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Continued Low Penetration of Biologics in Treatment of Psoriasis Signals Need for Enhanced Education, Safety Data to Help Patients Overcome Concerns, According to Study by GfK Market Measures

Opportunity for biologics growth remains untapped as many patients continue to show hesitation toward therapy

EAST HANOVER, NJ, August 5, 2008 — Despite the fact biologics are considered to be the most effective option for treating severe cases of psoriasis, they have been unable to gain patients’ favor and penetrate to date as a class, according to new research by GfK Market Measures. 

Among dermatologists, who are significantly more likely to prescribe biologic therapy for psoriasis than primary care physicians, biologics usage is still fairly low.  The therapy is only prescribed to about one in four patients suffering from severe psoriasis and about half of patients suffering from moderate-to- severe psoriatic arthritis.  As an overall class, biologics have not increased in share during the last 12 months.  Meanwhile, dermatologists report that the proportion of moderate-to-severe psoriasis patients using only topical products has remained consistent over the last year (54 percent of moderate patients in 2008 vs. 56 percent in 2007 and 26 percent of severe patients in 2008 vs. 28 percent in 2007). 

Among moderate-to-severe psoriasis patients who are treated with only topical treatments, "patient preference” is the primary reason cited by 39 percent of dermatologists for not using a more aggressive treatment, with "safety” cited as a primary reason by 22 percent of dermatologists.

"Our research continues to show that biologics have been unable to penetrate as a class, largely as a result of patient concerns over perceived safety risks as well as patients’ discomfort with injection dosing,” said Kim Lazarus, vice president and category business leader, dermatology, for GfK Market Measures.  "Continued education of both physicians and patients on the benefits of biologics therapy should assist in growing the class and overcome patient reluctance, particularly among patients with severe psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis.  Physicians must be given the verbiage to convince patients that biologics are   the most appropriate therapy for their condition, and as part of that message biologics manufacturers should provide more long-term data to support  biologics’ safety.”

Although Enbrel continues to be the biologic of choice, prescribed by 89 percent of dermatologists (compared with 88 percent in 2007), Humira has gained significant ground in the past year, with usage increasing to 70 percent among dermatologists (compared with 49 percent in 2007).  Looking forward, GfK’s research revealed that dermatologists’ usage of Humira is expected to increase by 50 percent over the next 100 prescriptions, bringing its psoriasis share closer to that of Enbrel. 

"Although biologics are not growing as a class, Humira is gaining ground on Enbrel, likely due to its safety and dosing profiles,” said Ms. Lazarus.  "Humira requires less frequent dosing, which helps with the patient comfort factor.”

More Than 200 Physicians Share Their Insights

Reflecting insights from 205 physicians, including dermatologists and primary care physicians, fielded via Internet questionnaire in May 2008, GfK Market Measures’ 2008 Psoriasis Physician Study provides a comprehensive analysis of the psoriasis market from the perspective of treating physicians.