivir's simeprevir – two products expected to launch in Europe in the first half of 2014. When asked about the most desired attributes in new HCV therapies, surveyed EU5 physicians pointed to high SVR rates in both genotype 1 patients and in patients who have experienced previous treatment failure.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130103/MM36805LOGO )
"EU5 physicians expect sofosbuvir and simeprevir to improve cure rates in genotype 1 and treatment-experienced patients. However, our analyses reveals that there are several additional attributes, including pan-genotypic activity, simplified regimens and ribavirin-sparing efficacy, where follow-on therapies can differentiate themselves from currently available treatments and future regimens," said Director of Infectious Diseases Brenda Perez-Cheeks, Ph.D. "Looking ahead, these opportunities will likely become important as the HCV space becomes increasingly competitive with highly efficacious direct-acting antivirals and regimens. Consequently, novel agents will have to carve out niche opportunities for market penetration."
Surveyed EU5 physicians also noted the uptake of the protease inhibitors (PIs) as the focus of treatment shifts in the past six months. However, trending analysis of physician-reported prescribing between 2012 and 2013 indicates that PI triple therapy uptake is stabilizing in France and Germany, while PI-based therapy has seen gains in on-treatment patient shares in both the UK and Spain. Further, Janssen/Vertex's Incivo continues to outpace its competitor Merck/Roche's Victrelis on usage, brand perception and physician satisfaction.
The TreatmentTrends®: Hepatitis C Virus (EU) report covers the use of agents for the treatment of HCV infections in the EU5 based on primary market research with 258 gastroenterologists and hepatologists. This annual study focuses on current and future use of HCV treatment regimens, patient market share, perceived strengths and weaknesses of the key brands, barriers to broader usage and sales force performance. The report also explores the potential impact of regimens in development, including ABT-267, ABT-333, ABT-450, BI-207127, asunaprevir, daclatasvir, faldaprevir, ledipasvir simeprevir and sofosbuvir. The biannual study entitled TreatmentTrends®: Hepatitis C Virus (US), Wave 1, which provides insight into the treatment of chronic HCV infections in the U.S. from the perspective of gastroenterologists, hepatologists and infectious diseases specialists, is also now available.
About BioTrends Research Group
BioTrends Research Group provides syndicated and custom primary market research to pharmaceutical manufacturers competing in clinically evolving, specialty pharmaceutical markets. For information on BioTrends publications and research capabilities, please visit www.bio-trends.com. BioTrends is a Decision Resources Group company.
About Decision Resources Group
Decision Resources Group is a cohesive portfolio of companies that offers best-in-class, high-value information and insights on important sectors of the healthcare industry. Clients rely on this analysis and data to make informed decisions. Please visit Decision Resources Group at www.DecisionResourcesGroup.com.
All company, brand, or product names contained in this document may be trademarks of their respective holders.
For more information, contact:
Decision Resources Group
Christopher Comfort
781-993-2597
[email protected]
SOURCE BioTrends Research Group
Share this article