EXTON, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BioTrends Research Group, one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms for specialized biopharmaceutical issues, finds that while very few changes in practice patterns have been made thus far in anticipation of the inclusion of oral medications in the dialysis bundle, the scenarios that U.S. dialysis unit medical directors feel are most likely in 2014 are an increase in the percent of dialysis patients on calcium versus non-calcium based binders, a decrease in the percent of patients on Amgen’s Sensipar, and the availability of a wider range of calcium dialysate options. From a non-calcium based binder perspective, Sanofi’s Renagel/Renvela and Shire’s Fosrenol are both expected to take a hit with share shifts toward less expensive calcium carbonate, according to a new Special Report: Planning for the Inclusion of Oral Medications in the Dialysis Bundle (US). The implementation of dialysis unit protocols, not currently standard practice for oral medications, will likely help drive these product shifts.
The most commonly reported changes that have been made thus far in preparation for the inclusion of oral medications in the dialysis bundle have focused on distribution strategies. Both plans for how dialysis units will distribute oral medications and confidence in their ability to distribute oral medications vary by dialysis unit affiliation. Medical directors primarily affiliated with DaVita, for example, are most confident and those affiliated with free-standing independent units are least confident in their ability to distribute oral medications.
“The consensus seems to be that the initial bundle implementation in January 2011 was not as bad as many anticipated and that a number of dialysis units are either the same or actually better off financially now than they were pre-bundling,” according to Associate Therapeutic Class Director-Nephrology Rob Dubman. “But, many U.S. medical directors feel that the inclusion of oral medications in the bundle may be more difficult. The high cost of oral medications, the expected lack of adequate reimbursement, and the associated financial burden to dialysis units, along with ensuring good patient outcomes and dealing with the logistics of dispensing oral medications, are considered to be real challenges with the inclusion of oral medications in the bundle.”
Special Report: Planning for the Inclusion of Oral Medications in the Dialysis Bundle (US) is a syndicated report series that provides a comprehensive view of the changes that are anticipated with the inclusion of oral medications in the dialysis bundle in January 2014, and insights into how the nephrology community is preparing for and will handle this new dynamic. This primary market research report is based on a quantitative survey with 170 dialysis unit medical directors and renal administrators. The methodology also includes a qualitative component with medical directors and nephrology key opinion leaders.
About BioTrends Research Group, LLC
BioTrends Research Group, LLC provides syndicated and custom primary market research to pharmaceutical manufacturers competing in clinically evolving, specialty pharmaceutical markets. For information on BioTrends publications and research capabilities, please contact us at (610) 321-9400 or www.bio-trends.com.
About Decision Resources Group
Decision Resources Group is a cohesive portfolio of companies that offers best-in-class, high-value information and insights on important sectors of the healthcare industry. Clients rely on this analysis and data to make informed decisions. Please visit Decision Resources Group at www.DecisionResourcesGroup.com.
All company, brand, or product names contained in this document may be trademarks of their respective holders.