Tolmar Reveals Landmark Survey Results on TRT Impact on US Physicians and Patient Care

Tolmar Inc., a comprehensive pharmaceutical company, has unveiled results from a groundbreaking survey of over 300 U.S. physicians, highlighting significant barriers in testosterone-replacement therapy (TRT) for both patients and healthcare providers. The findings will be presented at the ENDO 2024 conference by Adrian Dobs, M.D., from The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and Sandeep Dhindsa, M.B.B.S., from St. Louis University School of Medicine, in Boston on June 2.

The survey, conducted in partnership with Sermo, an online community for physicians, uncovers the complexities and hindrances in the current TRT landscape. Notably, a substantial proportion of TRT patients—66%—have switched therapies within the past year, mainly influenced by insurance constraints and a lack of awareness regarding newer treatment options. Sandeep Dhindsa emphasized that while multiple treatments exist, the confusion surrounding these options necessitates better education and awareness, especially concerning emerging and safer treatments like oral therapies.

The survey results exposed several critical insights into the challenges and possible solutions for managing low or absent testosterone levels in men. Key findings include that over a quarter of patients do not adhere to their prescribed TRT regimens. Although 71% of patients prefer oral medications, only 22% are aware of this option. Furthermore, a significant half of the physicians surveyed are unaware of the safety profile of current oral TRT options.

Adrian Dobs pointed out the essential need for continuous education on TRT. He stressed the importance of developing a robust treatment plan in collaboration with patients, which could enhance adherence, reduce the frequency of switching therapies, and ultimately improve patient care.

The survey was executed in February 2024 by Sermo, encompassing 303 physicians from various specialties, including endocrinology, urology, and primary care, who frequently prescribe TRT. The primary goals were to comprehend the TRT patient experience, identify unmet needs, analyze prescribing behaviors across different specialties, and pinpoint barriers to effective treatment, thereby identifying opportunities for both patient and peer education.

Tolmar Inc., headquartered in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, operates with a focus on developing, manufacturing, and commercializing specialty pharmaceuticals in multiple therapeutic areas, including endocrinology. Their product development and manufacturing facilities are based in Northern Colorado.

Sermo, a prominent global healthcare research organization, engages over 1.5 million healthcare providers across 150 countries. It has a substantial reach within the U.S. payer market, affecting 230 million commercial lives. For more than two decades, Sermo has transformed physician experiences and insights into actionable data to benefit pharmaceutical companies and the broader medical community.

This survey's results underscore the importance of addressing the educational gaps in TRT, ensuring that both patients and healthcare providers are well-informed about the latest, safe, and effective treatment options available. By doing so, adherence to treatment can be improved, thereby enhancing overall patient outcomes and reducing the challenges associated with switching therapies.

Additionally, the survey results aim to influence ongoing and future developments in the field of endocrinology, providing a data-driven foundation for better management practices in testosterone-replacement therapy.