Most surveyed physicians in Europe expect to increase Rxing of GLP-1 analogues and DPP-IV inhibitors

Almost all surveyed physicians in each of the top European Union countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) currently prescribe GLP-1 analogues and DPP-IV inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, according to a new study from advisory firm Decision Resources.

In addition, the majority of surveyed EU5 physicians estimate that they are issuing a higher number of prescriptions of both drug classes than they were 12 months ago, and they expect this trend to continue over the next two years.

Three DPP-IV inhibitors – Merck & Co’s Januvia (sitagliptin), Novartis's Galvus (vildagliptin) and Bristol-Myers Squibb/AstraZeneca’s Onglyza (saxagliptin) - as well as two GLP-1 analogues - Amylin/Eli Lilly’s Byetta (exenatide) and Novo Nordisk’s Victoza (liraglutide) - comprise the current DPP-IV inhibitor and GLP-1 analogue market for type 2 diabetes in Europe. Increased prescribing of these agents in the last year is primarily at the expense of the sulfonylureas, which, along with the PPAR-gamma agonists, have seen the largest fall in prescribing over the last year. Furthermore, physicians expect that the use of the sulfonylureas and PPAR-gamma agonists will continue to decrease over the next two years.