Novartis' Cosentyx and Eli Lilly's Taltz Remain Leaders in US and EU5 Psoriatic Arthritis Switching Market, but Janssen's Tremfya and AbbVie's Skyrizi Are Picking Up Steam, Spherix Reports

Rheumatologists are more likely than PsA-treating dermatologists to cycle TNFs prior to introducing an alternative mechanism of action agent

EXTON, Pa., June 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Spherix Global Insights, a leading market intelligence firm specializing in immunology-based research and insights, recently published several large-scale patient audits focused on psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients recently switched from one advanced systemic agent to another. Rheumatologists and dermatologists in the United States report that just under one-in-three of their biologic/small molecule-treated PsA patients are switched from one brand to another each year, while those from the EU5 report the same for approximately one-in-four patients.

When examining the charts of recently switched PsA patients treated by US rheumatologists (n=998 patients), the audit revealed that the practice of TNF-cycling, or switching from one TNF-inhibitor to another, has substantially decreased over the past several years in favor of earlier integration of assets with alternate mechanisms of action (AMOA). As such, nearly equal parts of patients were switched between TNFs as were switched from a TNF to an AMOA. Conversely, those treated by a dermatologist (n=510 patients) are substantially less likely to be treated with back-to-back TNFs.

IL-23 inhibitor use among US rheumatologists has grown significantly in the 2022 switch market, fueled by increasing adoption of Janssen's Tremfya and AbbVie's Skyrizi, with the former capturing double the number of switched patients than AbbVie's newer market entrant. Despite use of IL-17 inhibitors significantly declining since 2020, the class is still the most preferred alternative option as a switch-to agent, with Cosentyx garnering an edge in preference over Taltz. Overall, use of JAK inhibitors has remained stable, but inter-class dynamics have shifted, with Pfizer's Xeljanz share significantly declining and AbbVie's Rinvoq picking up where the brand left off.

Patient charts of PsA patients treated by US dermatologists reveal that overall use of the IL-17 class has also slightly decreased, while that of the IL-23s is on the rise. However, dermatologists are prescribing Tremfya and Skyrizi to nearly double the amount of later-line PsA patients than their rheumatology counterparts. Furthermore, use of IL-17s as switch-to class is over 50% greater among dermatologist-treated patients as it is for those treated by a rheumatologist.

Interestingly, dermatologists are prescribing significantly more JAKs than they did in the prior year, likely due to Rinvoq's recent PsA approval and their newfound experience with the class for treating atopic dermatitis. Counter to brand patterns revealed by the rheumatology audit, US dermatologists favor Taltz over Cosentyx, while Skyrizi and Tremfya switches are neck and neck. 

Regardless of treating specialist, Cosentyx and Taltz are leaving the most on the table in terms of missed share when PsA patients switch advanced treatment, as these brands were most often in the running to garner a recent switch but ultimately lost out to another asset. Missed share for Skyrizi and Tremfya is also noteworthy, with the brands in consideration as the next line therapy substantially more among dermatologists than rheumatologists.

When examining recently switched PsA patients across France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK (n=1,205 patients), the audit (unsurprisingly) revealed a much more pronounced pattern of TNF-cycling. With biosimilars highly regulated and mandated in Europe, many patients are treated with multiple in-class brands before introducing an AMOA treatment.

Similar to the US, however, is the use of IL-17s as the most common AMOA switch. Indeed, Cosentyx and Taltz are the biggest switch winners across Europe, and counter to US patterns, the IL-23s are still quite far off from catching up. JAK switch share in Europe is greater than in the US, and Xeljanz is a much more formidable contender to Rinvoq than in the States. Other assets of note that perform well across Europe when switching occurs include UCB's Cimzia and Janssen's Stelara.

Missed share in Europe reveals that once again the IL-17s (Cosentyx more so than Taltz) are the assets most in consideration to capture recent switches but are ultimately passed over, leaving opportunity on the table. Missed share for biosimilar adalimumab is also extremely high, reflective of the dominant TNF-cycling culture. 

About RealWorld Dynamix™ is an independent, data-driven service unveiling real patient management patterns through rigorous analysis of large-scale patient chart audits. Insights reveal the "why" behind treatment decisions, include year over year trending to quantify key aspects of market evolution, and integrate specialists' attitudinal & demographic data to highlight differences between stated and actual treatment patterns.

RealWorld Dynamix™ Biologic and Small Molecule Switching in PsA (US), Rheumatology Perspective
n=219 rheumatologists, 998 PsA patient charts, in publication since 2016

RealWorld Dynamix™ Biologic and Small Molecule Switching in PsA (US), Dermatology Perspective
n=113 dermatologists, 510 PsA patient charts, in publication since 2021

 RealWorld Dynamix™ Biologic and Small Molecule Switching in PsA (EU5), Rheumatology Perspective
n=249 rheumatologists, 1,205 PsA patient charts, 2022 is the inaugural wave

Spherix Global Insights is a hyper-focused market intelligence firm that leverages our own independent data and expertise to provide strategic guidance, so biopharma stakeholders make decisions with confidence. We specialize in select immunology, nephrology, and neurology markets.

All company, brand or product names in this document are trademarks of their respective holders.

For more information contact:
Gianna Melendez and Maxine Yarnall
Dermatology and Rheumatology Franchise Heads
Email: [email protected]
www.spherixglobalinsights.com

SOURCE Spherix Global Insights