Baricitinib is more commonly prescribed by dermatologists for patients with alopecia in the United States and is projected to maintain a substantial market lead over ritlecitinib.
This article was originally published by Dermatology Times®. This version is lightly edited.
Bariticinib (Olumiant; Eli Lilly) is prescribed by a majority of US dermatologists to their patients with alopecia areata (AA), according to a recent analysis. Additionally, more than half of US dermatologists have begun trials of ritlecitinib (Litfulo; Pfizer) in their patients with AA.
According to the analysis, 6-month market projections for both drugs are favorable. However, bariticinib is expected to maintain a substantial market lead over ritlecitinib.
Spherix Global Insights notes that within the past 4 years of their analysis of the AA market, the introduction of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors has made a significant impact on the market itself, particularly attributable to its ability to meet an unmet need in severe alopecia.
The analysis found that 105 US dermatologists currently prescribe baricitinib to their patients with AA, potentially attributable to the JAK inhibitor's earlier introduction in the space for AA management.
A specific analysis of 520 charts of patients who have AA reaffirmed this prescription rate, with prescribers noting the choice to prescribe baricitinib could mostly be attributable to familiarity and comfort. The most common factor for initiating treatment with ritlecitinib, the analysis found, was a prescriber and patient desire to trial a newer therapy.
Despite the difference in the number of dermatologists prescribing bariticinib vs ritlecitinib for patients with AA, the analysis found that prescribers of both drugs expressed comparable and high levels of satisfaction. In fact, these rates of satisfaction were significantly greater than rates for nonadvanced systemic treatments.
Both drugs received equally favorable evaluations of overall patient satisfaction, eyebrow and eyelash regrowth, and Severity of Alopecia Tool scoring.
"Recent data from Spherix's published studies highlight minimal differentiation among prescribers regarding the 2 JAK inhibitors," according to Spherix. "A significant portion—two-fifths—explicitly state no differentiation between the two, while one-quarter of the remaining respondents emphasize that dosing represents the most notable contrast. Fewer than one-fifth report differences in access and efficacy between the brands."
The analysis also found that for manufacturers of both drugs, "Dermatologists expressed a shared need for support in access/improvement of patient assistance programs, increased provision of samples, enhanced resources for patient and physician education, and an overall demand for more comprehensive data."
Despite these expressed needs, Spherix found that prescribers were generally unaware of the AA drug pipeline. Most prescribers involved in the analysis were not able to recall other AA treatments aside from JAK inhibitors in development, but were able to recall well-known line-extensions such as upadacitinib (Rinvoq; AbbVie) and deucravacitinib (Sotyktu; BMS) when prompted.
The top drugs currently in development, ranked by prescribers based on familiarity, included deuruxolitinib (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries), etrasimod (Velsipity; Pfizer), bempikibart (Q32 Bio andAmgen/Horizon), and ivarmacitinib (Arcutis).
Less familiar to prescribers were 3 novel therapies currently in development: daxdilimab (Amgen/Horizon), farudostat (ASLAN Pharmaceuticals), and EQ101 (Equillium).
Reference
Eli Lilly’s Olumiant and Pfizer’s Litfulo strengthen alopecia areata arsenal, yet resounding opportunity for JAK expansion and new assets in development remain. GlobeNewswire. Spherix Global Insights. November 15, 2023. Accessed November 16, 2023. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/11/15/2781240/0/en/Eli-Lilly-s-Olumiant-and-Pfizer-s-Litfulo-Strengthen-Alopecia-Areata-Arsenal-Yet-Resounding-Opportunity-for-JAK-Expansion-and-New-Assets-in-Development-Remain.html
Dr Kathy Zackowski Discusses the Importance of Rehabilitation Research and Trials in MS
April 26th 2024Kathy Zackowski, PhD, National MS Society, expresses the inherent value of quality rehabilitation trials for broadening clinical understandings of multiple sclerosis (MS) and bettering patient outcomes.
Read More
Examining Low-Value Cancer Care Trends Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 25th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the authors of a study published in the April 2024 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® about their findings on the rates of low-value cancer care services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Listen
Navigating Health Literacy, Social Determinants, and Discrimination in National Health Plans
February 13th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the authors of a study published in the February 2024 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® about their findings on how health plans can screen for health literacy, social determinants of health, and perceived health care discrimination.
Listen
Insurance Coverage Limits JAKi Therapy Access for Patients With AA, Especially Non-White Populations
April 25th 2024A survey study showed major barriers to Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) therapy for patients with alopecia areata, especially for non-White patients who face higher rates of being uninsured and struggle more to afford the treatment.
Read More