Although Usage Remains Low Six Months Post-Launch, U.S. Nephrologists Continue to Report High Anticipated Future Use of Omontys

EXTON, Pa., Jan. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- BioTrends Research Group, one of the world's leading research and advisory firms for specialized biopharmaceutical issues, has released findings from the third wave (W3) of its LaunchTrends^®: Omontys report fielded approximately six months post-U.S. commercial availability. This report surveyed a total of 81 U.S. nephrologists about their current awareness, trial and usage of Affymax / Takeda's Omontys (peginesatide). Omontys is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) approved March 27, 2012 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adult patients on dialysis.

Aided awareness of Omontys has remained about the same as wave 2 (W2) (fielded at three-months post-U.S. commercial availability), with 85 percent of nephrologists aware of Omontys in W3. The brand name is becoming more known; of those who mention Omontys when asked about new products or news in renal anemia, 91 percent (versus 85 percent in W2 and 54 percent in wave 1 (W1) fielded at one-month post-U.S. commercial availability) mention the Omontys brand name specifically.

The number of nephrologists who have prescribed Omontys remains low in this third wave but is up from W2 (11 nephrologists in W3, three nephrologists in W2 and one nephrologist in W1). Omontys hemodialysis patient share has significantly increased from W1 and has reached low-to-mid single digits in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, respectively. Surveyed nephrologists forecast a significant increase in Omontys' hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and CKD-ND patient share in the next six months. For hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients in particular, Omontys growth is expected at the expense of Epogen.

"Thirty percent of surveyed physicians' dialysis clinics have piloted or have considered piloting the use of Omontys and most believe the pilots will last three to six months," said BioTrends' Associate Therapeutic Class Director-Nephrology Rob Dubman. "These pilot findings will likely help determine if nephrologists' forecasts for future dialysis patient shares of Omontys in the mid-teen to low twenties will actually materialize."

About LaunchTrends: Omontys
LaunchTrends: Omontys is a series of four post-launch syndicated reports designed to track physician perception, uptake and the competitive environment of Omontys in renal anemia, at one month, three months, six months and twelve months post-launch. For this third wave of research, which measures Omontys' market impact at six months following post-U.S. commercial availability, BioTrends surveyed nephrologists (n=81) in the United States and conducted qualitative interviews with a subset of 16 respondents beginning October 25, 2012 through November 14, 2012. BioTrends will continue to track the uptake of Omontys in a subsequent wave in this report series which will be fielding in late April 2013 and will also be tracking renal anemia in the United States and EU5 further through TreatmentTrends^® and ChartTrends^® reports publishing later this year.

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 contact us at (610) 321-9400 or 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:

SOURCE BioTrends Research Group