Introduction

The treatment of RA has changed significantly as treatment shifts towards early, aggressive management of the disease. Although guidelines support early use of DMARDs, concomitant use of other drugs, such as NSAIDs, continues at significant levels. The convenience of Humira is challenging Enbrel and Remicade, and Medicare reform in the US promises to alter radically the dynamics of this sector. 

Scope

Assessment of epidemiological trends and patient potential 

Analysis of RA treatment algorithms globally and by country, based on extensive primary research with 180 physicians 

Country treatment trees showing treatment practices in the seven major markets 

Transcripts of interviews with key RA opinion leaders in the US, UK, and mainland Europe 

Report Highlights

The addition of a prescription drug benefit to Medicare will have significant effects on the RA market and treatment practices, in particular in the biologics sector. The advantage over its rivals of Remicade as an infusion product reimbursed under Medicare is set to narrow, transforming the dynamics of the biologic DMARDs sector. 

Celltech and CAT have had licenses for RA products disputed or terminated, with serious consequences for licensors and licensees. Big pharma’s need to boost pipelines through licensing makes it important that companies refrain from alienating biotechs, to avoid jeopardizing opportunities to conclude much needed licensing deals with future partners. 

65 and overs account for 53% of US RA patients. 70% of 65-74s voted in the US election of 2000, to just 44% of 25-34s. The demographics of population and disease favor RA as a disease where advocacy groups should possess a powerful voice, but polarization of political issues makes it hard for RA groups to leverage their advantages in lobbying. 

Reasons to Purchase

Explore changing RA treatment patterns across the seven major markets to understand differences in prescribing patterns 

Understand why Medicare reform and changes in reimbursement status are a key issue in the US RA market 

In a sector heavily dependent on licensing deals, appreciate why big pharma needs to worry about alienating potential partners 

Pages: 192 Published: Jan 2004  

Publisher: Datamonitor Immune Disorders and Inflammation Rep. 

To order go to this URL: http://www.bioportfolio.com/cgi-bin/acatalog/Datamonitor_Immune_Disorders_and_Inflammation.html#a568