For Postherpetic Neuralgia, Current and Emerging Therapies Have No Significant Advantage Over Pfizer's Lyrica on the Attribute of Reducing Pain Intensity

BURLINGTON, Mass., April 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Decision Resources, one of the world's leading research and advisory firms for pharmaceutical and healthcare issues, finds that surveyed U.S. and European neurologists agree that reduction in pain intensity is one of the attributes that most influences their decisions regarding prescribing in postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Furthermore, according to insights from surveyed neurologists and managed care organization (MCO) pharmacy directors, greater reduction in pain intensity is one of the most important unmet needs in PHN. Nevertheless, clinical data and the opinions of interviewed thought leaders indicate that current and emerging therapies have no significant advantage over patient-share leader pregabalin (Pfizer's Lyrica) on this attribute.

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The DecisionBase 2013 report entitled Will Delivery Advantages Translate into Payer and Physician Receptivity?  finds that surveyed U.S. neurologists indicate that they would prescribe pregabalin controlled-release (CR) to 40 percent of their PHN patients. Decision Resources forecasts that pregabalin CR will earn a more-modest patient share in the U.S. PHN market by 2021 of slightly less than 20 percent, driven largely by its once-daily delivery advantage but offset by the forthcoming generic entry of immediate-release (IR) pregabalin.

"Pregabalin CR's once-daily dosing will not prove to be enough of a compelling advantage to physicians and payers once pregabalin IR is generically available," said Decision Resources Analyst Andrea Buurma. "This, in addition to a lack of clear efficacy and/or tolerability benefit over the IR formulation to date will ultimately constrain pregabalin CR's uptake."  

The report also finds that surveyed MCO pharmacy directors receptive to new PHN therapies that offer substantial improvements in patient responder rate over currently available therapies. While some emerging therapies hold promise, Decision Resources does not expect any will match the clinical improvement over current therapies that surveyed U.S. payers indicated would be necessary for widespread inclusion on MCO formularies.

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 Group company.

About Decision Resources Group

Decision Resources Group 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 Group at www.DecisionResourcesGroup.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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