First-Line Multiple Myeloma Patient Share in Europe is Variable by Country and Dependent on Patient Eligibility for Stem-Cell Transplantation; Overall, Janssen’s Velcade Dominates

First-Line Multiple Myeloma Patient Share in Europe is Variable by Country and Dependent on Patient Eligibility for Stem-Cell Transplantation; Overall, Janssen’s Velcade Dominates

BioTrends Research Group, one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms for specialized biopharmaceutical issues, finds that despite the considerable heterogeneity across different European countries, surveyed hematologist-oncologists generally perceive Velcade/Thalomid/dexamethasone (VTD) to be the most preferred regimen in terms of efficacy for the treatment of first-line, autologous stem-cell transplant (ASCT) eligible multiple myeloma patients. However, according to primary research findings from , physicians from the UK are notable by their preference of cyclophosphamide/Thalomid/dexamethasone (CTD) in the first-line ASCT-eligible patients compared with physicians from other countries based on reimbursement hurdles for Velcade and Revlimid. In ASCT-ineligible patients, across Europe, Velcade-based regimens in combination with GlaxoSmithKline’s Alkeran (melphalan) are perceived to be more favorable in terms of efficacy compared with Revlimid-based regimens.

“The predominant reasons that ASCT-eligible and ineligible patients might not receive Velcade in the first-line setting are based on concerns with tolerability. However, more than half of all surveyed respondents from the UK cite challenges associated with reimbursement and product access as a reason these patients might not receive Velcade,” said BioTrends Oncology Therapeutic Class Director, Andrew Merron, Ph.D. “With respect to Revlimid, across Europe, just under half of surveyed physicians report that the concerns over secondary malignancies is a reason why first-line ASCT-ineligible patients might not receive Revlimid. Concerns over stem-cell collection for ASCT-eligible first-line patients and reimbursement challenges are also reasons why Revlimid might not be prescribe to first-line multiple myeloma patients according to surveyed European hematologist-oncologists.”

The level of unmet need in multiple myeloma is significantly greater than several other hematological malignancies according to surveyed hematologist-oncologists. On average, surveyed physicians in Europe assign the greatest score to improving overall survival as the most important unmet need in the treatment of multiple myeloma. High levels of unmet need are also observed for therapies that are suitable for both Velcade and immunomodulatory agent-refractory patients. Improving peripheral neuropathy is considered to be the third most important unmet need – this need may be partially fulfilled by Onyx’s Kyprolis (which is associated with reduced neuropathy compared with Velcade). However, across Europe, the majority (80 percent) of surveyed hematologist-oncologists claim to be aware of Celgene’s pomalidomide – a significantly greater proportion compared with any other emerging therapy.

is a syndicated report that examines current trends in the management of multiple myeloma from the perspective of hematologist-oncologists in Europe with a focus on analyzing their attitudes, perceptions and self-reported prescribing behavior. In addition, this report provides insight into the practice patterns, and current and projected use of various products. TreatmentTrends also evaluates perceived product advantages and disadvantages, as well as sales and messaging efforts of key market players. This study was fielded with a total of 249 hematologist-oncologists across France, Germany, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom via an online survey.

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 . BioTrends is a Decision Resources Group company.

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