 PhysicianForum --
May 2006
 In This Issue...
The biologic agent Remicade (infliximab, Centocor) debuted
in 1998 for the treatment of Crohn’s disease (CD). For most of the time the
agent has been available, it has been viewed as a treatment of last resort for
patients with moderate-to-severe or fistulizing disease. However, evidence from
recent clinical trials provides support for early intervention with biologic
therapy. Such a change in treatment practices will not only represent a
paradigm shift for gastroenterologists but also create tension between
physicians and payers who seek to limit access to high-cost biologic therapy. With
two more biologic agents set to launch in the near future, the tension between
physicians seeking to expand their use of highly effective biologics and payers
trying to contain the cost of biologic therapy will only increase.
Decision Resources’ PhysicianForum survey "Crohn’s
Disease: Physician and Payer Acceptance of Early Biologics Use" explores
gastroenterologists’ use of Remicade, their perceptions of emerging biologics,
and their experience to date with restrictions on biologic therapy imposed by
health maintenance organizations (HMOs). The survey also provides insight from
HMO pharmacy directors and medical directors regarding their approaches to
managing the significant costs associated with biologic therapy. We surveyed
116 gastroenterologists and 31 managed care pharmacy and medical directors to
assess their views and perceptions of the future of biologic therapy in the
treatment of CD. This survey investigates the following factors:
- Gastroenterologists’ current use of the biologic therapy Remicade
for the treatment of specific subpopulations of CD.
- The impact of the high cost of Remicade on patients’ access to
therapy.
- The future role of Humira (adalimumab, Abbott Laboratories) and
Cimzia (UCB, certolizumab pegol) in treating CD.
- The approaches pharmacy and medical directors currently use to
manage the cost of biologic therapy and the approaches they expect to use in
the future.
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