New research from BioTrends Research Group on HCV provider perceptions and use of both Incivek and Victrelis. Consistent with my perceptions in the field, there is a wide gap between use of Incivek vs Victrelis, with Incivek taking a large lead. Not mentioned in this report is an emerging trend of some providers starting a second wave of 'warehousing' for the second generation of HCV Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs), mostly for patients that are F0-F1 and are null responders to previous Peg + P/R therapy or genotype 2/3 nonresponders.
PRESS RELEASE
Oct. 6, 2011, 3:12 p.m. EDT
Hepatitis C Landscape is Changing as the New Protease Inhibitors are Adopted into Clinical Practice
Vertex's Incivek is outperforming Merck/Roche's Victrelis on many of the most important attributes and differences between physician specialties are beginning to emerge according to a new report by BioTrends Research Group
EXTON, Pa., Oct 06, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Three months after the launch of Vertex's Incivek (telaprevir) and Merck/Roche's Victrelis (boceprevir), results from the second wave of research conducted by BioTrends Research Group indicate strong interest and high demand for triple therapy with the new protease inhibitors.
In LaunchTrends(R): Incivek and Victrelis, Wave 2 BioTrends surveyed a total of 80 physicians (gastroenterologists, hepatologists, and infectious disease specialists) and conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with a subset of the respondents about their current perceptions, early experience and anticipated future use of these products. In addition, feedback around patient type, product satisfaction, patient influence, obstacles to use, and promotional activities is captured.
With expectations running high in the months leading up to the launch of the protease inhibitors, the level of awareness and familiarity with these products remains strong. Now more than two thirds of surveyed physicians have initiated trial with Incivek or Victrelis compared to more than one half of physicians at one month post-launch. Most physicians report that they have prescribed both brands suggesting that physicians continue to be in trial mode. Trial rates do vary by physician specialty and in addition, after three months of experience, specialty differences in preference and usage are now emerging.
The majority of surveyed physicians report seeing either a Victrelis or Incivek representative. Representatives for both products were given strong performance ratings on their overall disease state and product knowledge. There were slight variations in messages being delivered with counter-detailing largely centered on the side effect profile of the competitor drug.
Physicians report a high number of eligible patients yet to be started on the new protease inhibitors. Both newly diagnosed patients as well as patients who had either failed prior treatment or who were untreated and awaiting the approval of Incivek and Victrelis are fueling patient starts. Although the protease inhibitors are only indicated for genotype 1 patients, approximately one-third of the respondents report that they would consider these agents for genotype 2/3 patients as well. While both products have increased market share by about 50 percent at three months compared to one month post launch, the gap between the products has widened with Incivek continuing to take the lead. Market share projections in the next six months suggest that Incivek will retain a significant share advantage although the surveyed physicians indicate that the projected gap will narrow.
With the recent European approval of telaprevir under the brand name INCIVO(R), preceded by the approval of boceprevir (VICTRELIS(TM)) in July, the protease inhibitors are poised to address a significant unmet global need for better treatments for genotype 1 chronic-HCV. The impact of the products in the EU countries will be closely monitored and reported on in a Treatment Trends HCV (EU) to be published in 2012.
About LaunchTrends
LaunchTrends(R): Incivek and Victrelis is a series of three post-launch syndicated reports designed to track the uptake of Merck's Victrelis and Vertex's Incivek at one month, three months and six months following launch. LaunchTrends(R) assesses trial and use of new products, barriers to use, reasons to use, typical patient types, line of therapy, product perceptions, promotional efforts/messages and product satisfaction.
About BioTrends Research Group, LLC
BioTrends Research Group, LLC provides syndicated and custom market research to pharmaceutical manufacturers competing in clinically evolving, specialty pharmaceutical markets. For information on BioTrends publications and research capabilities, please contact us at (610) 363-3872 or www.bio-trends.com .
About Decision Resources Group
Decision Resources Group is a cohesive portfolio of companies that offers best-in-class, high-value information and insights on important sectors of the healthcare industry. Clients rely on this analysis and data to make informed decisions. Please visit Decision Resources Group at www.DecisionResourcesGroup.com .
All company, brand, or product names contained in this document may be trademarks of their respective holders.
SOURCE: BioTrends Research Group, LLC
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