 PhysicianForum --
August 2004
 In This Issue...
Metabolic Syndrome is a
constellation of abnormalities that includes obesity, type 2 diabetes,
hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Advances in scientific knowledge, alarming
increases in the prevalence of obesity, and the association with cardiovascular
disease are fueling interest in the metabolic syndrome. The burgeoning market offers
immense commercial opportunity, given that the combined U.S. markets for
dyslipidemia, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and obesity total more than $30
billion. However, many challenges--in scientific research, drug
development, and health care--remain before this market's potential
can be realized.
Decision Resources' Physician Forum survey, "Metabolic Syndrome: Current Medical Practice
and Market Opportunities," explores several factors
that are setting the stage for the evolution of the metabolic syndrome market
in the United States: screening and diagnostic practices, current treatment, reimbursement
issues, and the potential impact of fixed-dose combination agents.
This study describes the
following attitudes and trends in the potential market for metabolic syndrome:
- Physician and managed care views on metabolic syndrome as a
disease.
- Current screening practices for metabolic syndrome and associated
disorders.
- Physician estimates of the diagnosis rate for metabolic syndrome.
- Current pharmacological approaches to treatment of metabolic syndrome.
- Use of current pharmacological therapies in patients with
borderline metabolic and cardiovascular conditions associated with metabolic syndrome.
- Factors that will affect the uptake of fixed-dose combination
agents, such as Pfizer's Caduet, for treatment of metabolic syndrome.
- Physician and managed care expectations of efficacy and clinical
end points for drugs in development for metabolic syndrome.
The potential reimbursement climate for metabolic syndrome.
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