Hepatitis C - 40% Surveyed Specialists Expect to Prescribe Gilead's Sofosbuvir/Ledipasvir Regimen

Nearly Half of Surveyed Specialists Expect to Prescribe Gilead's Sofosbuvir/Ledipasvir Regimen Near-Term for Hepatitis C Infections

HEADLINE2 Reimbursement and Out-of-Pocket Costs are the Leading Reasons for Treatment Discontinuation, According to Findings from Decision Resources Group

BURLINGTON, Mass., Aug. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Decision Resources Group finds that, for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, 40 percent of surveyed HCV treating specialists expect to prescribe Gilead's investigational fixed-dose combination of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir in the next six months to their genotype 1 patients. Analysis of surveyed specialists' near-term prescribing intent indicates that nearly one in every four actively treated genotype 1 patients will be prescribed the sofosbuvir/ledipasvir regimen in the next six months. However, the on-treatment patient shares for the off-label Olysio (Janssen) and Sovaldi combination regimen are expected to remain stable over this period.

Other key findings from the report entitled LaunchTrends: Sovaldi and Olysio US Wave 3:

• Current treatment of HCV: Six months after the launch of Sovaldi, the shift in treatment paradigm is evident; Sovaldi-containing regimens lead the pack across key genotypes, accounting for over 70 percent of the patient share. While Olysio still lags behind Sovaldi for genotype 1 infections, the drug's performance thus far cannot be overlooked. Olysio, mainly when used in combination with Sovaldi, captures nearly one-quarter of the patient share, which represents an increase compared with the previous sampling period.
• Treatment rates: At six months after the launch of Sovaldi, surveyed prescribers of Olysio and Sovaldi are reporting discontinuation rates and proportions of patients achieving sustained virologic response for patients treated with Olysio and/or Sovaldi. Among patients who prematurely discontinued treatment with Olysio- and/or Sovaldi-containing regimens, surveyed physicians cited reimbursement issues and high out-of pocket costs as the main causes.
• Awareness of emerging HCV therapies: Surveyed physicians are more likely to be aware of the U.S. regulatory filing for sofosbuvir/ledipasvir than the filings for Bristol-Myers Squibb's daclatasvir and asunaprevir and AbbVie's combination regimen. While awareness of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir has risen since the previous sampling period, many physicians remain unaware of emerging therapies on the horizon.

Comments from Decision Resources Group Director Brenda Perez-Cheeks, Ph.D.:

• "Our findings suggest that in the next six months, HCV treatment will once again undergo a significant transformation, with Gilead's sofosbuvir/ledipasvir regimen expected to rapidly gain market share. However, near-term competitors that offer favorable pricing and cost sensitivity of payers will likely be a constraint on the uptake of this regimen."
• "High treatment costs and cost control obstacles erected by payers not only continue to be the leading barrier to Olysio and Sovaldi prescribing but are impacting rates of premature treatment discontinuation for these regimens. Indeed, interviewed specialists noted the cumbersome nature of the managed care approval process that impedes patient access and strains resources and staff."  

About Decision Resources Group
Decision Resources Group offers best-in-class, high-value information and insights on critical issues within the healthcare industry. Clients rely on this analysis and data to make informed decisions. Find out more at www.DecisionResourcesGroup.com.
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For more information, contact: Decision Resources Group
Christopher Comfort
781-993-2597
ccomfort@dresourcesgroup.com
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SOURCE Decision Resources Group