In a period of just twelve months
– from July 2001 to June 2002 – DUROGESIC*,
the market leader among the analgesic patches,
has passed the magical figure of USD 1 billion
net sales. This places DUROGESIC, together with
RISPERDAL, for example, in the select group of
'one billion dollar' products of Johnson &
Johnson. The analgesic patch was launched in the
US in 1991 under the 'DURAGESIC' label, subsequently
followed by numerous other countries, such as
Belgium in 1997 and Japan (DUROTEP) in 2002. DUROGESIC
is building further on the success of the active
substance fentanyl, which was developed by Janssen
as long ago as 1960. In the 'sixties, fentanyl
represented a real breakthrough in anesthesia,
especially during short operations. The administration
of fentanyl via a transdermal patch is a procedure
that was developed by the California based company
Alza Corporation, which has likewise been a member
of the J&J family of companies since last
year. The patch proves how a novel dosage form
of an existing drug can represent a totally new
breakthrough for the patient and a repeat success
for the company.
2002 is also the year in which DUROGESIC celebrates
its fifth anniversary on the Belgian market. The
rapid eligibility for reimbursement, the broad
spectrum of indications and the successful launch
in 1997 clearly show that DUROGESIC fills a void
in chronic pain management. Many doctors agree
that a huge number of pain patients are able to
enjoy a better quality of life thanks to this
patch. Traditional analgesics generally have to
be taken orally or injected several times a day.
DUROGESIC transdermal patches, on the other hand,
are easy to apply and are guaranteed to be active
for three whole days. Patients can enjoy a full
night's sleep, and they have a major psychological
advantage in that they are not constantly reminded
of their pain and are less dependent.
Soon after its launch, DUROGESIC emerged as the
pre-eminent first-line product in palliative care.
However, cancer pain represents only 10% of the
total chronic pain market. Over the past recent
years, an increasing number of patients with chronic
non-cancer pain, such as low back pain or arthrosis,
have consequently been prescribed DUROGESIC. Yet
many patients are still suffering unnecessary
pain. Overcoming the threshold fear of opioids
and searching for non-treated or undertreated
pain patients is an ongoing assignment for the
DUROGESIC teams, because DUROGESIC can represent
an efficient pain therapy for these patients,
too, and offer them a better quality of life.
More information on pain and pain management can
be found on the new website of Janssen-Cilag Belgium:
www.pijnstiller.be
* Names in capital letters are trademarks
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