Entresto secures Novartis top spot among heart disease drug makers, with Pfizer close behind

A recent report by ZoomRx has revealed shifting perceptions among healthcare professionals regarding pharmaceutical companies in the cardiovascular sector, with Novartis overtaking Pfizer to claim the top position. This report, part of ZoomRx's biannual "perception tracker," gathered insights from over 250 healthcare professionals (HCPs), with cardiologists and neurologists each comprising 20% of the respondents. The survey evaluated companies on various metrics, including promotion efforts, patient and HCP centricity, innovation, and reputation, to calculate a comprehensive perception score.

Novartis achieved a significant perception score of 91, an increase from the 82 it scored in the third quarter of 2023, placing it ahead of Pfizer, whose score dropped to 77 from its previous 91. Healthcare professionals praised Novartis for its “patient commitment and engagement," highlighting its heart failure drug Entresto as a primary driver of its enhanced reputation. Entresto, a major product in Novartis' portfolio, generated over $6 billion in net sales in 2023, marking a 30% annual increase. Additionally, the recent label expansion for the cholesterol-lowering drug Leqvio and further developments in Novartis' cardiovascular pipeline likely contributed to its improved perception among cardiologists.

Despite falling behind Novartis in the overall perception score, Pfizer remained the "top of mind" leader in the cardiovascular space, meaning it was more readily recalled by doctors without prompting. Pfizer's strong performance stemmed from its extensive and growing portfolio, coupled with its “patient-centricity and collaboration with MDs.” In the perception score components, Pfizer matched Novartis in terms of HCPs ranking it in the top three for "reputation" and led in HCP centricity.

Trailing behind Novartis and Pfizer, AstraZeneca secured the third position with a perception score that rose from 36 to 50. AstraZeneca’s reputation was bolstered by its robust patient support programs and a solid product portfolio, including heart failure treatment Farxiga and antiplatelet medication Brilinta, which were recognized by HCPs as key reputation drivers.

Johnson & Johnson and Bristol Myers Squibb completed the top five, although Johnson & Johnson saw a decrease in its perception score from 33 to 25, while Amgen's score fell from 17 to 15. Both companies remain significant players in the cardiovascular drug market but faced challenges in maintaining their perception scores.

Overall, the survey indicated that doctors' perceptions of pharmaceutical companies in the cardiovascular field are heavily influenced by the affordability and accessibility of their drugs. The companies' portfolios and the quality of their patient support programs also play crucial roles in shaping these perceptions.

This evolving landscape highlights the importance for pharmaceutical companies to focus on patient-centric approaches and collaboration with healthcare professionals to maintain and improve their standing in the competitive cardiovascular sector.