U.S. Antipsychotic Medications Markets

Published by: Frost & Sullivan

Published: Mar. 26, 2004

Table of Contents

Abstract

The success of innovative atypical antipsychotic drugs such as Zyprexa, Risperdal, and Seroquel has turned the focus of drug manufacturers from the schizophrenia market to the bipolar disorder market. Not only do these new drugs effectively control the manic symptoms of the illness but they also offer a superior side effects profile by eliminating related complications such as movement disorders and prolactin elevation. Another advantage is that these newer drugs demand considerably less treatment time than older medications. For instance, Zyprexa takes an average of about 172 days as opposed to the 470 days taken during lithium therapy. The FDA’s approval of these drugs is expected to further fuel revenue.

This Frost & Sullivan research service evaluates the current and future prospects for atypical medications in the U.S. antipsychotic market in areas such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, various elderly dementias, psychotic and treatment-resistant depression, and a series of anxiety disorders. It analyzes the challenges and driving factors that are likely to assist drug manufacturers in formulating their future marketing strategies. Additionally, it provides disease overviews, pipeline product analysis, and market forecasts for each of these segments.

Fiscal Pressures Exclude Zyprexa from the "Preferred Drug" List of Several States

Even while newer antipsychotic treatments have provided millions of patients with a new lease on life, the relatively high costs have curbed their uptake. Moreover, the extra expenses involved have put many states under pressure to reconsider paying for these drugs in their federal-state Medicaid programs. Therefore states such as Kentucky, West Virginia, Florida, Maine, Oregon, and Texas have taken Zyprexa off their "preferred drug" list.

"Since it accounts for the single largest portion of the overall drug budget and costs double the price of Risperdal or Seroquel, Zyprexa seems to be the favorite target of Medicaid’s cost cutting measures," points out the analyst. To this end, Medicaid directors have initiated a ‘fail first’ policy, whereby only patients who have failed on less expensive antipsychotics are allowed a trial of Zyprexa.

Abilify’s Success Likely to Negatively Impact Zyprexa

The emergence of Abilify in the atypical antipsychotics market is expected to change market dynamics and further challenge Zyprexa’s role as market leader. Zyprexa’s sales figures show that while product sales in 2002 were $350 million more than in 2001, the subsequent year has shown a definite dip. 2003 product sales were only $100 million greater than that of 2002. Abilify, on the other hand, is expected to reach $1 billion in U.S. sales by the end of 2005.

"Abilify’s edge over Zyprexa lies in its ability to provide efficient results without adverse side effects such as weight gain," says the analyst. This has, in fact, been a major bone of contention with Zyprexa’s competitors that point out that weight problems carry the associated risk of diabetes. However, in the long term, it is quite likely that end users will be ready to endure weight gain for a significant improvement in quality of life.

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