Immune-Response Modifiers: Characteristics of High-Volume Prescribers

Oral small molecules (OSM) and biologic immune response modifier drugs share some indications for use but have a different side effect profiles. As such, certain providers may be more likely to prescribe one over the other.

To investigate the profile of providers who are high-volume prescribers of OSMs and biologic immune response modifier drugs.

The study was comprised of a retrospective analysis of data from physicians in the Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data: Part D Prescriber.

Out of 14,982 dermatology providers, 424 prescribed both more than 1000 patient-days' supply of OSMs and more than 1000 patient-days' supply of biologic immune modifiers annually. For both OSMs and biologic immune modifiers, being male or being a provider with more than 4 years of experience were each found to be statistically significant characteristics of high-volume prescribers (P<.01). Solo or group practice was not a significant characteristic for high-volume prescribers of OSMs or biologic immune response modifiers; but when comparing the average provider prescribing OSMs with the average provider prescribing biologic immune response modifiers, those prescribing OSMs were more likely to be working in a group practice.

The 4 years' post-residency may be instrumental in helping providers become more comfortable in prescribing high volumes of biologic immune modifiers and OSMs. In addition, the higher volume prescriptions of both immune response modifiers by males may be due to males being more risk tolerant. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(12):1283-1288. doi:10.36849/JDD.6891R1.