Does the MS market need another Interferon? US neurologists provide insight on the launch of Novartis' Extavia

Awareness of Swiss drug major Novartis' Extavia (interferon beta 1b).is relatively high but familiarity is more moderate, according to a new study from BioTrends Research Group conducted around one month after the launch of the drug in the USA. The survey was completed by 76 US neurologists in November and December 2009.

Over one-third of current Extavia users indicate this newest agent will be a likely replacement for Betaseron (interferon beta-1b) manufactured by Bayer, which was the first disease modifying agent approved nearly 20 years ago.

Despite the relatively high awareness of Extavia, the projected uptake of the drug appears to be modest with about half of the neurologists expecting to prescribe it within the next six months. The main advantages clinicians perceive with Extavia is the every other day dosing regimen and similarity to other interferon agents.