Enbrel Outpaces Humira in the First Three Lines of Treatment in Newly Diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

BURLINGTON, Mass., Dec. 7, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Decision Resources, one of the world's leading research and advisory firms for pharmaceutical and healthcare issues, finds that Amgen/Pfizer's Enbrel is the leading tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitor prescribed in newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, outpacing Abbott's Humira in the first three lines of treatment. According to the upcoming Treatment Algorithms in Rheumatoid Arthritis report, two percent of newly diagnosed RA patients receive Enbrel as a first-line drug within a year of diagnosis, while just over one percent of patients receive Humira. In the second-line, Enbrel is prescribed for 8.6 percent of newly diagnosed RA patients, while Humira is prescribed for 5.7 percent.

"Physician familiarity with Enbrel likely contributes to Enbrel's higher patient share in newly diagnosed RA patients. Enbrel has been on the market longer than Humira and subsequently has a longer-term safety record," said Decision Resources Therapeutic Area Director Madhuri Borde, Ph.D.

The report also finds that when comparing Centocor Ortho Biotech's Simponi and UCB's Cimzia with other TNF-alpha inhibitors, surveyed rheumatologists are more likely to say that inadequate initial response is the top reason they move patients from Simponi and Cimzia (68 percent and 57 percent, respectively). These findings compare with only 47 percent and 43 percent who say the same for Enbrel and Humira, respectively.

"We expect these relatively high percentages of physicians citing inadequate initial response for Simponi and Cimzia may reflect the use of these drugs in patients who have already failed at least one TNF-alpha inhibitor, as surveyed rheumatologists also indicate that the majority of these drugs' use is as a third-line or later biologic," said Dr. Borde. "However, surveyed rheumatologists who prescribe both agents estimate growing use of each drug in first- and second-line treatment."

About Treatment Algorithm Insight Series

Decision Resources combines in-depth primary research with the most extensive claims-based longitudinal patient-level data from IMS LifeLink's Health Plans Claims database to provide exceptional insight into physicians' prescribing trends and the factors that drive therapy product choice, from diagnosis through multiple courses of treatment, for a specific disease.

About Decision Resources

Decision Resources (www.decisionresources.com) is a world leader in market research publications, advisory services and consulting designed to help clients shape strategy, allocate resources and master their chosen markets. Decision Resources is a Decision Resources, Inc. company.

About Decision Resources, Inc.

Decision Resources, Inc. is a cohesive portfolio of companies that offers best-in-class, high-value information and insights on important sectors of the healthcare industry. Clients rely on this analysis and data to make informed decisions. Please visit Decision Resources, Inc. at www.DecisionResourcesInc.com.

All company, brand or product names contained in this document may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

SOURCE Decision Resources

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