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October
2008
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Data Download provides highlights of recently released data from GfK Market Measures' Therapeutic Class Studies (TCS). Based on primary market research, TCS provide in-depth analysis of market trends, physician practice patterns and competitive brand positioning.
This month's selections cover research conducted in the areas of hypertension and Parkinson's disease.
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Summary: Research reveals that to afford their medications, patients with high blood pressure are not only cutting out luxuries from their budgets but also necessities |
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Hypertensive patients are feeling the impact of rising co-pays for prescription medications and many are compensating for the increased costs by surrendering not only luxury items such as vacations but also necessities such as groceries, according to new research by GfK Market Measures.
When asked what actions they were taking due to the cost of prescription co-pays, it is not surprising to find that luxury items – sacrificed by almost two-thirds of hypertension sufferers participating in the research study – are the first to go. However, more than one-third of patients have dug even deeper and made the choice to also forego everyday necessities, such as groceries, in order to afford their prescription co-pays. In addition, one-quarter of hypertensive patients indicated they have “given up, stopped using or stopped doing something” they typically do in order to pay for medications and almost one-fifth responded they have forfeited conveniences such as cable TV, Internet access or cell phones.
The trade-offs are particularly evident among patients who are on brand medications, compared with those taking generic antihypertensive drugs. Those on generics are less likely to have made the budgeting trade-offs, and the majority of this group believes the cost of their hypertensive drug is reasonable considering the benefits they obtain.
Further, when comparing the specific results for patients who do not deem their co-pay to be a “burden” against results for those who consider their co-pay to be an “extreme burden,” the figures more than double across each of the categories, indicating the severity of the sacrifices made by some patients in juggling the rising expense of medications against the costs of daily life.
“While it comes as no surprise that luxury items and even ‘conveniences’ are being forfeited, it was surprising to learn that a full one-third of patients would eat less or differently to afford medications. Obviously, these patients are also the ones at higher risk for discontinuing or decreasing the times they fill their prescriptions,” said Anna Marie Napolitano, Vice President and Category Business Leader, Cardiovascular, GfK Market Measures. “While minimizing spending on conveniences and luxuries also mirrors what is happening in today’s tough economic times, choosing less expensive – and in some cases, less nutritious – food items may ultimately have a direct impact on health, continuing a vicious cycle for these patients.”
| Reflecting insights from 201 physicians, including primary care physicians and cardiologists, 197 retail pharmacists and 387 hypertension sufferers, fielded via Internet questionnaire during July 2008, GfK Market Measures’ 2008 Impact of Co-Pays in the Antihypertensive Category Study provides details of the interaction of co-pay encounters between physicians and patients, pharmacists and patients, and pharmacists and physicians. Issues include an understanding of what drives prescription switches at the point of sale and what influences physicians when choosing a brand or generic. |
Contact: Anna Marie, VP, Category Business Leader, Cardiovascular
anapolitano@gfkmm.com
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Summary: Research reveals disconnect between patients, who desire better treatments for symptoms, and neurologists, who consider the market relatively well-fulfilled in this area |
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Parkinson’s disease patients cite efficacy in treating tremors/shaking, which is experienced across all levels of Parkinson’s severity, as well as the effective treatment of balance/coordination problems as the primary unmet needs among existing therapies on the market, according to new research by GfK Market Measures.
With tremors/shaking reported by 70 percent to 76 percent of patients, depending on the severity of their disease, and impaired balance/coordination experienced by 43 percent to 90 percent, the two symptoms are among the most prevalent presented by Parkinson’s sufferers, according to patients participating in the study.
Comparing figures from GfK’s research last year with physicians treating Parkinson’s, there is evidence of a significant disconnect between neurologists’ and patients’ perceptions of unmet needs. While patients view efficacy in treating tremors as the most important unmet need, neurologists consider the market to be relatively well-fulfilled in this area. Ranking it sixth on a list of stated importance in attributes when selecting Parkinson’s treatments, neurologists consider the reduction of tremors to be somewhat less important than attributes pertaining to long-term safety, tolerability, slowing the progression of early stage symptoms, effectiveness in treating akinesia/freezing and low incidence of hallucinations.
“New agents would be well-served to focus on improved symptom control for patients, particularly with respect to reducing tremors and shaking, despite the apparent disconnect between neurologists and patients in terms of importance in this area. Physicians may need to consider combination therapy in an effort to control this critically important symptom,” said Kim Lazarus, Vice President and Category Business Leader, Neurology, for GfK Market Measures.
“Manufacturers may also find it helpful to make physicians aware of patients’ dissatisfaction with how their tremors are managed, as patients may be reluctant to bring this to their attention,” said Ms. Lazarus. “Many Parkinson’s disease patients often prefer not to disclose their condition to others and may find that difficult when presenting highly noticeable tremors and shaking.”
| Reflecting insights from 238 doctor-diagnosed Parkinson’s disease patients fielded via Internet questionnaire in July 2008, GfK Market Measures’ 2008 Parkinson’s Disease Patient Point of Care Study provides a comprehensive analysis of the Parkinson’s disease market from the perspective of patients. |
Contact: Kim Lazarus, VP, Category Business Leader, Neurology
klazarus@gfkmm.com
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Research Highlights: 
