Most Neurologists Plan to Prescribe Oral Multiple Sclerosis Drugs, but Will Proceed with Caution

Majestic Research Study Indicates that Neurologists’ Apprehension Regarding Side Effects Won’t Stop Them from Prescribing New Oral MS Drugs, but Concerns Will Likely Relegate Their Use to Second- or Third-Line Therapy

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a study published this week by Majestic Research, almost 60% of neurologists expressed unaided concern about the side effects/safety of oral MS therapies in development, including NVS’s Gilenia and MRK/EMD Serono’s oral cladribine. Despite their concerns, the vast majority of neurologists expect to prescribe these drugs if they are approved, as the new oral MS therapies are expected to be highly efficacious and more convenient for patients than available injectable therapies. Data from the study suggests that new orals will steal share primarily from multiple sclerosis market leaders, including BIIB’s Avonex and TEVA’s Copaxone.

The study titled Event Pulse Preview: Multiple Sclerosis shows that 84% of neurologists expect to prescribe Gilenia for some MS patients if approved, but prescribing will likely be limited to second- or third-line therapy until concerns about safety and monitoring requirements are resolved. Jemma Lampkin, Director of Market Research, said, “Neurologists are clearly worried about the side effects that have come up in the clinical trials for these drugs in development, and the negative press regarding Tysabri’s PML cases over the past few years also seems to be a factor. Still, almost all of the neurologists in this study expect to prescribe Gilenia, so there is optimism regarding its potential.” The study suggests that Gilenia, which is expected to be approved in September 2010, could have a more significant impact than some have predicted.

Event Pulse Preview: Multiple Sclerosis includes analysis of a targeted Internet survey of 75 neurologists, 10 in-depth telephone interviews with pharmacy directors at major managed care organizations, and proprietary longitudinal treatment data from a panel of 200 neurologists spanning 2005-2010. Conducted in August 2010, the report takes an in-depth look at how new MS therapies will affect the multiple sclerosis market. In addition, Event Pulse Preview: Multiple Sclerosis evaluates uptake and use of recently approved Ampyra and Botox for MS. The qualitative portion also examines the current reimbursement climate for multiple sclerosis drugs as well as the anticipated response to new oral MS drugs among major managed care organizations.

About Event Pulse

Event Pulse is a syndicated report series that evaluates the impact of market events on physician treatment practices. This report series provides information on how changes such as new products, data, or guidelines fit into the treatment algorithm, impact current therapies, and change market dynamics.

About Majestic Research

Majestic Research is an independent financial and market research firm focused exclusively on cutting-edge, data-driven research. Since its inception in 2002, the company has revolutionized the research industry with its unprecedented methods and tools for accessing real-time data. With the acquisition of Rood Research in 2009, Majestic broadened its data gathering to include a best-in-breed survey competence. The healthcare market research practice continues to deliver fast-turnaround primary market intelligence of the highest quality. As a division of Majestic, the group combines survey results with proprietary empirical data to deliver a new syndicated and custom reporting capability.

With a razor-sharp focus, Majestic specializes in surfacing the hidden metrics that will influence a company’s future performance.

Majestic’s financial and market research coverage encompasses leading companies in an array of sectors including airlines, casinos, consumer technology, cruise lines, macro economy, grocers, hardline retail, healthcare, internet, lodging, real estate, softline retail, restaurants, telecom, and video games. The company’s capabilities include custom, syndicate, and primary research.

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