Study of ‘real-life’ experiences of patients undergoing 5-ASA treatment for ulcerative colitis

InfoMedics, Inc., a company that engages patients and physicians to communicate better through the delivery of treatment feedback, has poster presentations at three industry conferences in October 2009. All of these studies provide a unique look at real-life patient feedback regarding experiences with medications for chronic conditions including ulcerative colitis (UC) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children.

The presentation at the Annual Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology, October 26-28, San Diego, CA, is the first detailed study of the ‘real-life’ perceptions and experiences of patients beginning and continuing a new course of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), the mainstay of treatment for UC.

“As patients with UC frequently require life-long treatment, the attitudes and experiences of patients beginning a new course of treatment may play an important role in aiding adherence,” said InfoMedics’ Senior Director of Analytic Services Donna Kerney, PhD, who co-authored the poster with Shire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. “In this study, we examined patients’ experiences with the 5-ASA drug MMX® mesalamine. The results were quite positive: the majority of patients reported that this treatment reduced UC symptom severity and disruption of daily activities, with 81% of patients reporting that they would continue to take MMX mesalamine after the patient experience program.”

“One of the results we find of particular value is the high adherence rate of patients who participated in the patient experience program: 88% of patents reported that they were fully adherent with MMX mesalamine therapy throughout this program (i.e. took their medication every day, as prescribed). We believe this is attributable not only to the efficacy of the drug in question, but to the wealth of information and tools provided to participants,” continued Dr. Kerney. “Disease education and follow-up questions were a part of the baseline survey, including strategies for managing UC and how MMX mesalamine works, dealing with active disease (termed ‘flare-ups’ in the survey), impact of food on disease relapse, support groups, and when to notify their doctor about abdominal pain. Patient feedback programs help physicians and patients understand the “big picture” for each individual patient, assisting them in overcoming many of the most common adherence hurdles.”

Earlier this month, InfoMedics presented three patient feedback studies focused on the effects of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX; Vyvanse®, Shire US Inc.), a long-acting prodrug stimulant indicated for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Two of the studies focused on the adult population and were presented at the 61st American Psychiatric Association Institute on Psychiatric Services; October 8-11, New York, NY. Another study focused on the pediatric population was presented at the 21st Annual International Conference on AD/HD (CHADD), October 7-10, Cleveland, OH. These studies presented data gathered through The New Start Survey Program which provides physicians with “real world” perceptions from parents of children with ADHD and adults regarding the effects of treatment on bothersome symptoms of ADHD throughout the day, and aspects of satisfaction with current treatment compared with prior treatment regimens.

“Patient feedback programs are designed to not only inform physicians about whether drugs are alleviating symptoms, but also to see the “real-world” impact on their patients’ daily lives,” said Dr. Kerney. “In the case of the pediatric ADHD study presented at CHADD, parents of children taking lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) reported significantly less interference of ADHD symptoms with their child’s family interactions, social interactions, homework, and school activities. It is this kind of information that helps to build a more “whole-patient” picture for physicians that goes beyond what can realistically be achieved solely through office visits. InfoMedics prides itself on significantly enhancing patient-physician communication, the benefits of which can include building brand credibility and loyalty, encouraging patient-physician dialogue, extending patient ownership and reinforcing the prescribed treatment regimen.”