Report finds mixed feelings around antibiotic use

A new report from market research firm Decision Resources, entitled Antibiotics: Reaction of PCPs, Pediatricians, and Managed Care to Major Patent Expiries and New Products, has found that the expected FDA approval of faropenem medoxomil, the first oral penem antibiotic, triggered mixed feelings regarding its usefulness among healthcare providers surveyed. Pediatricians gave the pending drug high marks, better than the primary care physicians, with 63% of pediatricians and 39% of PCPs perceiving faropenem to be an antibiotic with clinical advantages. However, more than 50% of HMO pharmacy directors are calling the drug a "me-too" beta-lactam and will place the drug on a higher tier once it enters the marketplace, according to the report. Faropenem could receive FDA approval before year's end. Among other findings from the report, following the patent expiration of Pfizer's Z-Pak, the drug's usage is being aggressively controlled by HMOs despite the fact that it is the most patient-requested drug on the market. The new report is based on a survey of 20 managed care pharmacy and medical directors, 40 pediatricians, and 101 PCPs.

To see more Hot off the Press news articles, click here.

To go to the Drug Topics homepage, click here.