Spiriva set to capture 50% US Rx COPD market share?

Pulmonologists expect to be writing 50% of their chronic obstructivepulmonary disease prescriptions for the Spiriva (tiotropium) HandiHaler - the new powder inhaler bronchodilator from Pfizer and Boehringer Ingelheim, launched in May (Marketletter May 31). According to new research from NOP World Health, these specialists consider Spiriva's once-a-day dosing a critical advantage that will lead to higher patient compliance and improved quality of life.

Even before its introduction, pulmonologists were enthusiastic about Spiriva. Pre-launch awareness of Spiriva was extremely high, with these physicians expressing a strong interest in prescribing the new brand,as soon as it launched. The likelihood of adopting new products quickly is typical among pulmonologists, half of whom say they will try a new COPD treatment as soon as it is approved and commercially available, the NOP research shows.

Primary care physicians are also enthusiastic about Spiriva, anticipating that they will write about a third of their COPD prescriptions for the new agent. They are somewhat more cautious than pulmonologists, however, with the majority indicating they will wait to use a new drug until their peers have tried it successfully, says NOP.