Gilenya’s Patient Share Continues to Increase Among Both Newly Diagnosed and Recently Treated MS Patients

EXTON, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

BioTrends Research Group, one of the worlds leading research and advisory firms for specialized biopharmaceutical issues, finds through analysis of U.S. longitudinal patient-level claims data that patient share of Novartiss Gilenya has increased in both newly diagnosed and recently treated multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The recently treated patient group represents patients treated in the third quarter of 2011 and reviews historical therapies used in their treatment.

According to Treatment Algorithms in Multiple Sclerosis, more than three quarters of switches to Gilenya in recently treated patients in the third quarter of 2011 came from patients who had previously taken an interferon-beta or Tevas Copaxone. A much smaller percentage of drug switches to Gilenya came from patients who had previously taken Biogen Idec/Elans Tysabri.

Until the launch of Gilenya, Tysabri offered one of the few options for patients whose disease had progressed past the point where it could be effectively managed with interferon-betas or Copaxone, said BioTrends Director Nicole Westphal, Ph.D. Gilenyas oral formulation is likely a key driver of its use in recently treated MS patients following treatment with an interferon-beta or Copaxone. Additionally, physicians may be increasingly turning to Gilenya for MS patients who require stronger disease control than can be achieved with first-line therapies and/or who either may not be appropriate candidates for or are concerned about the safety risks associated with Tysabri.

The analysis is part of BioTrends Treatment Algorithms Insight series, which through examination of U.S. longitudinal patient-level claims data, provides exceptional insight into physicians prescribing trends, from diagnosis through multiple courses of treatment, for a specific disease. Quarterly data analysis reveals progression rates of patients through each line of therapy, the share each brand commands by line of therapy and add-versus-switch patterns to key brands. BioTrends analysis explores treatment patterns for both newly diagnosed and recently treated MS patients.

About BioTrends Research Group

BioTrends Research Group provides syndicated and custom market research to pharmaceutical manufacturers competing in clinically evolving, specialty pharmaceutical markets. For information on BioTrends publications and research capabilities, please contact us at (610) 321-9400 or http://www.bio-trends.com.

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 http://www.DecisionResourcesGroup.com.

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Gilenya’s Patient Share Continues to Increase Among Both Newly Diagnosed and Recently Treated MS Patients