RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC--(Marketwire - February 5, 2009) - Novartis' recent launch of
Extavia in Europe may not significantly alter the multiple sclerosis
landscape, but it points to the entrance of a formidable new player into
the market. Extavia is essentially a rebranded Betaseron, for which
Novartis gained distribution rights when it acquired Chiron in 2005.
Extavia's launch points to larger aspirations, however.
According to Cutting Edge Information's newly published neurodegenerative
market analysis report, "Neurodegenerative Market Forecast to 2013"
(
http://www.cuttingedgeinfo.com/neurodegenerative), Novartis plans to
launch a new drug in 2010 that will eventually become a multiple sclerosis
blockbuster.
Novartis' fingolimod, an immunomodulatory agent, is one of many oral
treatments in Phase III trials for multiple sclerosis. Teva's Copaxone is
the only currently marketed treatment choice for MS which has an oral mode
of administration, an advantage which has helped fuel its skyrocketing
sales.
"Oral agents will likely be the drugs of choice for MS patients looking to
supplement interferon therapy, or those for whom interferon therapy no
longer works," said Jeremy Spivey, lead writer for the report.
"Interferons are effective for many but require fairly frequent injections
and have significant side effects."
"Pharmaceutical Business Review" reported recently that Novartis is likely
using Extavia's launch to train and strengthen its neurology sales force in
anticipation of fingolimod. This would give Novartis one to two years to
prepare for fingolimod's launch. With Novartis' neurology sales forces
already promoting Exelon and Stalevo for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
diseases, respectively, Novartis is clearly attempting to further solidify
its position in the scientifically challenging neurodegenerative treatment
marketplace.
More information on these upcoming oral MS agents and other
neurodegenerative drugs can be found in Cutting Edge Information's
"Neurodegenerative Market Forecast to 2013"
(
http://www.cuttingedgeinfo.com/neurodegenerative). This report provides
actionable information for drugs designed to combat multiple sclerosis,
Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease.
The 201-page report consists of 40 brand profiles, which detail each
product's competitive and strategic positioning, market opportunities, and
patent and litigation data. The profiles include the following
information:
-- Drug's current and projected competitive strength
-- Current/projected sales position within its class
-- Sales projection charts for the next four to seven years
-- Assessment of competition
-- Materiality charts
-- Clinical trial information
Download a complimentary report brochure at
http://www.cuttingedgeinfo.com/neurodegenerative.
Contact Information: Contact:
Jeremy Spivey
Lead Author
919-433-0373