Dermatologists' views on Dupixent and Eucrisa

The most recent quarterly update of RealTime Dynamix: Atopic Dermatitis based on 102 dermatologists surveyed in mid-January reveals that use of both Pfizer's (NYSE: PFE) Eucrisa (crisaborole) and Sanofi (Euronext: SAN)-Regeneron's (Nasdaq: REGN) Dupixent (dupilumab) may be reaching a plateau moving into 2018.

According to the report, from Spherix Global Insight, about 90% of the dermatologists report use of Pfizer's topical PDE4 inhibitor, Eucrisa, with the pediatric market largely driving growth for the brand. Indeed, the average number of patients in both children (2 to 11) and adolescent (12 to 17) age groups are continuously on the rise, while use in adults, where there are more treatment options available, dipped in quarter one for the first time, cancelling out any significant patient gains.

Furthermore, when asked about the ideal Eucrisa patient, over one-quarter of dermatologists cited that "children" were the best candidates for treatment. Targeting this population is likely a key initiative for Pfizer as Eucrisa's current direct to consumer (DTC) campaign has a specific focus on children and adolescents. However, dermatologists are divided with regard to the impact Eucrisa's marketing has on their AD patients and their use of the drug, and fewer than half of the dermatologists report receiving any patient requests for the brand. Although market access continues to be noted as the leading barrier to increased Eucrisa use, the percentage of dermatologists reporting these barriers has decreased, potentially implying that the reimbursement landscape is improving.