Rheumatoid Arthritis | Access and Reimbursement | EU5 | 2017
The lucrative EU5 rheumatoid arthritis market is dominated by biologics, including five tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors and four biologics with alternative mechanisms of action. The TNF-α inhibitors are the most widely prescribed biologics in RA patients refractory to conventional DMARDs, and the non-TNF-α biologics largely compete for use in TNF-refractory patients. However, the premium-priced branded TNF-α inhibitors face a competitive threat from the recent launch of biosimilars, including biosimilar infliximab and biosimilar etanercept, which provide cost-effective alternatives. In addition, Jak inhibitors Xeljanz (Pfizer’s tofacitinib) and Olumiant (Eli Lily/Incyte’s baricitinib) received EC marketing authorization for use in RA in the first quarter of 2017. With the impending entry of additional IL-6 inhibitors and Jak inhibitors, and biosimilars of several other TNF and non-TNF biologics, marketers are faced with fierce competition as EU5 payers and prescribers balance clinical need with budgetary constraints.
Questions Answered:
What clinical and cost-related factors most strongly influence and restrict prescribing of key RA therapies? How do these differ across the EU5?
What factors will determine the success of recently approved and emerging Jak and IL-6 inhibitors, including Sanofi/Regeneron’s sarilumab and Janssen’s sirukumab? How do payers intend to reimburse emerging agents? To what extent will payer policy impact prescribing of them?
What can manufacturers do to achieve favorable pricing and reimbursement terms, maximize uptake and, therefore, optimize market access?
Scope:
Markets covered: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom.
Methodology: Surveys of 252 dermatologists and 10 country-specific interviews with European payers.