Just under half of psoriasis patients using over-the-counter treatments and 40 percent of nontreaters consider their condition no better than “somewhat controlled,” according to new research by GfK Market Measures.

While most OTC users and nontreaters suffer from more mild forms of psoriasis, this significant gap in these patients’ reported degree of control over their condition may indicate a growth opportunity for prescription topicals. Notably, 57 percent of OTC users and 64 percent of nontreaters have previously used prescription medications – most often topical steroids – to treat their condition, demonstrating these groups’ willingness to trial and perhaps adopt this type of treatment.

Within these two patient segments, remission or adequate control are the key reasons for not currently using a prescription medication to treat their psoriasis, with safety, cost and efficacy concerns less often mentioned.

“Our research signals a strong opportunity for topical manufacturers to develop the market among this large volume of patients who are only marginally satisfied with the control that OTC treatments and nontreatment have afforded them,” said Kim Lazarus, Vice President and Category Business Leader, Dermatology, for GfK Market Measures. “While for some patients with mild cases of the disease, the impact of their psoriasis is not severe enough to warrant prescription treatment, there is a segment of patients willing to trial topicals – although manufacturers must address concerns among patients who cite efficacy as their reason to forgo prescription treatment.”

“For some patients, their psoriasis may be episodic and they float in and out of the market,” said Ms. Lazarus. “Capturing this segment through a loading strategy may provide topical manufacturers with incremental volume and new trial within this group.”

Contact: Kim Lazarus, VP, Category Business Leader, Dermatology
klazarus@gfkmm.com