EXTON, Pa., July 31 BioTrends Research Group, Inc. announces the release of the wave one LaunchTrends(TM): SIMPONI and CIMZIA report. The survey was completed by U.S. Rheumatologists in late June 2009.
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While awareness of both new TNF antagonists is relatively high, there are some troubling signs regarding initial impressions of these agents. The initial favorability rating for Simponi, for example, has slipped from 65% in the baseline report to 41% with the current wave of research. The initial favorability rating for Cimzia was significantly lower than both the baseline and current results for Simponi.
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More than one-half of surveyed physicians have prescribed Simponi while less than one-third report trial of Cimzia. Over 80% of Simponi patients were switched from other biologics (primarily Humira) while a higher percent of the Cimzia patients were biologic naive. The majority of Rheumatologists see both of these agents as second or third line biologic options for the treatment of RA.
Dosing with Cimzia appears to be both a blessing and a curse -- once monthly administration has high patient appeal, but the loading dose, large volume, two injection requirement, and potential patient confusion are also noted as product disadvantages. Simponi is viewed as being significantly easier to administer. The Rheumatologists surveyed, however, view the products as extremely similar. While both Simponi and Cimzia are expected to gain market share in the next six months, the combined share of the two agents is not expected to exceed 15% of the biologic share in Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Looking to the future, Rheumatologists report high familiarity with Roche's ACTEMRA, an IL-6 blocker in Phase III clinical trials. Unlike the established TNFs (Enbrel, Humira, and Remicade) which have been the target of Cimzia and Simponi's launches, the survey respondents anticipate that Actemra would be most likely to replace BMS's Orencia in their practices.
LaunchTrends(TM) measure launch effectiveness of new products from FDA approval through six months post launch. The next wave of this report, measuring uptake at three months post launch, will be fielded on August 17. The results will be published in mid-September.
About BioTrends Research Group, Inc.
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SOURCE BioTrends Research Group, Inc.
