Bipolar Disorder – Unmet Need – Unmet Need – Bipolar Depression (US/EU)

Depressive episodes are more common than manic episodes in bipolar disorder (BPD) patients. Of note, BPD II is often characterized by a higher frequency of depressive episodes that last longer compared with BPD I. The symptoms of bipolar depression can include fatigue, insomnia, suicidal ideation, and feelings of worthlessness. Only a few drugs are FDA-approved to treat the depressive symptoms of BPD I, and even fewer drugs are approved for BPD II depression (e.g., Intra-Cellular Therapies’ Caplyta, a newer-to-market antipsychotic). In addition, no drug is approved to treat the suicidality in bipolar depression. Notably, European psychiatrists have more-limited treatment options for bipolar depression than U.S. psychiatrists do, and available therapies have their own shortcomings. Given the longer duration for depressive symptoms and the paucity of therapeutic options in this segment, there is substantial need for novel therapies to treat bipolar depression. Understanding the drivers of clinical decision-making in the treatment of bipolar depression and the areas of opportunity will help drug developers prioritize agents that address the indication’s treatment needs and help marketers determine how to leverage their products’ attributes.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

• What are the treatment drivers and goals for bipolar depression?
• Which drug attributes are key influences, which have limited impact, and which are hidden opportunities?
• How do current therapies perform on key treatment drivers and goals for bipolar depression?
• What are the prevailing areas of unmet need and opportunity in bipolar depression?
• Which trade-offs across different clinical attributes and price are acceptable to U.S. and European psychiatrists for a hypothetical new bipolar depression drug?

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Provides quantitative insight into U.S. and European physician perceptions of key treatment drivers and goals and the current level of unmet need for a specific disease. Commercial opportunities are analyzed, and the extent to which emerging therapies may capitalize on these opportunities is evaluated.

Markets covered: United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany

Primary research: Survey of 61 U.S. and 30 European psychiatrists fielded in June 2023

Key companies: AbbVie, Gedeon Richter, Intra-Cellular Therapies, NeuroRx Pharmaceuticals

Key drugs: Lithium, lamotrigine, quetiapine IR/XR, lumateperone, sertraline, cariprazine, olanzapine/fluoxetine combination, NRX-101