Abstract
Increasing Awareness Among Patients Integral to Market Expansion
In the last few years, drug manufacturers have been making concerted efforts
at raising patient and physician awareness about the serious implications of
insomnia. These efforts are now beginning to pay off. More and more people are
seeking medical help for their sleeping problems. However, the full potential of
the market has not yet been realized. Though there are over 50 million
insomniacs in the United States that need treatment, only about 10 million use
prescription sleep aids.
This research from Frost & Sullivan evaluates the key trends in the U.S.
insomnia therapies market. It offers comprehensive insights into the drivers and
restraints affecting the market and outlines the strategies adopted by leading
participants. It also provides an overview of the current competitive
environment and assesses potential growth opportunities.
Innovative Clinical Trials Expand Use of Sleep Aids
Sleep aids are likely to get a huge boost from the clinical trials that have
been carried out by companies set to enter the market. Scheduled medications are
indicated only for short-term treatment since tolerance and dependence could
develop. Patients are warned not to use products such as Ambien and Sonata for
more than a month. However, as the prevalence of chronic insomnia continues to
rise, both physicians and the FDA are on the lookout for effective medications
to combat the problem. Data from long-term clinical trials for Estorra and
indiplon have shown that non-benzodiazepines neither lose their efficacy over
time nor cause serious side effects.
"As the FDA is presented with more clinical data, it becomes more likely
that the FDA will allow benzodiazepine receptor ligands to be used for longer
periods of time and expand their labeling," says the analyst. "Estorra
has already been approved for sleep onset and maintenance and the drug's
groundbreaking clinical trials should encourage physicians to prescribe non-benzodiazepines
for longer periods of time." This is likely to expand potential revenues
for the companies conducting trials as well as for the companies that already
have products on the market.
Switching Patients Over From OTC Products Essential For Market Penetration
While some patients can be cured by lifestyle alterations, others require
prescription treatment. A large number of patients, however, do not consider
insomnia to be a serious condition. Very often, they use OTC products containing
antihistamines or they seek treatment for another ailment that they deem to be
the original cause. Misconceptions about prescription sleep drugs also constrain
the market. For instance, though non-benzodiazepines have a higher specificity
and lower side effect profile than benzodiazepines, many users lump the two
classes together and are hesitant to use them.
However, the increased direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising and promotional
efforts of a few leading participants has helped raise awareness levels and
increase adoption rates. "Since prevalence is significantly higher than
penetration, opportunities abound for new market participants, " says the
analyst. " The introduction of several new products ensures that this
market will continue to expand for years to come as general awareness
surrounding insomnia grows and physicians better comprehend the seriousness of
this disease and the positive role prescription sleep aids can play in its
treatment."
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