Decision Resources, Inc, one of
the world's leading research and advisory firms focusing on pharmaceutical and
health care issues, announced its list of the top five key healthcare events
of 2005.
5. Reference pricing for statins begins in Germany -- government imposed
price represents the highest level of reimbursement for a drug, if a
drug price exceeds the reference price, patients are required to pay
the difference out-of-pocket. Pfizer fought reference pricing for
their drug in court, called Sortis in Germany (Lipitor in most other
markets), and lost.
4. The approval of NitroMed's BiDil for the treatment of heart failure in
African-American patients -- the first agent ever to receive FDA
approval based on its performance in a particular race.
3. Biogen Idec and Elan withdrawal of Tysabri for the treatment of
multiple sclerosis -- hailed by physicians and industry analysts as a
promising new approach to treating the disease, it was found that 3
patients being treated with the drug developed a rare and often fatal
viral infection.
2. Medicare Part D -- final regulations released and enrollment begins --
the large coverage gap has provoked widespread criticism that the plan
does not sufficiently achieve its goals of expanding available drug
coverage to Medicare beneficiaries, many of whom have large
prescription drug bills and will need to fund much of the cost of
their medications.
And the number one key healthcare event that happened in 2005:
1. Vioxx Withdrawal Prompts FDA Reform and Legal Battles "The first 3 trials that Merck defended against ended in a loss, a win,
and a mistrial -- they face thousands more," said Jennifer Moniz Carpenter,
research program manager at Decision Resources. "Merck found itself
financially strained by the ongoing legal battles and, at the end of November,
announced a reorganization that eliminated 7,000 jobs throughout the company
and closed five manufacturing plants."
A full discussion of the top ten major healthcare events of 2005 can be
found in the new Spectrum article entitled 2005 News in Review: Important
Changes for the Pharmaceutical Industry.
About Spectrum
Spectrum is an executive advisory service that identifies and analyzes key
business and technology drivers of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology
markets. Spectrum is a mix of publications and telephone inquiry access to
analysts that provides an "over the horizon" perspective on complex healthcare
issues.
About Decision Resources
Decision Resources, Inc., (www.decisionresources) is a world
leader in market research publications, advisory services, and consulting
designed to help clients shape strategy, allocate resources, and master their
chosen markets.
All company, brand, or product names contained in this document may be
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Elizabeth Marshall
Decision Resources, Inc.
emarshalldresources
decisionresources
View drug information on BiDil; Tysabri.