Commercial and Pipeline Perspectives: Lower GI Disorders - Remicade Leads Growth as Novel Biologics Compete for Market Share in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Introduction

IBD pipeline products are set to challenge Remicade and other existing therapies in the management of the disease. Competition will intensify as CDP870, Antegren, and Humira provide new alternatives in the severe Crohn’s disease market, and mode of administration will be a key element of product differentiation. In ulcerative colitis, drugs with novel mechanisms will compete for patient share.

Scope

• Assessment of epidemiological data and patient potential
• Analysis of IBD product pipeline with emphasis on Phase III, including trial results and opinion leader insight
• Seven country sales forecasts to 2014
• Transcripts of interviews with key IBD opinion leaders in the US, UK, and Japan

Highlights

Antegren has been filed early for multiple sclerosis on the basis of one year data from Phase III studies. Strong uptake of Antegren in multiple sclerosis, followed by approval for Crohn’s disease in 2006, will put pressure on Biogen Idec’s manufacturing capabilities, making swift completion of a new production plant in San Diego crucial.

Patients who received a limited course of induction therapy with Remicade in effect were "immunized" against the product, and sometimes have not been able to benefit from maintenance therapy when this indication has been approved. This has shrunk the potential patient population for Remicade in Crohn’s disease, reducing revenues.

A desire to stay with "tried and trusted" Remicade means that in Crohn’s disease, switching from Remicade caused by Medicare drug coverage in 2006 will be limited. Uptake of CDP870, Antegren, and Humira in Crohn’s disease will be boosted by Medicare reform, but probably not at Remicade’s expense.

Reasons to Purchase

• Understand the impact of Medicare reform in the biologics for IBD market and how companies are positioning products for maximum benefit
• In a sector heavily dependent on licensing deals, appreciate why big pharma needs to worry about alienating potential partners
• Explore IBD clinical trial design and recruitment strategies to understand how to maximize chances for success