BioTrends publishes new LaunchTrends report on Actemra

BioTrends is pleased to announce the publication of a new syndicated report, LaunchTrends®: ACTEMRA.  Actemra (tocilizumab), marketed by Roche-Genentech, is the first IL-6 receptor inhibitor agent approved for rheumatoid arthritis. This report is the first in a three wave series and is derived from on-line survey responses from 77 rheumatologists and qualitative interviews with 20 rheumatologists.

At one month post launch, more than one-third of the survey respondents had already started to use Actemra in their patients and although the majority of respondents have the product slated as a third line (or later) option, many reported an expectation that Actemra could quickly advance to second line therapy following a single TNF failure.  Even though most rheumatologists indicated that Actemra would likely replace Orencia or Rituxan in their practice, initial patient origination was largely from TNF failures.  Overall, rheumatologists view the unique mechanism of action as Actemra's greatest attribute.  Concerns with long term safety, certain side effects and managed care access could be potential obstacles to rapid adoption.  In the next six months, more than 80% of the rheumatologists expect to be using Actemra in their practices.

LaunchTrends: Actemra is a three wave primary market research study that consists of a quantitative on-line survey and qualitative telephone interviews.  In total, 300 rheumatologists will participate in the research.  This report will capture launch effectiveness at one month, three months, and six months post launch.  The reports are designed to assess trial and use of Actemra, obstacles to use, typical patient types, product perceptions, promotional efforts/messages, and satisfaction with the product relative to other agents. The next wave of the study will field in mid-April with the results available in early May 2010.  

SOURCE BioTrends Research Group, Inc.