EXTON, Pa., Nov. 23 -- BioTrends Research Group, Inc. released Wave 2 of its LaunchTrends(TM): Feraheme report, the second in a multi-phase syndicated market research project tracking the launch of AMAG's new IV iron product, Feraheme, through the first six months of product availability. Each wave of the report provides quantitative information from 50 unique Nephrologists and qualitative information from a subset of 15. The reports assess trial and use of Feraheme, obstacles to use, reasons to use, typical patient types, product perceptions, promotional efforts/messages, and satisfaction with the product relative to other agents.
While only 8% of Nephrologists report use of Feraheme in chronic kidney disease – non dialysis (CKD-ND) patients and only 4% and 0% report use in peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) patients, respectively, there are a number of Nephrologists "on the verge" of use. Two of the Nephrologists in this study reported that their dialysis units now have a contract with AMAG and they are getting ready to start using Feraheme; others report their dialysis units are considering using the product. A few Nephrologists reported that their offices have just placed orders for Feraheme and they are getting ready to try the product; others are in the midst of researching the economics and deciding whether or not it makes sense to stock Feraheme.
Among those who have used Feraheme, initial impressions are positive, although preliminary. Many have not seen follow up lab results so cannot speak to the efficacy of the product. While most have had positive experiences from a safety perspective, there are some who report concern with the product due to its newness and to some, the large doses and speed of injection present some additional reason for concern. The Nephrology practices that are using Feraheme include both offices that previously did not stock any IV iron as well as those who had been stocking Venofer and/or Ferrlecit. In addition to impacting other IV iron products, Nephrologists expect Feraheme will increase their overall use of IV iron and reduce their use of ESAs. The desire to reduce use of ESAs is particularly high with the recent release of TREAT and the advent of bundling. The next wave of research will be conducted in January at six months post launch.
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