EU5 Market Access Opportunities and Challenges for Current and Emerging Rheumatoid Arthritis Agents Amid the Launches of Oral Jak Inhibitors and Biosimilars | Physician & Payer Forum | EU5 | 2014
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex autoimmune condition characterized by chronic and progressive joint inflammation that typically results in permanent, debilitating tissue damage. Biological therapies can effectively treat the symptoms of RA and slow joint destruction, but these agents are very expensive and may lose effect over time. Over the next few years, less expensive biosimilars for some of the leading RA biologics will reach the European markets, drastically changing the dynamics in this high-priced market. New disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) entering the market during this time will offer improved convenience but not necessarily greater efficacy, a fact that will severely limit their market penetration unless they can compete with current RA therapies on price. This report analyzes European physicians’ and payers’ expectations and attitudes regarding the changing RA market through year-end 2017.
