New Survey Findings Highlight Gene Therapy Knowledge Gaps Among HCPs

NORD and FMC Illustrate Need for Increased Education and Awareness to Overcome Potential Treatment Barriers

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Parsippany, NJ – April 16, 2020 – With the availability of several promising gene therapies and more on the horizon, a recent survey published in Neurology Reviews’ 6th annual Rare Neurological Disease Special Report indicates that many potential prescribers are unaware of the life-changing potential of gene therapy. The survey, a joint undertaking by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD®) and Frontline Medical Communications (FMC), was completed by a representative sample of health care providers across a variety of specialties and practice settings. Nearly two-thirds of respondents (63%) were unaware of FDA-approved gene therapy options, such as Kymriah™, Luxturna® and Zolgensma®, and although respondents reported treating an average of five patients with a rare genetic disorder, few recognized the range of potential benefits of gene therapy, how it is administered, long-term impacts, and mechanisms by which it works.

A notable finding is the limited comfort level expressed by respondents in their knowledge base and ability to discuss genetic concepts with patients. Just 24% rated themselves as comfortable or extremely comfortable explaining somatic vs. germline mutations, and responses also identified unfamiliarity with gene delivery and administration options. The survey underscored the need for provider education on topics related to gene therapy, which is currently being seen as a potentially curative treatment for some rare disorders.

Concern that gene therapy will be cost-prohibitive (69%) and/or that patient access will be limited due to lack of insurance coverage (67%) ranked highly as perceived barriers.

“It is vital to develop strategies to ensure consistent and viable reimbursement models and to create multi-faceted, accessible educational outreach programs for the medical community at large,” said Katie Kowalski, Senior Program Manager of Educational Initiatives for NORD. “It is important for rare disease patients to be offered the opportunity to participate in clinical trials, and for clinicians to have accessible platforms to learn more about gene therapy so they can inform their patients about these treatment options.”

Full survey findings are discussed in the article, Gene Therapy Survey Highlights: Knowledge Gaps and Educational Opportunities. Readers can also read more about barriers preventing health care providers from embracing gene therapy advances as therapeutic tools in the 6th edition of the Rare Neurological Disease Special Report.

To learn more about the rare disease initiatives through the Neurology Reviews and NORD partnership, contact Elizabeth Katz, Publisher of Neurology Reviews, at 973-224-7951 or [email protected].  Details and information on all FMC/MDedge® digital brands, print publications, and custom programs are available at www.mdedge.com/neurology; visit weekly for the latest innovative programs and multimedia initiatives.

About Neurology Reviews and MDedge® Neurology

Launched in 1993, Neurology Reviews® is the first and original news source in neurology. Neurology Reviews® has a 27-year history of providing independent, unbiased news to neurologists and clinicians interested in the neurosciences. Neurology Reviews® covers medical conferences and clinical research findings, as well as specialty trends, expert opinions, and the breadth of influences affecting the practice of neurology. Experienced medical journalists deliver timely, relevant, and insightful news affecting the practice of neurology and all its subspecialties. In addition to the monthly print issue reaching nearly 25,000 neurologists and clinicians interested in neuroscience, the Neurology Reviews® website www.mdedge.com/neurology, part of the MDedge® web portal, features online ahead of print conference reporting, audio and video interviews, disease-specific microsites, self-assessment quizzes, supplements, sponsored educational programs, a calendar of relevant medical meetings, and a career center listing job openings around the country. Neurology Reviews® provides its content in print, through an App, on a mobile-friendly website, in digital editions, and through targeted e-blasts.

About the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)®

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)® is the leading independent advocacy organization representing all patients and families affected by rare diseases. NORD is committed to the identification, treatment and cure of the more than 7,000 rare diseases that affect over 25 million Americans. NORD began as a small group of patient advocates that formed a coalition to unify and mobilize support to pass the Orphan Drug Act of 1983. For 37 years, NORD has led the way in voicing the needs of the rare disease community, driving supportive policies and education, advancing medical research, and providing patient and family services for those who need them most. NORD represents more than 300 disease-specific member organizations and collaborates globally to raise awareness around rare disease and advance access to treatments for our community.
www.rarediseases.org.

About Frontline Medical Communications

Frontline Medical Communications Inc. is one of the healthcare industry’s largest medical communications companies and a leader in digital, print, and live events. The Company leads in HCP-level targeting and is ranked 1st in combined web and print engagements. With MDedge®, our state-of-the-art integrated web portal, and audited email database, FMC meets the marketing challenges of our clients with superior reach, optimal sponsorship opportunities, and flexible advertising programs. We reach 1.2 million+ physicians, NPs, PAs, HCPs, and key healthcare decision makers through more than 30 media brands serving 20 distinct markets, who access our content through an array of digital, print, and face to face channels and social media platforms. FMC delivers award-winning, indexed, clinical reviews; practice and policy information; and medical news daily from on-site reporting at major medical meetings, many in collaboration with notable societies, medical associations, and opinion leaders. FMC produces live events, digital click-for-credit, and CME in affiliation with Global Academy for Medical Education, LLC (globalacademycme.com) and Hemedicus (hemedicus.com).

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Contact:

Elizabeth Katz, Publisher of Neurology Reviews; [email protected], 973.224.7951

Frontline Medical Communications
Corporate office: 7 Century Drive, Suite 302
Parsippany, NJ 07054-4609 | Main: 973.206.3434 | Fax: 973.206.9378
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