AEGiS-PRn: Pfizer, Schering-Plough, and Bristol-Myers Squibb Prepare to Vie for HIV Antifungal Market Leadership when Pfizer's Diflucan Patent Expires

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Pfizer, Schering-Plough, and Bristol-Myers Squibb Prepare to Vie for HIV Antifungal Market Leadership when Pfizer's Diflucan Patent Expires

PRNewswire - April 10, 2002

BOSTON -- Pfizer's Diflucan (fluconazole) currently dominates the antifungals market, thanks to a good safety profile, relatively few drug-drug interactions, interchangeable oral and intravenous formulations, and a highly successful marketing campaign. As generic competition erodes fluconazole sales, beginning in 2004, Pfizer will try to maintain market position with its next-generation drug, while Schering-Plough and Bristol- Myers Squibb strive to gain market share with their novel therapeutics. Fungal Opportunistic Infections in HIV, a new report from the Decision Resources, Inc. Pharmacor service, provides an analysis for companies competing or looking to compete in the market.

"Pfizer will attempt to shift usage to voriconazole," says Julia Bradsher, Decision Resources' therapeutic area director for infectious disease. "This market will be increasingly competitive as Schering-Plough's posaconazole and Bristol-Myers Squibb's ravuconazole vie for marketshare, as well as pressure from health care authorities and managed care insurers who favor the generic version of fluconazole," Bradsher adds. Posaconazole's once-daily dosing and favorable side-effect profile could create a valuable niche for Schering- Plough in antifungal prophylaxis. Ravuconazole will enter a highly saturated and competitive environment, but its long half-life may be an advantage in future marketing campaigns if it translates into a shorter course of therapy.

Fungal Opportunistic Infections in HIV provides the following:

-- An overview of the etiology and pathophysiology of key HIV opportunistic fungal infections.

-- Patient populations of oropharyngeal candidiasis, esophageal candidiasis, and cryptococcosis in the seven major pharmaceutical markets (the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Japan).

-- A survey of diagnosis and treatment practices in each of these markets.

-- An analysis of unmet needs in the treatment of fungal opportunistic infections in HIV.

-- An evaluation of current and emerging drugs.

To generate this report, Decision Resources interviewed thought-leading clinicians and researchers in each market and used a variety of drug audit data (e.g., IMS Sales, Scott-Levin), analyst reports, publications, and conference reports.

To order your copy of Fungal Opportunistic Infections in HIV call Frank Sama at 781-296-2553 or email sama@dresources.com.

Fungal Opportunistic Infections in HIV is part of the Infectious Disease portfolio, one of six Pharmacor services that evaluate the commercial potential of drugs in research and development.

Decision Resources, Inc., is a world leader in pharmaceutical research publications, advisory services, and consulting designed to help clients shape strategy, allocate resources, and master their chosen markets. Founded as a subsidiary of Arthur D. Little, Inc., the company has provided strategic information services for 30 years. Visit the Decision Resources Web site at http://www.dresources.com.

Contact: Frank Sama, 781.296.2553 (telephone), 781.296.2550 (fax), or sama@dresources.com.

In Europe, contact Francoise Bidart, +32.2.351.4082 (telephone), +32.2.351.2347 (fax), or fbidart@decisionresources.be. In Japan, contact Makiko Yoshimoto, +81.3.5401.2615 (telephone), +81.3.5401.2617 (fax), or makiko@bl.mmtr.or.jp.

DECISION RESOURCES

Decision Resources, Inc., is a world leader in primary and secondary research publications, multi-client advisory services, and customized consulting. More than 1,000 leading organizations and 100 percent of the 25 largest global pharmaceutical companies turn to Decision Resources for their strategic planning, market development, and competitive intelligence requirements. Founded as a subsidiary of Arthur D. Little, Inc., Decision Resources has provided strategic information services for 30 years. Decision Resources is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, with offices in Brussels, London, and Tokyo. (PRNewsFoto)[AG] WALTHAM, MA USA 03/03/2000

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