BURLINGTON, Mass., Dec. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Decision Resources Group finds that the majority of U.S. surveyed oncologists are aware of Merck & Co.'s Keytruda (pembrolizumab) and Bristol-Myers Squibb's Opdivo (nivolumab) at one year and nine months post-launch, respectively. Among surveyed oncologists that prescribe either agent, satisfaction is high, particularly with respect to the agents' efficacy, safety and tolerability. Notably, surveyed oncologists do not perceive a difference between Keytruda and Opdivo across key clinical and non-clinical attributes.
Other key findings from the report entitled "LaunchTrends Keytruda Wave 3":
- Familiarity with Keytruda and Opdivo has significantly increased since the previous wave of research published in May 2015, LaunchTrends Keytruda Wave 2. Additionally, over two-thirds of surveyed oncologists express high willingness to prescribe Keytruda and Opdivo to both BRAF wild-type and BRAF-mutation-positive patients.
- Keytruda and Opdivo prescribers indicated that they are treating a higher number of their malignant melanoma patients with these agents compared to previous waves of research.
- According to surveyed Keytruda-prescribers, cost, reimbursement hurdles, the lack of a biomarker and poor patient prognosis are the most frequently cited reasons for not prescribing Keytruda in eligible metastatic melanoma patients.
- Over one-third of surveyed oncologists have had contact with a Keytruda sales representative in the last month. Those that reported to have had recent contact with a sales representative perceived the representative to have performed well across all attributes.
Comments from Decision Resources Group Business Insights Analyst Paul Wilcock, Ph.D.:
- "According to the surveyed oncologists, Keytruda was deemed to perform well on important attributes including overall survival and delaying disease progression. Additionally, the majority indicated that Keytruda's benefits outweigh the risks for the treatment of their malignant melanoma patients. These factors have likely contributed to the high level of satisfaction with Keytruda, indicated by the majority of respondents."
- "Whilst lack of familiarity and the availability of other therapies were highlighted as key reasons for not yet prescribing Keytruda and Opdivo, all surveyed oncologists indicated that they expect to prescribe these agents within the next year."
For more information on purchasing this report, please email [email protected].
About Decision Resources Group
Decision Resources Group offers best-in-class, high-value data, analytics and insights products and services to the healthcare industry, delivered by more than 900 employees across 14 global locations. DRG provides the pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, financial services and payer industries with the tools, insights and advice they need to compete and thrive in an increasingly complex and value-based marketplace. DecisionResourcesGroup.com.
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