BioTrends Releases Fourth Annual Nephrology TreatmentTrends Publication Highlighting Market Trends for Renal Anemia, Hyperphosphatemia, and Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

EXTON, Pa., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- BioTrends Research Group, Inc. released its Fourth Annual Nephrology TreatmentTrends Publication, a syndicated report offering comprehensive insight into the management of renal anemia and bone and mineral metabolism in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The report is based on responses to an online survey, completed by 305 clinical nephrologists in the US, during December 2007.

In the anemia market, the vast majority of nephrologists report being aware of safety concerns surrounding the use of ESAs and 80% indicate that these safety issues have had an impact on their management of anemia, primarily reflected in their lower hemoglobin targets. More than three quarters of the nephrologists state that they do not anticipate any further changes. Amgen's Epogen continues its position as market share leader in dialysis while Aranesp and Procrit continue to battle for market leader position in pre-dialysis.

In the IV Iron market, use continues to be primarily reserved for hemodialysis patients with the majority of nephrologists viewing American Regent's Venofer and Watson's Ferrlecit as interchangeable. AMAG Pharmaceuticals recently filed an NDA for a new form of intravenous iron, ferumoxytol, which could be commercially available in the second half of 2008. Current familiarity with ferumoxytol is low, with 68% indicating that they are "not at all familiar" with the product.

In the phosphate binder market, nephrologists seem to be in agreement about the importance of controlling phosphorus in pre-dialysis patients, with 62% reporting "phosphorus" as the most important level to keep within target range (over PTH and calcium). This has not, however, translated into increased use of binders over the past year. Binder preference also remains similar to last year with calcium-based binders (such as Fresenius Medical Care's PhosLo) dominating 2:1 in the pre-dialysis setting, whereas in the dialysis market, the shift to non-calcium agents (such as Genzyme's Renagel and Shire's Fosrenol) continues, with Renagel maintaining its position as market leader. While perceived need for a new phosphate binder is high, knowledge of new binders in development is low. Genzyme recently received approval for Renvela (sevelamer carbonate) which is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2008.

In the management of secondary hyperparathyroidism, nephrologists report an increased use of Vitamin D in both the dialysis and CKD populations which has grown consistently since 2004. While the majority of nephrologists view Abbott's Zemplar and Genzyme's Hectorol as interchangeable, Zemplar continues to grow its share in dialysis and CKD, currently leading Hectorol in both markets. In dialysis patients, use of Amgen's Sensipar has also increased in the past year and nephrologists expect continued growth with share rising from 29% to 35% in the next three months. Sensipar, however, tends to be reserved for patients with PTH greater than 500 pg/dL, and is typically used in combination with Vitamin D.

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