Uptake of Sanofi/Regeneron's Dupixent for Atopic Dermatitis Strong, but Sales Representative Contact Rates Leave Something to be Desired

EXTON, Pa., Aug. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the Q3 update of RealTime Dynamix™: Atopic Dermatitis, US dermatologists (n=104) continue to show strong adoption of Dupixent (dupilumab) as the first biologic approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.  The study reveals that the Dupixent user-base has significantly increased since Q2, with over half of surveyed dermatologists currently reporting use. Additionally, the average number of patients initiated on Dupixent has nearly doubled, with the greatest use concentrated in adult patients with severe atopic dermatitis.  Although Dupixent is the first biologic approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, dermatologists are already quite comfortable with its use, particularly in the adult population.

Importantly, the majority of those who have used Dupixent report that the biologic has surpassed their expectations, noting that it performs well on all major efficacy and safety attributes.  The brand is lauded for its unparalleled efficacy in atopic dermatitis as well as for being the first and only approved biologic with a unique MOA for treating the disease.

Despite early uptake and positive reactions, one key area that appears to require further focus from Sanofi-Regeneron to support Dupixent growth is promotional activity, specifically representative coverage.  Indeed, nearly one-third of dermatologists report that they have yet to see a Sanofi/Regeneron representative for Dupixent.  Furthermore, those who have been detailed have significantly higher rates of usage, familiarity, and comfort with the IL-4 inhibitor than those who have not, and significantly more current-non-users who have seen a representative plan to trial the drug in the next month compared to those who have yet to be detailed.

Similar patterns regarding sales representative contact and dermatologist familiarity and usage are also observed with regard to Pfizer's Eucrisa.  However, the most recently approved topical agent has been on the market for just over eight months, thus contact rates are much higher than reported for Dupixent.  Additionally, Pfizer's representatives receive high marks with regard to their product and disease knowledge, support, credibility, and overall presence. 

Where Eucrisa appears to fall short is with regard to dermatologist satisfaction. Eucrisa users are just moderately satisfied with the topical PDE4 inhibitor, and one in five state that the topical agent has not met their expectations.  Additionally, though Eucrisa tends to outperform topical corticosteroids with regard to safety, samples, and patient support programs, topical steroids are considered vastly better performing with regard to key efficacy attributes, as well as out of pocket costs and insurance coverage.

At present, dermatologists are focused on Dupixent with awareness of atopic dermatitis products in development low, but the pipeline is chock-full of novel small molecules and biologics, including IL-13 inhibitors: Dermira's lebrikizumab (recently licensed from Roche for the atopic dermatitis indication) and LEO/AstraZeneca's tralokinumab, JAK inhibitors: AbbVie's upadacitinib and Lilly/Incyte's Olumiant (baricitinib), a TSLP inhibitor: Amgen/AstraZeneca's tezepelumab, and an IL-31 inhibitor: Galderma's nemolizumab, just to name a few.

RealTime Dynamix: Atopic Dermatitis is an independent report series published on a quarterly basis.  The series tracks the evolution of the atopic dermatitis market, provides a deep dive on launch effectiveness, and highlights opportunities for pipeline agents.  The next wave of research will be fielded in November 2017.

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