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Parkinson’s Patients Report Treatment of Tremors/Shaking and Balance/Coordination as Primary Unmet Needs, According to Study by GfK Market Measures

Research reveals disconnect between patients, who desire better treatments for symptoms, and neurologists, who consider the market relatively well-fulfilled in this area

EAST HANOVER, NJ, Oct. 1, 2008 — 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.”

238 Parkinson’s Patients Share Their Insights

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.