EXTON, Penn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Results from a survey fielded one month after the launch of Incivek (telaprevir) and Victrelis (boceprevir) indicate that there is a high demand for triple therapy with the new protease inhibitors in patients with hepatitis C (HCV).
In LaunchTrends®: Incivek and Victrelis, BioTrends surveyed a total of 80 physicians (gastroenterologists, hepatologists, and infectious disease specialists) about their current perceptions, early experience and anticipated future use of these products. In addition, feedback around patient type, product satisfaction, obstacles to use, and promotional activities by Merck/Roche and Vertex is captured.
Not surprisingly, with the long-awaited anticipation of the new protease inhibitors, unaided awareness and familiarity is extremely high at one month post launch and more than half of surveyed participants have already initiated trial with Incivek or Victrelis. Trial rates do vary by physician specialty, but among physicians that have prescribed these agents, most are experimenting with both brands.
About 80% of surveyed physicians report seeing either a Victrelis or Incivek representative. Among those who have not seen a representative, the majority indicate that they would like to be called on, indicating the desire by practitioners for more information about these products.
Physicians report a high number of eligible patients for the new protease inhibitors, both in newly diagnosed patients and for a large base of patients that have been awaiting the approval of Incivek and Victrelis. Market share projections in the next six months suggest that Incivek will claim a significant share advantage over Victrelis.
About LaunchTrends
LaunchTrends®: 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® 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.
In the current wave of research, which measures INCIVEK’s and VICTRELIS’ market impact at one month post launch, BioTrends surveyed 80 physicians and conducted qualitative interviews with a subset of 20 of the respondents in July 2011. BioTrends will continue to track the uptake of both agents in follow up waves, which will be published in September and December 2011.
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.
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Contact:
BioTrends Research Group, LLCElisa Picardi, 610-363-9432epicardi@bio-trends.comorDecision Resources GroupChristopher Comfort, 781-993-2597ccomfort@dresources.com
