Abstract
Biological Response Modifiersf Reputation as eWonder Drugsf
Overshadow their Expensive Image
The high price of biological response modifiers (BRMs) open exciting
opportunities for arthritis drug manufacturers, while their exceptional clinical
performance offers hope to millions suffering from the disease. Though
profitable for manufacturers, the annual BRM treatment cost of over $10,000
proves prohibitive for most patients. However, with its ability to curb joint
degeneration and restore normality in motion and functioning, most patients are
willing to take on debts and mortgages in order to meet the high costs that most
managed care plans refuse to cover. Significantly lower-priced disease-modifying
anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are a viable alternative for arthritis patients,
but fail to provide the numerous benefits of BRMs. DMARDs also come with several
drawbacks such as higher toxicity caused by prolonged usage and the inability to
reverse the effects of rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, with the entry of
lower-priced and improved drugs that offer convenient dosing and easier
administration, prices of BRMs are likely to fall in order to meet the growing
competition.
This Frost & Sullivan research service analyzes the key drivers and
challenges influencing the U.S. arthritis therapies market. Product and pricing
trends coupled with patient and revenue forecasts enable participants to
formulate a structured marketing plan. Product trends and pipeline analysis give
an insight into future opportunities in various product segments such as BRMs,
DMARDs, COX-2 inhibitors (COX-2s), and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs). Market share and competitive analysis throw light on essential
strategies to achieve success in the competitive arthritis therapies market.
Managed Care Groups Encourage Usage of OTC NSAIDs instead of Expensive
Prescription Drugs
"Inexpensive OTC NSAIDs are slowly replacing more efficacious COX-2s due
to managed care initiatives such as higher co-payments and non-coverage of
high-priced COX-2s and BRMs until patients have exhausted lower-cost
alternatives," explains the analyst. Also, OTC NSAIDs are widely available
to control mild-to-moderate arthritis pain before initiating treatment with
prescription drugs. However, the ability of COX-2s to alleviate the adverse
gastrointestinal reactions found in NSAIDs is likely to offset the higher price.
Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is another
major issue challenging the arthritis therapies market. Unlike conventional
arthritis, which occurs with advanced age, RA can affect any age group. Timely
diagnosis and treatment with DMARDs and BRMs prevents further joint
deterioration. Though juvenile rheumatology specialists are ideal for RA
diagnosis and treatment, there are only 150 of them in the United States. This
restricts the treatment options for children and adolescents with RA.
Time-Consuming and Inconvenient BRM Administration Limits Usage
"In order to reach their full potential, BRMs must improve the
administration techniques by shifting from injections to more convenient oral
formulations that play an important role in attracting patients," says the
analyst. With oral formulations, arthritis patients need not travel long
distances to meet their healthcare practitioner for injections. This will
ultimately prevent them from skipping or abandoning therapy. Abbott
Laboratoriesf Humira is a self-administered and easy-to-use injection - a
significant improvement that allows patients to use the drug at their
convenience. | 
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