1. Oral Small Molecules for RA Face High Price-Sensitivity Hurdles
MADISON, N.J., March 20, 2012 – Reimbursement Intelligence, the New Jersey-based market
research firm helping biopharma, medical device and diagnostics firms succeed in managed
markets, announced the launch of the 2012 Rheumatology Insight Service, a subscription-based
market research based on parallel surveys of 100 rheumatologists and 50 payers, which will be
continuously updated throughout 2012.
The study, quoted in this morning’s Pharmalot, “Yielded some important customer insights,”
said Rhonda Greenapple, CEO of RI. “One key finding is that the new, oral small molecules for
RA are not necessarily a slam-dunk for either payers or rheumatologists.”
Greenapple continued, “There was no clear, natural positioning for these agents in RA therapy.
Payers and rheumatologists considered them part of the same ‘class’ as RA biologics, and that
where they would be used was highly dependent on cost. Their views varied substantially based
on different pricing scenarios.”
“We think the message for manufacturers is clear,” said Greenapple. “If the manufacturers of
novel agents for RA – including the oral small molecules – don’t clearly position these products
in customers’ minds, customers, especially payers, will do it for them.”
Adoption of these agents will be further challenged by the trend toward shifting of specialty
pharmaceuticals to a Tier 4 with higher out-of-pocket costs. Said Greenapple, “Some
rheumatologists told us they thought patients will start asking about the new oral small molecules
as soon as they’re available. The big question is whether they’re going to be willing to pay
several hundred dollars per month for these medications. Manufacturers have to focus on
messaging for three different customer segments – rheumatologists, payers, and patients. It will
take a compelling patient value proposition to motivate patients to start and stay on these new
medications.”
About the Rheumatology Insight Service
The Rheumatology Insight Service is the first of a new series of category-specific
Reimbursement Insight subscription services available only from Reimbursement Intelligence.
The core component of the Rheumatology Insight Service is the 2012 Rheumatology
Reimbursement Report, featuring more than 50 pages of carefully crafted findings, with thought-
provoking commentary from RI’s panel of RA category experts. Subscribers to the survey will
receive three quarterly updates, periodic event-driven updates, and access to customized sub-
analyses of specific customers segments, based on subscriber-requested criteria.
For additional information about the 2012 Rheumatology Insight Service and for all other
inquiries, please click here: 2012 Rheumatology Insight Service
2 Shunpike Road, 3rd Floor Madison, NJ 07940 p: 973.805.2300 f: 973.377.7930