EXTON, Pa., May 23, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- BioTrends Research Group, one of the world's leading research and advisory firms for specialized biopharmaceutical issues, announces the release of its 2012 ChartTrends(R): Bone and Mineral Metabolism in Dialysis (U.S.) report, the seventh in an ongoing annual series. The study was conducted with 226 U.S. nephrologists who completed detailed chart reviews for 1,061 dialysis patients. This is also the second ChartTrends report published since the dialysis bundle legislation was implemented in January 2011.

The study found that nephrologists tend to overestimate the percent of dialysis patients being treated with phosphate binders and that, compared to just one year ago, dialysis-audited prevalence of binders has declined. This binder treatment prevalence level is approaching that of Europe, which historically has been lower than the United States.

Dialysis patients with known or suspected arterial calcification are directionally more likely to be treated with phosphate binders compared to those without calcification; yet the use of calcium-based binders does not differ between the two groups. Nephrologists appear to be initiating binder type (e.g., non-calcium vs. calcium) based on calcium levels with patients with higher calcium levels typically receiving non-calcium based binders such as Sanofi's sevelamer (Renagel, Renvela) or Shire's Fosrenol.

The study also found sevelamer is the market share leader in the dialysis patient population, with little change in share amongst the other binder brands compared to last year. Patients on non-calcium based binders (particularly Fosrenol) are more likely to be on Amgen's Sensipar compared to those on calcium-based binders (particularly calcium acetate).

Sensipar, excluded from the bundle until 2014, appears to be little impacted by bundling to date. Although some expected Sensipar to benefit from its bundle exclusion, the percent of hemodialysis patients treated with Sensipar has not changed compared to the prior year. This may be due in part to the liberalization of parathyroid hormone (PTH) goals implemented by a number of dialysis units. Compared to last year, more patients are started on Sensipar at PTH levels greater than 600 pg/mL and the overall mean PTH level at Sensipar initiation is significantly higher.

The study also evaluated referral patterns, co-morbidities, concomitant medications, hospitalizations and a host of other patient demographics and laboratory data. BioTrends is publishing ChartTrends: CKD (non-dialysis) reports later this year in both the United States and Europe. Additional ChartTrends: Dialysis reports have been published in Europe (2012 publication scheduled for October 2012), China and Latin America (Brazil, Argentina and Mexico).

ChartTrends: Bone and Mineral Metabolism in Dialysis (U.S.) is a syndicated annual report series, in which over 200 U.S. nephrologists provide patient chart data on 1,000 dialysis patients in the United States to uncover the actual management related to bone and mineral metabolism. Through an in-depth review of patient charts, details such as product dosing and titration, switching, concomitant medications and a host of laboratory and patient demographic variables, help define patient types and identify therapy triggers.

About BioTrends Research Group

BioTrends Research Group provides syndicated and custom market research to pharmaceutical manufacturers competing in clinically evolving, specialty pharmaceutical markets. For information on BioTrends publications and research capabilities, please contact us at (610) 321-9400 or www.bio-trends.com .

About Decision Resources Group

Decision Resources Group is a cohesive portfolio of companies that offers best-in-class, high-value information and insights on important sectors of the healthcare industry. Clients rely on this analysis and data to make informed decisions. Please visit Decision Resources Group at www.DecisionResourcesGroup.com .

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SOURCE: BioTrends Research Group

        
        BioTrends Research Group, LLC 
        Rob Dubman, 781-993-2592 
        
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        Decision Resources Group 
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