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"The low volume of patient share attributed to Avonex or Rebif comparedwith Copaxone in first- and second-line treatment illustrates a significantdelay on the part of physicians and/or patients to engage in an interferon-beta therapy within a year of a patient's initial diagnosis for multiplesclerosis," said Madhuri Borde, analyst at Decision Resources. "However, themagnitudes of Rebif's first- and second-line patient shares suggest that somephysicians are treating the disease more aggressively than might be expected,as this high-dose, high-frequency agent reaches patient shares close to andsurpassing Avonex in first- and second-line treatment, respectively."
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According to the new report entitled Treatment Algorithms in MultipleSclerosis, neurologists note that Copaxone's better short-term and long-termside-effect/safety profile, together with its lower rate of induction ofneutralizing antibodies, are critical reasons for choosing Copaxone instead ofAvonex, Rebif and Betaseron. Although Copaxone is administered daily, 23-28percent of neurologists we surveyed indicate that a key reason to prescribethe drug over any of the interferon-beta therapies is the drug's ability tofoster greater patient compliance, an attribute that is closely tied to theCopaxone's lower incidence of flulike side effects.
About Treatment Algorithm Insight Series
Decision Resources combines in-depth primary research with the mostextensive claims-based longitudinal patient-level data from PharMetrics(R) toprovide exceptional insight into physicians' prescribing trends and thefactors that drive therapy product choice, from diagnosis through multiplecourses of treatment, for a specific disease.
For each disease examined, Decision Resources' Treatment Algorithm InsightSeries provide the following:
About Decision Resources
Decision Resources, Inc., (www.decisionresources.com) is a world leader inhealthcare market research publications, advisory services, and consultingdesigned to help clients shape strategy, allocate resources, and master theirchosen markets.
All company, brand, or product names contained in this document may betrademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.-- Summary of U.S. medical practice based on interviews with leading experts in the field. -- Qualitative diagnosis/referral/treatment algorithm for the United States. -- Drug usage by lines of therapy (1st, 2nd, 3rd line). -- Discussion of key freeform combinations by lines of therapy. -- Product share (class and specific compound level) within each line of therapy (1st, 2nd, 3rd line). -- Progression of therapy from key 1st line products. -- Pathway to key therapies from previous therapies. -- Qualitative analysis of two-year forecast incorporating upcoming launches, changes in reimbursement, etc.
SOURCE Decision Resources
