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Surveyed Neurologists Perceive the Efficacy of Merck Serono's Rebif Nearly As Equivalent to that of Biogen Idec's Tysabri, According to a New Report From Decision Resources
Press Release
Source: Decision Resources
On Wednesday September 30, 2009, 8:14 am EDT
WALTHAM, Mass., Sept. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Decision Resources, one of the world's leading research and advisory firms focusing on pharmaceutical and healthcare issues, finds that patient-targeted messaging for emerging multiple sclerosis oral agents will need to provide high-level information regarding the efficacy and preservation of quality of life and forego catchy and/or short taglines highlighting oral dosing. The knowledgeable multiple sclerosis patient population is likely to already be informed about oral dosing and will want information regarding efficacy and safety so that they can readily compare these new agents to the efficacy and safety of currently available agents.
"Based on our survey of multiple sclerosis patients, messages from Biogen Idec's Avonex were among the most appealing to patients because they highlight the drug's ability to slow the progression of disability and its ability to reduce the frequency of relapses. Messages highlighting patient support programs (such as Bayer's Betaseron) or needle size (such as Teva Pharmaceutical's Copaxone) were among the least appealing," stated Amanda Puffer, analyst at Decision Resources.
The new report entitled Brand Perceptions in Multiple Sclerosis also finds that surveyed neurologists perceive the efficacy of Merck Serono's safer Rebif nearly as equivalent to that of Biogen Idec's Tysabri. Despite Tysabri's efficacy in clinical trials, this shows that neurologists do not perceive its superiority in delaying disability progression to be sufficient to offset its safety drawbacks.
"One of our most surprising findings was the fact that surveyed neurologists perceive Tysabri to be only slightly more efficacious than Rebif. Even though Tysabri's efficacy is superior to that of Rebif's, it is well accepted that neurologists are hesitant to prescribe Tysabri because of the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) associated with it," added Ms. Puffer.
PML is a rare and potentially fatal central nervous system infection occurring in immune-compromised individuals.
The report contains primary research with 101 U.S. neurologists and 253 U.S. patients. Key brands included in the primary research consist of Avonex, Tysabri, Rebif, Betaseron, Copaxone, Genentech's Rituxan, Roche's CellCept and generics.
About Brand Perception Series
Decision Resources' Brand Perception Series quantitatively analyzes physician and patient brand perception and message resonance. The findings are driven by extensive primary research and offer clients an unbiased, comprehensive, cost-effective solution to understanding the full competitive brand landscape.
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.
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ATLANTA, Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Launched today, a new support and advocacy program called Crohn'sAdvocate(TM) takes a full 360 degree approach to connecting, educating and empowering the half a million Americans living with Crohn's disease. Through a team of inspiring advocates, forum events across the country, and a free, quarterly magazine, the program is designed to connect people on the same journey and break the stigmas associated with Crohn's disease. This comprehensive, educational program offers people living with Crohn's with resources, guidance and support locally and nationally, offline and online at CrohnsAdvocate.com.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www2.prnewswire.com/mnr/ucb/39965/
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Source: HDM Breaking News, September 24, 2009
by Joseph Goedert
The National Institutes of Health has issued a request for information on ways to better receive input from consumers and improve communication with the public.
NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting biomedical and behavioral research. The RFI is in response to President Obama's call for greater transparency, public participation and collaboration in federal decision making.
"The RFI will provide insight and better understanding of the health information needs and information-seeking behaviors of NIH health consumer audiences," according to the document. "Information gathered will assist the agency in developing and disseminating health, medical and scientific information to a broader variety of audiences. The agency anticipates using new outreach strategies and tools, from community-level outlets to Internet-based social media. Members of the public as well as organizations are invited and encouraged to participate in this public input opportunity."
The RFI seeks information on the following topics:
* the current state and range of health information-seeking behaviors and trends;
* the range of health information of interest to the public;
* how the public accesses and uses health information; and
* barriers that might impede NIH's ability to communicate with health consumers.
NIH published the request for information on Sept. 23 in the Federal Register, available at www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html. Responses are due by Dec. 31, 2009.
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