Ipsos Launches Syndicated Biosimilar Study

Ipsos Healthcare has launched a new syndicated project, the Biosimilar Impact Study, to help clients understand the potential impact of launches of these drugs, which are rival companies' versions of original products, hitting the market as patents expire.

The new service will gauge baseline perceptions of biosimilars and assess physicians' intent to prescribe them within the five largest EU economies - the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. This will involve surveying 650 rheumatologists, dermatologists, and gastroenterologists, and integrating data from more than 5,000 patient charts across seven autoimmune indications (Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis).

The firm plans to extend the service to the US shortly, and to other therapy areas according to client demand.

Paul O'Meara (pictured), Head of the company's Autoimmune Therapy Monitors, comments: 'The potential impact of biosimilars remains an unknown - but through this study, we will be able to gauge awareness of different biosimilars and manufacturers, evaluate the anticipated benefits and concerns, explore doctors' anticipated use and identify the most likely patient populations'.

One of Ipsos' global divisions, with 500 healthcare MR professionals operating in over 40 countries, the practice focuses on research in the pharmaceutical, bio-tech and medical device markets, and provides syndicated patient chart studies in 35 markets. Group home page: www.ipsos.com .